The temperatures are starting to soar and July has officially begun—which means Canada Day is here.

It’s a summer highlight for many in the city, and municipalities are pulling out all the stops to make it a day to remember.

This year, patriotism has been at an all-time high thanks to a certain US president’s erratic tariff rollout. Canada-US trade talks hit another rough patch this week, keeping the “elbows up” mentality at the forefront. This year’s celebration won’t just mark the 158 years of our nation—it’ll serve as an opportunity for Canadians to assert their country’s sovereignty and celebrate everything that makes Canada special. 

Across Greater Victoria, events will bring people together for a day of food, music, fun, and plenty of Canadiana.

Canada Day Victoria | 11am-10:30pm 

The annual event will be one of its biggest—council approved the same budget as last year’s—with live music throughout the day on the legislature lawn, featuring a lineup of all-BC artists, including Juno winners and hometown heroes. The event will finish with the usual fireworks show, but no drone show was planned this year. Last year, the first-ever drone show was set to take place, but windy conditions in the Inner Harbour prevented the drones from taking flight. 

Fort Rodd Hill | 10am-4pm

Celebrate the holiday at this Canadian heritage site, with natural beauty and history to explore.

Enjoy live music by the Band of the 5th (BC) Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery and a 21-gun salute.

Clover Point Parkrun: Canada Day Edition | 9am

This weekly run will have a special Canada Day twist, with participants encouraged to wear red and white (some have even been known to throw on hockey gear) as they run along the seaside. 

Gorge Canada Day Picnic | 8:30am-4pm

Join this community-organized event that’s been running for 26 years. Enjoy food from multiple local vendors, shop wares at the Canada Day market, check out the classic car show, and listen to live music. There will also be a pancake breakfast from 8:30-11am. 

Sidney Canada Day | 8am-5pm

The day will kick off with a pancake breakfast from the Sidney Lions Club, followed by a parade on Beacon Street at 11:30am. After that, the Family Fun Fair begins in Iroquois Park, with food, games, face painting, and more available. The Slegg Build A Boat Challenge will be happening during this time, with participants creating and sailing homemade boats using limited materials. 

Sooke Canada Day | 10am-4pm

Sooke’s Canada Day celebration will have plenty for people to do and eat (red and white cupcakes, anyone?). There will be a range of activities for all ages, including a magic show, live music, a dunk tank, karaoke, and balloon art. The fire department will host water-hose ball game challenges throughout the day.

Langford Canada Day | 10am-3pm

Starlight Stadium will be filled with Canadian fun for the day. Test your spice strength with a hot wings challenge, play lawn games, run an obstacle course, see a magic show, and catch some live music. There will also be a quiet games area for those looking to escape the noise.