Frequently asked questions

Where will Victoria's Canada Day celebrations take place? 

Victoria’s Canada Day is held on the homelands of the Songhees Nation and Esquimalt Nation. The event will take place on the Legislature lawns and on Belleville Street between Government and Menzies.

Who is sponsoring Victoria’s Canada Day this year?

Victoria’s Canada Day is presented by the City of Victoria. The City gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada.

When will the Main Stage programming begin?

Main Stage programming will start at 3 p.m. and run through until 10:15 p.m. Hey Ocean, Mauvey, Posh Coat, Yvonne Kushe and the lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Dancers will be just some of the artists featured in a diverse showcase of powerful live performances on the main stage. For a full listing of performers: canadadayvictoria.ca/2024-artists

Who is the headliner this year?

2022 JUNO Contemporary Indigenous Artist of the Year, DJ Shub will headline the celebration. Considered to be the Godfather of PowWowStep, DJ Shub has pioneered a growing genre of electronic music. Born Dan General, he is a Mohawk, turtle clan of the Six Nations of the Grand River in Ontario. In 2022, he won Indigenous Artist of the Year at the Indies at Canadian Music Week.

What is new for Canada Day this year? Will there be a drone show?

For the first time in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, a drone show will take to the skies as part of the Canada Day programming spectacle. This seven-minute show will take place before the fireworks and feature ultra-high lumen drones, flying in beautiful, mesmerizing formations.

Will there be fireworks this year?

Yes, a fireworks show will occur over Victoria’s iconic Inner Harbour at the end of the evening, immediately following the drone show at approximately 10:30 p.m.

Will there be activities for kids?  

Yes, family programming will be provided in partnership with the Royal BC Museum, Victoria Bug Zoo and the Victoria Fire Department on the lawns of the Legislature, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Will there be community activations? 

We are excited to be hosting Victoria’s Orange Shirt Day, Reciprocity, and the City of Victoria on Belleville Street.

Can I volunteer for Victoria’s Canada Day? 

Yes, please find the volunteer application here. Any questions? Email us at volunteer@rifflandia.com.

Can I purchase food at the event?

Yes, Belleville Street will be home to the International Food Village which will feature a diverse offering of local food vendors. Come and celebrate the many cultures and food styles of Canada.

A Sustainable Celebration

All food and beverage programs will use compostable materials and a brigade of waste sorters will ensure nothing goes into the landfill that can be recycled, re-used or composted. The free bike valet service, water bottle refill stations, a ban on leaflets and a ban on helium filled and non-biodegradable balloons, are all part of the sustainability plan for this event.

Are there water refill stations? 

Yes, two water refill stations will be available for the public. They will be on Menzies Street between Belleville and Quebec and on Government Street between Belleville and Superior.

Is Victoria’s Canada Day licensed?  

No, alcohol is not available for purchase at the event.

Is there a bike lock-up?

Yes, a free bike valet service will be available from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and will be provided in partnership with Capital Bike. It will be located on Government Street between Belleville and Superior.

Will I be able to take BC Transit to the event?  

Buses will be operating on Saturday level service on July 1 and in the evening BC Transit will have extra buses to run late.

Where will the washrooms be located?  

Two public washroom areas will be available, both with accessible facilities. They will be located by the Confederation Park fountain on Menzies Street between Belleville and Quebec, as well as on Government Street between Belleville and Superior.

What is being done to make the event accessible?

With recent upgrades to the Legislative Precinct, the lawns are now fully accessible. Both public washroom areas will include accessible options.

What else should I consider when deciding if this event is for me?

Victoria’s Canada Day includes large crowds, amplified sound, stage lighting effects and fireworks.

Can I bring my pet?

Please be aware that this event sees very large crowds as well as prolonged amplified sound and sudden loud noises during the fireworks show. This event takes place in public space. You are welcome to bring pets at your discretion.

Will there be first aid services? 

Yes, St. John Ambulance will be located on the Legislature lawns and will also be roving to assist with medical needs.

Will there be road closures and parking restrictions?

Street closures:

  • Belleville (from Government and Menzies)

  • This closure will occur between 6 a.m. on July 1 through 8 a.m. on July 2.  

  • Menzies (from Belleville to Quebec)

  • This closure will occur between 6 a.m.on July 1 through 8 a.m. on July 2.

  • Government (from Belleville to Humboldt)

  • Police will manage this closure when required. Expect parking restrictions here on July 1.

  • Belleville (from Oswego to Menzies)

  • This will be local traffic only from 6 a.m. on July 1 through 11 p.m. on July 1. 

  • Songhees (from Tyee to Kimta)

  • Police will manage this closure when required.  Expect parking restrictions here on July 1.

Bike lane closures: 

  • Belleville (from Government and Menzies)

  • This closure will occur between 6 a.m. on July 1 through 8 a.m. on July 2. 

  • Menzies (from Belleville to Quebec)

  • This closure will occur between 6 a.m. on July 1 through 8 a.m. on July 2.

  • Government (from Belleville to Humboldt)

  • Police will manage this closure when required. Expect parking restrictions here on July 1.

  • Belleville (from Oswego to Menzies)

  • Police will manage this closure when required. Expect parking restrictions here on July 1.

  • Songhees Walkway Bike Lane

  • This closure will occur between 9:30 p.m.on July 1 through 11 p.m.on July 1. 

Parking restrictions: 

  • Menzies (from Belleville to Quebec)

  • This will be a no parking zone from noon on June 28 through noon on July 3.

  • East Menzies (from Quebec to Kingston

  • This will be permit-only event parking from noon on June 28 through noon on July 3.

  • Menzies (from Quebec to Superior)

  • This will be permit-only event parking from 6 a.m. on June 30 through noon on July 2.

  • Quebec (from Menzies to Oswego)

  • This area will be permit-only event parking from 6 a.m.on July 1 through 6 a.m.on July 2.