Gorge Canada Day Picnic 2025

A Festive Mystery Awaits by the Gorge Waters

Ever wondered how Canada Day on Vancouver Island can surprise you, even if you've lived here for years? Picture this: as dawn breaks over the Gorge Waterway on July 1, 2025, you step into an unexpected world of colour, motion, and community spirit... but what unfolds next might just steal your heart. Read on—what happens after 8:30 a.m. will reveal the true magic of this celebration.

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Event Overview

Date & Time:
✓ Tuesday, July 1, 2025
✓ From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. along Gorge Road West—between Tillicum Rd and Admirals Rd in Saanich.
Road Closure Notice:
Gorge Road West transforms into a pedestrian paradise: vehicle traffic halts from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., ensuring a safe, family-friendly street festival.

What to Expect: Daily Timeline & Highlights

Time	Activity	Description
8:00 a.m.	Bike Decoration Contest	Kids roll in creativity at Tillicum Rd—bikes decorated, prizes from Cycles West (gorgecanadaday.ca).
8:30–11:00 a.m.	Pancake Breakfast	Saanich Fire Dept invites you to Craigflower‑Kosapsom Park for classic flapjacks ($5) and coffee ($2) .
9:00 a.m.	Family Parade	Don red & white, bring your dog, march with vintage vehicles—from Tillicum to Admirals Rd .
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.	Canada Day Market, Gorge on Art & Show‑Shine Car Show	Over 60+ artisan vendors, 30+ artists, and dozens of classic to high-performance vehicles .
9:00–4:00 p.m.	Multicultural Food Vendors	Choose from 20+ food trucks offering langos, empanadas, pizza, and more .
9:30 a.m.–2:30/3:00 p.m.	Dragon Boat & Voyageur Canoe Rides	Scenic paddling at the Canoe Club; $2 per ride .
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.	Busker’s Corner & Live Music	Three stages featuring local talent, plus surprises along the route .
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.	Kids’ Zone	Expect inflatables, road hockey, drumming workshops, and more .
1:30–3:30 p.m.	Strawberry Tea	Enjoy strawberries and shortcake with tea or coffee by the historic Canoe & Kayak Club ($5) .

Time

Activity

Description

8:00 a.m.

Bike Decoration Contest

Kids roll in creativity at Tillicum Rd—bikes decorated, prizes from Cycles West (gorgecanadaday.ca).

8:30–11:00 a.m.

Pancake Breakfast

Saanich Fire Dept invites you to Craigflower‑Kosapsom Park for classic flapjacks ($5) and coffee ($2) .

9:00 a.m.

Family Parade

Don red & white, bring your dog, march with vintage vehicles—from Tillicum to Admirals Rd .

9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Canada Day Market, Gorge on Art & Show‑Shine Car Show

Over 60+ artisan vendors, 30+ artists, and dozens of classic to high-performance vehicles .

9:00–4:00 p.m.

Multicultural Food Vendors

Choose from 20+ food trucks offering langos, empanadas, pizza, and more .

9:30 a.m.–2:30/3:00 p.m.

Dragon Boat & Voyageur Canoe Rides

Scenic paddling at the Canoe Club; $2 per ride .

10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Busker’s Corner & Live Music

Three stages featuring local talent, plus surprises along the route .

10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Kids’ Zone

Expect inflatables, road hockey, drumming workshops, and more .

1:30–3:30 p.m.

Strawberry Tea

Enjoy strawberries and shortcake with tea or coffee by the historic Canoe & Kayak Club ($5) .

Featured Attractions

Canada Day Market

Discover unique artisan creations—from pottery and body care to knitted treasures and preserves—thanks to 65+ vendors showcasing local craftsmanship.

Gorge on Art

An immersive arts showcase with paintings, ceramics, sculptures, jewellery, photography and more—featuring both emerging and established artists along the Gorge waterway.

Show & Shine Car Show

Get up close with classic cars, hot rods, muscle cars and even some high-tech modern rides—perfect for auto aficionados.

Live Entertainment & Buskers

Featuring three stages—including a Main Stage, Gorge on Art stage, and Busker’s Corner—the area is alive with music, theatre, dance, and surprise performances.

Food & Beverage

Indulge your palate with:
• Pancakes (Saanich Fire Dept): $5; Coffee: $2
• Multi‑cuisine food trucks: Mexican, Greek, Indian, mini‑donuts, lemonade, ice cream and more
• Strawberry Tea: Sweet treat in will‑call only—limit applies
* Tip: Bring cash—most vendors accept cards, but some hold‑outs remain.

Getting There & Planning

• No vehicle access on Gorge Road West (7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) Use public transit (Routes 8, 11, 26), bike, or carpool
• Bike parking at both ends; limited street parking in nearby neighbourhoods
• Avoid clogging business parkades near Gorge Plaza or Canadian Tire
* Bring: sunscreen, hat, comfy shoes (it's 1.7 km long), water, and optional picnic gear.

Disclaimer

Vanislander provides information for general reference only. We do not assume responsibility for any changes, cancellations, or modifications made by third parties. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official websites or social media channels of the respective organizers or businesses.

FAQs

What if it rains?

Are pets allowed?

Family friendly?

Waste & recycling?

Other Canada Day Celebrations

Canada Day at Langford’s Starlight Stadium

Canada Day at Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse

Gorge Canada Day Picnic

Canada Day

Final Tips & Takeaway

Start Early

Arrive by 8:00 a.m. to catch the colourful bike contest and grab a hot pancake breakfast before the crowd rolls in.

Bring Cash

Some vendors only accept cash—especially for pancakes and the beloved strawberry tea—so don’t get caught short.

Plan Your Pace

Enjoy the day in phases: kick off with the parade and breakfast, browse art and market stalls midday, relax over strawberry tea at 1:30 p.m., and end with live performances.

Prepare for the Weather

The Gorge is open and sunny—bring sunscreen, a hat, and water to stay comfortable all day long.

Embrace the Spirit

Come with curiosity and community in mind—this isn’t just a picnic, it’s a vibrant celebration of culture, creativity, and Canadian pride.

The Gorge Canada Day Picnic is more than a community event—it's a vibrant celebration of place, people, and Canada's spirit. From dawn’s first pancake to the final chord of live music, each moment holds a surprise worth discovering. Mark your calendars for July 1, 2025, and prepare to be charmed by Victoria's lively, local twist on Canada Day.
For more information visit gorgecanadaday.ca.

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