Red and white Canadian pride explodes across Greater Victoria today starting at the Gorge waterway for the 16th annual Gorge Canada Day Picnic in Saanich.
The day includes a lot more than a picnic: check out the Canada Day Family Parade, a pancake breakfast, a Show and Shine car show, Gorge on Art – featuring a diverse selection of the region’s local artists, a busker’s corner, artisan market, strawberry tea, street hockey, and plenty of kids’ inflatables and activities.
The parade kicks off at 9 a.m. near the intersection of Gorge and Tillicum. Follow a fire truck, police cars, a bagpiper and floats down Gorge Road towards the pancake breakfast. Kids are encouraged to decorate their bicycles with flags and wear red.
The Strawberry Tea is set for the Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club building, where fresh strawberries on cake are served with tea, coffee or juice for just $3 per person. While there, jump in a voyageur canoe and cruise along the Gorge waters for $2 per person, starting at Craigflower-Kosapsum Park beach. See gorgecanadaday.ca for a full performance schedule.
The festivities don’t stop at the Gorge. If you’re in the mood for some Bach, Vivaldi and Handel, head to the top of Mt. Tolmie for Raven Baroque performances at 1:30 and 3 p.m.
After taking in the sights in Saanich, head to downtown Victoria for the annual Victoria Celebrates Canada Day event, featuring all kids of entertainment including the energetic, multicultural group Delhi 2 Dublin, Taiko drummers, the Cowichan Tribes and indie-roots group Carmanah.
A Flavour of Canada food court includes cuisine from the Victoria and Vancouver Island Greek Community Society, Jewish Community Centre, Victoria African & Caribbean Society and plenty of food truck vendors. The grand finale fireworks begin at 10:20 p.m. set to live music streamed on the Zone (19.3 FM) or 100.3 the Q. See victoriacanadaday.ca for full details, and get outside to show your Canada Day pride!
editor@saanichnews.com