January
This annual event is always a sell-out, with people arriving from worldwide to pour and sip. Tastings, whiskey school, masterclasses and more!
February
Parksville’s finest beach resorts have come together once again to feature the very best wines and gourmet foods from throughout Vancouver Island and British Columbia. This festival offers something for everyone! Whether you are a novice or an experienced wine lover come and enjoy tastings, seminars, featured wine dinners, bubbly brunches and wine inspired spa treatments.
March
The northward migration of an estimated 21,000 Gray whales along the west coast of Vancouver Island has heralded the coming of spring for thousands of years. If you want a closer look at these magnificent animals, venture out to the open Pacific Ocean on one of the local charter boats offering scheduled whale watching tours from Tofino or Ucluelet.
April
May
A fleet of the most competitive racing sailboats converges on Victoria for the annual Swiftsure race, the longest-running yacht race in the Pacific Northwest. The challenge, hosted by the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, attracts around 200 boats in the short, middle and long-distance events that take competitors out and across the Juan de Fuca Strait and back, providing spectators with a colourful display of boats and spinnakers.
June
Join us in Tofino for a weekend of food and wine events focused on the best of British Columbia. Guest winemakers from the Okanagan, Lower Mainland, Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island will migrate to the wild west coast to showcase their best. Local chefs will be creating canapes and feature dinners alongside winemakers, highlighting the marriage between food and wine!
Lovers of jazz can take in music by jazz performers from around the world when they grace Victoria’s stages for 10 days and nights in June. Various indoor and outdoor venues in downtown Victoria host the festival as the city heats up with more than 250 of the world’s best jazz, blues and world beat artists.
Celebrating the best BC has to offer from the world of food and beverage, this two-day festival takes place the third weekend of June every year. The biggest shellfish party on the West Coast celebrated in the heart of Canada’s oyster growing capital – the Comox Valley. Join us for multiple events including culinary demos, live entertainment, competitions and of course, lots of fresh shellfish straight from the ocean to your plate.
July
Hosted by Theatre Inconnu, the annual Shakespeare Festival takes place from mid July to mid August.
August
One of the grandest events in Victoria’s summer season is the annual Symphony Splash. The Victoria Symphony Orchestra performs on a floating stage secured in Victoria’s beautiful Inner Harbour. The free show traditionally climaxes with a resounding rendition of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture amidst a dazzling display of fireworks and booming cannons.
The Filberg Festival, reputed to be the best Arts and Crafts festival in the Pacific Northwest, offers an amazing selection of the finest quality work by BC resident artists, from pottery to handmade toys. This outdoor show and sale is displayed in the gardens of Comox Valley’s historic Filberg Lodge. Entertainment is local provided in many musical styles from a number of musicians.
Usually held in late August early September. This is a well known event which travels across North America. It is a showcase of impromptu street performers and live Theatre. Several venues around town showcase eclectic performances from around the world. Usually runs for 2-3 weeks. Get your fringe on!
September
Tour the scenic back roads of the beautiful Cowichan region while visiting the wineries along the way where many special events will be held during this celebration of local wine & food. Indulge your senses with both classic and unique flavours of a wide variety of grape and fruit wines, ciders and artisan vinegars. Savour local cuisine prepared by world class chefs or dance the night away at a variety of evening soirees.