Victoria Day 2025 on Vancouver Island: Events & Planning Guide

• Date & Time: May 19, 2025 at 9:00 AM
• Location: Douglas & Finlayson to Douglas & Courtney, Downtown Victoria
• Features:
✓ Free admission for spectators
✓ Cultural showcase with over 100 floats and marching bands
✓ Broadcast live on CHEK TV by the Greater Victoria Festival Society
• Tips:
✓ Arrive by 8:00 AM to secure curbside seating—road closures begin early.
✓ Best viewing spot near the Legislature for parade commentary and photo ops.
Read More about Victoria Day Parade

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• Date & Time: May 19, 2025 at 8:30 AM (bib pick-up 7:30–8:15 AM)
• Location: Summit & Douglas to City Hall, Victoria
• Features:
✓ Charitable cause, proceeds support Parkinson Wellness Projects
✓ Inclusive route—wheelchairs and strollers welcome
✓Finisher medals for top participants
• Tips:
✓ Pre-register online to guarantee your bib and avoid on-site delays.
✓ Bring a water bottle and dress in layers—morning temperatures can be cool.
Read More about Victoria Day Douglas Mile Fun Run & Walk

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• Date & Time: May 17–18, 2025 (8:00 AM–7:00 PM)
• Location: Topaz Park, Victoria
• Features:
✓ Historic competition, North America’s longest-running Highland Games
✓ Heavy events (caber toss, hammer throw) and pipe-band performances
✓ Tartan Parade kicks off festivities (pre-event on May 10 at Centennial Square)
• Tips:
✓ Purchase early-bird tickets online or at Strathcona Hotel Liquor Store for savings.
✓ Sample local whiskies and ciders at the Clan tents.
Read More about Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival

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• Date & Time: May 18–20, 2025; Victoria Day Monday, May 19 (Legion & Masonic Hall breakfasts start at 8 AM; parade at 10 AM; Fun Zone opens at 9:30 AM; ceremony and Youth May Pole dance follow parade; Beer Garden runs 11 AM–2 PM)
• Location: Dunsmuir Avenue & Village Park, Cumberland
• Features:
✓ Pancake breakfasts at The Cumberland Legion and The Masonic Hall (8 AM–11 AM; CAD 5/person)
✓ CCSS Thunderballs fundraising toss (9:15 AM on Dunsmuir Avenue)
✓ Victoria Day Parade down Dunsmuir Avenue (10 AM) ✓ Fun Zone in Village Park with bouncy castles and family activities (from 9:30 AM)
✓ Victoria Day Ceremony & Youth May Pole Dance on the Village Park mainstage (immediately after parade)
✓ Beer Garden at the Tennis Court Beer Garden (11 AM–2 PM, cash bar)
✓ Bagpiper Pub Crawl, Mainstage Entertainment, Children’s Fun Races (1 PM), and Children’s Bicycle Draw (1:30 PM)
• Tips:
✓ Use the free shuttle from Cumberland Commons to Village Park to avoid road closures.
✓ Bring cash for breakfasts, refreshments, and on-site vendors.
✓ Check the Cumberland Events Society Facebook page for any last-minute lineup updates.
Read More about Cumberland Victoria Day Celebrations

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• Date & Time: May 15–18, 2025; Thu–Fri 3 PM–11 PM, Sat 12 PM–11 PM, Sun 12 PM–8 PM
• Location: 1040 Marwood Ave, Langford
• Features:
✓ Free grounds admission all weekend
✓ Carnival Midway rides by West Coast Amusements
✓ Heritage exhibits including antique farm equipment and blacksmith demos
• Tips:
✓ Pre-purchase ride wristbands online for CAD 40/day (vs. CAD 50 at gate).
✓ Park by donation on Highway 14 and take bus #54/55 to Marwood & Sooke.
Read More about Luxton Spring Fair

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• Date & Time: May 16, 2025 at 8:00 PM
• Location: Victoria Conference Centre, 720 Douglas St
• Features:
✓ Headliner Nathan Macintosh—featured on The Tonight Show & Conan
✓ One-night-only event to kick off the long weekend
• Tips:
✓ Recommended for ages 16+; not suited for young children.
✓ Buy tickets in advance at gardencityimprov.com/shows.
Read More about Garden City Stand-Up with Nathan Macintosh

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• Date & Time: May 11, 18, 19, 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM
• Location: Ship Point, Inner Harbour, Victoria
• Features:
✓ Iconic “pickle boats” perform synchronized choreography
✓ Scenic harbour backdrop—a Victoria tradition since 1990
• Tips:
✓ Combine with a “Harbour Tour + Ballet” ferry package for prime views.
✓ Check tide and wind forecasts; wear layers for waterfront breezes.
Read More about Water Ballet on Victoria Harbour

