Skip to content

Here’s what to do in Victoria this Family Day long weekend

From IMAX to hockey, there’s something for everyone
15542571_web1_Royal-BC
Admission to the Royal BC Museum is free this Monday in celebration of Family Day. (Royal BC Museum)

With a mix of sun and rain expected in Greater Victoria, folks from Sidney to Sooke will be looking for ways to make the most of the much-anticipated Family Day long weekend.

Events around Victoria include fun for all ages. From sports-lovers to nature enthusiasts, there’s no shortage of fun to be had.

Here’s what’s happening this weekend:

Friday, Feb. 15

Royal BC Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year returns

The Royal BC Museum’s wildlife photography exhibit returns for its 54th year. Opening on Friday, Feb. 15, the exhibit features international nature photography on a backlit display with captions explaining the photo’s story.

On its way to Victoria from London’s Nature History Museum, the Royal BC Museum says the displays take viewers “on a visual journey around the world, bringing the talent and vision of each photographer closer to all who visit.”

Adult admission is $17, seniors and youths (6-18) get in for $11. Admission on family day (Monday, Feb. 18) is free.

RELATED: Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit returns to Royal BC Museum

Imax Great Bear Rainforest

Many people might never make it up to the remote Pacific coast of B.C., but nature and wildlife lovers alike can enjoy 41 minutes immersed in B.C.’s Great Bear Rainforest at Imax Victoria this weekend.

Opening Feb. 15 with 3D and 2D showings, the film is a perfect all-ages escape “to a land of grizzlies, coastal wolves, sea otters” and of course, the all-white spirit bear - the rarest bear on Earth.

Protected for thousands of years by the region’s Indigenous people, the film is an educational escape into one of B.C.’s many magical natural worlds – and it’s narrated by Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds.

Adult admission is $11.95, youth and senior admission is $10.25 and children are $5.40.

Student admission is $10.75.

RELATED: B.C.’s Great Bear Rainforest film headed for the biggest screens

Saturday, Feb. 16

Open Mosque Day BC

An international event intended to bridge the gap between Muslims and non-Muslims around the world, Open Mosque Day has come to B.C. for the first time, and will see mosques opening their doors to the public.

In Victoria, Masjid Al-Iman, located at 2218 Quadra St., is welcoming the public to visit from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Delicious snacks, stimulating conversations and tours will teach visitors about the culture and history of B.C.’s Islam and Muslim communities.

The whole family can enjoy an enriching visit that will include henna tattooing and Hijab try-ons for children and women.

Learn more at openmosquebc.ca.

Seedy Saturday

Snow and slush might feel discouraging to gardeners, but spring is just around the corner and Victoria’s premier seed exchange and garden show is here to kick it off at the Victoria Conference Centre (720 Douglas St.) this Saturday.

Over 70 vendors and exhibitors, as well as garden societies, clubs and educational programs, will be set up at the conference centre from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

And don’t forget to bring your seeds. The seed exchange allows gardeners to trade and expand their gardens.

Admission is $8 for adults and free for those 16 and under.

Learn more at JamesBayMarket.com.

Hometown Hockey Day One

Whether you have miniature hockey fans at home or want to get the kids in your life interested in the sport, Hometown Hockey is the perfect way to spark some hockey love.

On Feb. 16-17 Rogers Hometown Hockey will bring a live broadcast, NHL alumni and non-stop hockey activities to the Canadian Forces Base (CFB) in Esquimalt (737 Admirals Rd.).

The two-day festival of hockey features games at Wurtele Arena, appearances by former NHL stars, a host of activities related to the game, all culminating in a live broadcast of the Montreal Canadiens taking on the Florida Panthers featuring Ron MacLean, Tara Slone and Don Cherry.

Learn more at hometownhockey.com.

Sunday, Feb. 17

Hometown Hockey Day two

If you didn’t make it to Hometown Hockey on Saturday, today’s the day.

Along with all-day entertainment and activities, a live broadcast of the Montreal Canadiens taking on the Florida Panthers will start at 3:30 p.m. and include Canadian hockey personalities Ron Maclean, Tara Slone and Don Cherry.

Don’t forget to check out autograph signing with Mason Raymond at 4 p.m.

Learn more at hometownhockey.com.

Polar Plunge

It’s time to get very cold for a very good cause.

The Polar Plunge for Special Olympics (SOBC) is returning to Willows Beach in Oak Bay on Sunday, and as always, will see participants diving into the water to support Special Olympics athletes. Many Greater Victoria police forces join in on the (very cold) fun.

Participants must have raised $75 to join the cause.

Whether you’re getting wet or spectating from the warmth of dry land, the polar plunge is a great weekend event for all ages.

Check-in opens at 10 a.m., with the plunge happening at 11 a.m.

RELATED: Polar Plunge hits Willows Beach to raise funds for Special Olympics

Monday, Feb. 18

Family Arts Festival

Celebrate Family Day at the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre (3220 Cedar Hill Road) where the Arts Centre is hosting visual arts, dance, music and theatre activities with guests from Greater Victoria’s arts community.

The event is on from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.


Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter