South Vancouver Island is part of Vancouver Island, a Pacific Island off the West Coast of Canada, known by the locals as “The Island”. All year round, numerous festivals are celebrated in this part of the country. Every event is a wonderful experience for the whole family.
Exhibition of boats and yachts in Victoria is one of the major tourist attractions on this island. Every May, the Victoria Harbour Boat Show is organized by the members of a yacht brokers association. They showcase boats in the Port of Victoria that is also busy with small cruise ships and other vessels that are usually docked in this part of the island. Before the month of May ends, a sailing race is conducted. Organized by The Royal Victoria Yacht Club, the Swiftsure Yacht Race is an international race with participants from Canada and other countries such as New Zealand and Russia. The Victoria Classic Boat Festival, on the other hand, is celebrated at the end of August to mark the beginning of fall. It features traditional boats that are maintained by their owners who decided to take part in this annual event. The boats are open for public viewing and there are a number of activities to be enjoyed by the whole family.
Another fall event to look forward to is the Cowichan Wine and Culinary Festival. Enjoy the scenic view of the Cowichan Valley while savoring the best wine and food the region has to offer. A number of participants provide delicious treats for the public to feast on.
A series of great festivities is happening every summer. The Duncan-Cowichan Summer Festival runs the whole month of July. The Children’s Day at Duncan-Cowichan Summer Festival includes concerts, free rides and activities for kids and their families. The kids will also enjoy the ice cream eating contest. For people who love arts, the Cowichan Valley Fine Arts Show is one event you should not miss. The event showcases different artworks from emerging artists. You can even vote for your favorite art piece to be the winner of the People’s Choice Award. A Visions Art Studio Tour is also one great way to spend your time while in the vicinity. They invite visitors to take a look at their studios and workshops. Different artists such as painters, photographers, sculptors, potters and other crafters participate in this tour. They also have treats for music lovers. The SunFest Music Festival is an annual celebration that includes music performances, camping and lots of foods and drinks. Another music-related leg of this series is the Special Woodstock. It combines music and fellowship to provide a magical day for everyone who participates, both as audience and performer. The Islands Folks Fest is another fun experience you will enjoy. This is a three day event of non-stop music, dancing and lots of activities. Local and international performers are invited to join the celebration.
Another summer festival is celebrated in Saanich. The Saanich Summer SunFest includes numerous events such as the Strawberry Festival, George on Art and Music in the Park. The Strawberry Festival’s highlight is the traditional and popular serving of strawberries and ice cream. It also involves free rides, sports, entertainment and a pie eating contest. Sounds fun, right? The George on Art is an event that allows people to meet the featured artists and watch them do their work. This is a great opportunity for enthusiasts and artists alike. Music in the Park is one of the locals’ favorites. It features a series of concerts that are played at local parks. With a variety of music genres, this is a fair for the whole family. Another festival being held in Saanich is the Cadboro Bay Festival. It features sand sculptures, castles, some pirates and treasure hunting and loads of fun wholesome activities.
One of the most popular summer festivals they celebrate in Sooke is the Sooke River Bluegrass Music Festival. It is a yearly event held at the Sooke River Campground. Great vocalists and instrumentalists are featured in this show. It also provides opportunities for upcoming musicians. Sooke Fall Fair is dedicated to the community spirit. It focuses on the talents of the people in the community. Spring festival includes the Sooke Sprint Triathlon and the Rubber Duck Race held in Sooke River. Another favorite event for the locals is the Polar Bear Swim at Whiffin Spit. It is annually observed by taking a plunge into the waters of seven degree temperature on New Year’s Day. What started as a challenge became a yearly event and the townspeople enjoy it.
In Port Renfrew, two music festivals are held yearly. The Song & Surf Music Festival, celebrated to mark the beginning of spring, is the best time to enjoy music and surfing at the same time. Loads of performers come to this event and bring entertainment to the partygoers. Combining beach and music makes for the most wonderful surfing experience here at Port Renfrew. The Tall Tree Music Festival is a three day event of live performances and dancing. People enjoy various genres of music and each other’s company.
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