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• Date & Time: May 19, 2025 at 9:15 AM
• Location: Dunsmuir Avenue, Cumberland
 • Features:
✓ Token lottery: Each ticket corresponds to a numbered golf ball dropped in a downhill “race” along Dunsmuir Avenue
✓ 20 spectacular prizes, including flights, festival passes, resort stays, and more (total prize pool over CAD 15,000)
✓ Proceeds support the CCSS Healthy Food Program, After-School Activities, Youth Centre, and Food Share
✓ Limited draw: Only 4,000 tickets sold (CAD 10 each or 5 for CAD 40)
• Tips:
✓ Purchase tickets at Moon’s Records, Alley Cuts Salon, Seeds Food Market, CCSS office, or pop-up tables—sell out quickly
✓ Know your odds: 1 in 4,000 chance to win; consider buying in a group for multiple entries
✓ Bring cash for on-site ticket purchase and to support other CCSS initiatives (no ATM nearby).
Read More about Thunderballs 2025

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• Date & Time: May 19, 2025 (all day kick-off at 12:00 AM)
• Location: Begins in View Royal, BC, with activities across Greater Victoria and beyond
• Features:
✓ Two challenge tracks: pursue the highest number of park visits or the greatest variety of unique parks over 126 days
✓ Accessible distances: qualifying activities must be ≥3 km or 30 min on foot—suitable for walkers, runners, and hikers
✓ Weekly prizes awarded on social media for creativity, distance, and photography
✓ Charitable impact: all proceeds support The Land Conservancy of British Columbia’s habitat and heritage protection
• Tips:
✓ Register early at Race Roster to secure your spot and dashboard access for tracking
✓ Plan your routes using the interactive maps provided—many urban and rural parks qualify
✓ Share your journey on social with #SummerParksChallenge for bonus entries in weekly prize draws

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• Date & Time:
✓ Shuttle weekends May 10–Jun 22; daily May 23–Sep 1
✓ SkyWalk hours 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
• Location: Malahat Summit; shuttle departs Capital City Station & Empress Hotel
• Features:
✓ 600 m elevated forest walkway and 32 m spiral slide
✓ 360° observation tower with panoramic Gulf Islands views
✓ Complimentary shuttle for Victoria-based visitors
• Tips:
✓ Book timed-entry slots online to secure your preferred arrival.
✓ Wear sturdy shoes for the forest trails and tower climb.

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• Date & Time: May 17–19, 2025 – Saturday & Sunday 10 AM–5 PM; Monday (Victoria Day) 10 AM–4 PM
• Location: Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens, 6183 Whitaker Road, Courtenay
• Features:
✓ Spectacular 24-acre setting with over 3,500 rhododendron plantings in peak bloom
✓ Showcase of local artists: dozens of painters, sculptors, photographers, potters, and textile artists exhibiting throughout the gardens
✓ Live music by Kahiamoe & Guthrie blending jazz, rock, country, blues, reggae and Hawaiian influences
✓ Vendor Market featuring crafts, artisan goods, and food trucks set against the garden backdrop
✓ Pet-friendly event, welcoming well-behaved dogs on leash
• Entrance Fee: $10 cash only; children under 12 free
• Tips:
✓ Year-round enjoyment: consider the $50 season pass for unlimited visits throughout the year
✓ Getting there: 15 min north of Courtenay via Old Island Highway; follow brown “Woodland Gardens” signage
✓ Peak bloms: arrive early in the day to catch morning light on the rhododendrons and quieter paths
Read More about Art & Bloom Festival

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• Date & Time: Saturday, May 17, 2025; two sessions: 11:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–2:00 PM
• Location: Conference Hall, Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street, Victoria
• Features:
✓ Demonstrations of Chado ("The Way of Tea") by the Urasenke Tankokai Victoria Association
✓ Emphasis on the four principles of chado: Wa (harmony), Kei (respect), Sei (purity), and Jaku (tranquility)
✓ Opportunity to observe the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha (powdered green tea)
• Tips:
✓ Arrive early to secure seating, as space may be limited
✓ Explore the museum's other exhibits to enrich your cultural experience
Read More about Japanese Tea Ceremony at the Royal BC Museum

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• Date & Time: May 19, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
• Location: Dunsmuir Avenue, Cumberland
• Features:
✓ A whimsical procession featuring forest-themed costumes and characters
✓ Organized by the Cumberland Community Forest Society
• Tips:
Participants are encouraged to dress as forest creatures; meet at the Abbey at 9:30 AM Spectators should arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along Dunsmuir Avenue
Read More about Cumberland Forest in the Victoria Day Parade

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• Date & Time: May 17, 2025, starting at 11:00 AM
• Location: Smelt Bay Park, Cortes Island
• Features:
✓ A seafood extravaganza featuring BBQ and raw oysters, steamed mussels and clams, and more
✓ Live music and local crafts throughout the day
• Tips:
✓ Organizers hope to provide a free shuttle from the ferry and Gorge Marina to Smelt Bay Park; check the event page for updates
✓ Tickets are available at the event and in local stores
Read More about Cortes Island Seafest

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