CurrentsDestinationsOutdoors

Canada Day by water

Eamon Irving·

Looking to enjoy the patriotic festivities this weekend without leaving the comfort of the mothership? These upcoming events are happening around coastal BC all weekend, right up to the big day, Tuesday, July 1.

  1. Butchart Gardens’ Fireworks

    Beautifully lit gardens, live music featuring The Chuckleberries and Butchart’s first fireworks display of the summer. The gardens are best enjoyed on land, but it’s worth the trek to relax, unwind and celebrate Canada Day in style.
    Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay
    Saturday, June 28
    Fireworks at 22:15
    Adults $40
    Youth (13-17) $20
    Children (5-12) $5

    The fireworks display at Butchart Gardens happen every Saturday night all summer long, starting June 28. Courtesy of Butchart Gardens.
  2. BC Crab Fest

    A celebration of local fishers, cooks, musicians and the whole coastal community. Try the featured CrabBoil Bucket. Filled with fresh BC Dungeness crab, seasonal shellfish, BC shrimp or prawns, local potatoes, corn and fresh bread served with lemon, parsley, and butter.
    Held at Ship Point, Victoria’s Inner Harbour
    Sunday, June 29
    11:00-14:00
    Access by donation
    Book and buy your crab bucket in advance!

    BC Crab Fest is a celebration of local fishers, culminating in the highly anticipated CrabBoil Bucket. Courtesy of BC Crab Fest.
  3. Saturna Island Lamb BBQ

    The 75th anniversary of this family friendly, all-day fun event. Complete with vendors, a beer and wine garden and of course locally raised and prepared barbecued lamb.
    Held at Winter Cove on Saturna Island, Gulf Island National Park Reserve
    Tuesday, July 1
    Grounds open 10:00-16:30
    Lamb BBQ 14:00-15:00
    Adults $30
    Children (under 12) $15

    The Saturna Island Lamb BBQ is a must-see for regular visitors to the Southern Gulf Islands. Courtesy of Saturna Lamb BBQ.
  4. Steveston Salmon Festival

    Celebrate the 78th anniversary of Canada’s “biggest little birthday party.” Catch the parade, live music and the pièce de resistance, the salmon barbecue bake.
    Find it happening in Steveston Village, Richmond
    Tuesday, July 1
    Events happening from 12:00-19:30
    Festival admission is free!

    The Steveston Salmon Festival checks every box with events, live music, good food and the legendary street parade. Courtesy of Steveston Salmon Festival.
  5. Canada Day by the Bay

    Come and enjoy fireworks, live musical performances, over 50 different vendors and celebrate Canada Day with the White Rock community.
    White Rock’s waterfront
    Tuesday, July 1
    12:00-22:30
    Event access is free!

    Head to White Rock this Canada Day and enjoy a market of over 50 different vendors, all leading up to the Canada Day fireworks display. Courtesy of Canada Day by the Bay.