Canada Day, celebrated annually on July 1, marks the anniversary of Canada’s confederation in 1867. It’s a federal holiday filled with national pride, live entertainment, fireworks, and community spirit—and there’s no better place to experience it than in British Columbia Capital City, Victoria. The Inner Harbour comes alive with music, multicultural performances, food trucks, and a sea of red and white. Locals and visitors alike don maple leaf t-shirts, face paint, and festive accessories, making for a vibrant, colourful scene. Be sure to catch the Indigenous-led programming in front of the Legislature, an important part of the day’s celebrations.
Whether you’re a local looking for fun things to do or a visitor experiencing Victoria for the first time, Eagle Wing Tours is here to provide inspiration, support, and information. In between whale watching tours with the Eagle Wing Tours crew around the Salish Sea, there are dozens of activities, landmarks, eateries, and shopping centres in the area to explore. Here are 10 things to do in Victoria that can make this Canada Day one to remember!
Celebrate Canada Day with Indigenous ceremonies and fireworks
Kick off your Canada Day in Victoria with the city’s biggest celebration at the Inner Harbour and Legislature Lawn. Starting at noon on July 1, experience a vibrant program featuring Indigenous drumming and traditional dancers, along with live entertainment, delicious food trucks, and family-friendly activities throughout the afternoon. As the sun sets, don’t miss the all-new drone show lighting up the sky for the first time in Victoria—an awe-inspiring seven-minute display of lights and movement above the Inner Harbour. Then, cap off your Canada Day with the spectacular fireworks display around 10:30 p.m.—a dazzling finale to a festive day.
Events typically begin at noon on July 1 and fireworks start around 10:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Shop ‘til you drop at Lower Johnson Street
Known affectionately as “LoJo” to locals, lower Johnson Street is a charming shopping district filled with independent boutiques housed in colourful Victorian-era buildings. Browse through unique fashion finds, hand-crafted jewelry, and artisanal home goods (among lots of other options). The pedestrian-friendly atmosphere makes it easy to hop from shop to shop while admiring the historic architecture. Don’t miss Second Degree Vintage for retro clothing or Migration for sustainable fashion pieces!
Visit lower Johnson Street any day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Individual store hours and holiday open times may vary. Learn more here.
Get outdoors at The Butchart Gardens
Celebrate Canada Day with a special seasonal event at The Butchart Gardens, a world-renowned 55-acre floral paradise established in 1904. June is an ideal time to visit the gardens as their spectacular blooms—including peonies, irises, delphiniums and roses—create a breathtaking tapestry of colours. A great spot for families, little ones can ride the hand-carved wooden animals of the Rose Carousel in between strolls.
Visit The Butchart Gardens any day of the week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Learn more here.
Grab a bite at Songhees Food Truck
Located at Ship Point in Victoria’s scenic Inner Harbour, Songhees Food Truck offers a delicious and culturally rich dining experience you won’t want to miss on Canada Day. Operated by the Songhees Nation, the menu showcases Indigenous-inspired cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients. Popular dishes include bannock tacos, smoked salmon, and elk or bison sliders—each a flavourful way to connect with the land and its original stewards. With its waterfront views and commitment to community, this food truck delivers more than just a great meal—it’s a meaningful culinary experience.
Visit Songhees Food Truck Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with extended hours on special event days. Learn more here.
Savour West Coast flavours in Victoria’s Inner Harbour
The Inner Harbour is home to some of Victoria’s best seafood—fresh, local, and sustainably caught. For a true taste of the coast, visit The Fish Store at Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can enjoy classic fish & chips, chowder, and wild seafood tacos right on the docks. Another favourite is Finest at Sea, a go-to for premium Ocean Wise–certified seafood sourced directly from their own fleet. Both offer laid-back, open-air dining experiences with unbeatable views and flavours rooted in sustainability. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch or winding down after a Canada Day adventure, the harbour is full of delicious options—no reservations required.
Visit The Fish Store and Finest at Sea for hours and menus.
Discover history at the Royal BC Museum
Located near the Inner Harbour, the Royal BC Museum offers a rich dive into British Columbia’s natural and human history. Explore engaging exhibits featuring Indigenous culture, pioneer life, and fascinating artifacts from the province’s past. The museum’s immersive displays and interactive galleries make it a family-friendly way to spend a few hours learning about Victoria and the wider region. It’s open daily, including Tuesdays, making it a perfect addition to your Canada Day itinerary.
The Royal BC Museum will be open on Canada Day, Tuesday, July 1, 2025, with extended hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.. Admission is free on Canada Day. Learn more here.
Explore Fisgard Lighthouse
Looking for a coastal twist on Canada Day? Head to Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites, where Canada’s first West Coast lighthouse has stood watch since 1860. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 1, enjoy free admission and a full day of seaside celebration featuring live music, historic weapons demonstrations, interactive heritage and nature programs, community booths, and grilled and chilled treats—all set against the stunning backdrop of this iconic red and white tower. Don’t forget to snap a photo with the giant Canadian flag for the ultimate festive memory.
Visit Fisgard Lighthouse on Canada Day, July 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Learn more here.
Purchase a souvenir at Market Square
If you’re in the mood for shopping, don’t miss a stop at Victoria’s Market Square, a charming courtyard complex housed in restored heritage buildings that date back to the 1800s. This open-air marketplace features an eclectic mix of boutiques, artisan shops, and specialty stores that surround a central courtyard. Live music is a common staple of this space. Shops like Smoking Lily (showcasing locally designed clothing) and Oscar & Libby’s (home to quirky gifts and games) offer distinctive shopping experiences you won’t find in a traditional mall.
Visit Market Square every Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Individual store hours and holiday open times may vary. Learn more here.
Relax in Beacon Hill Park
Celebrate Canada Day in one of Victoria’s most cherished green spaces—Beacon Hill Park. Just south of downtown, this sprawling 200-acre park features beautifully manicured gardens, peaceful ponds, and scenic walking trails. On July 1, festivities will be focused near the iconic totem pole and the expansive lawns by the giant Canadian flag, offering family-friendly activities, live music, and cultural performances. Be sure to visit the totem pole, one of the tallest in the world, and capture a memorable family photo in front of the flag. With its perfect blend of natural beauty and lively celebration, Beacon Hill Park is an ideal spot to enjoy your Canada Day.
Visit Beacon Hill Park any day from dawn to dusk. For more information, check out the City of Victoria’s official page here.
Go whale watching with Eagle Wing Tours
No trip to Victoria is complete without getting out on the water—and there’s no better way to celebrate Canada Day than with a whale watching tour. As the region’s premier ecotourism company, Eagle Wing offers thrilling opportunities to spot killer whales, humpbacks, and other marine wildlife in their natural habitat. Watch for Bigg’s killer whales while practicing respectful wildlife viewing. Our state-of-the-art vessels provide comfortable amenities, including heated cabins and open-air decks.
This Canada Day, book an excursion with Eagle Wing Tours for an exciting adventure exploring Victoria’s coastline while supporting our award-winning conservation, sustainability, research and education activities. Don’t forget to ask about our special sunset tours on Canada Day, where you can enjoy the spectacular fireworks over the Inner Harbour right from the water!
We can’t wait to celebrate with you. Happy Canada Day! 🍁
