As February comes to a close, we can start looking forward to warmer weather, sunny days and it’s this time of year that the city comes to life with events and activities to enjoy! From Cherry blossom walks, concerts, food festivals and more, March is a great time to plan a visit and check out some of these events!
Merridale Music Nights
Every Saturday, March 1st – 26th 4:30 – 7:30
Every Saturday in March, Merridale Cider hosts a local musical talent that is sure to make you wanna get up and dance! This is the perfect way for anyone staying nearby at an EMR Cowichan Valley property to spend a fun Saturday night!
Be a Local Tourist
March 7th -13th
This year, the Be a Local Tourist event is back! This event is ideal for anyone who really wants to get out there and experience everything Victoria has to offer – plus if you’re here visiting family, it’s an economical way to find great activities and attractions for everyone! If you’re staying at any EMR property near downtown Victoria, you’ll love being able to walk to most of the attractions included. Purchase a wristband online and pick it up at the Visitor Center downtown on Wharf Street or stop in at any Save on Foods in Victoria and purchase them in person. A portion of every wristband purchase goes to support the Cridge Centre for the Family, a wonderful organization that provides support and resources to local families in need. You can even purchase a wristband to donate to the Cridge Center and Be a Tourist will donate a second of equal value!
Free Attractions
- Bateman Gallery of Nature – admission and 25% discount on memberships
- BC Legislative Buildings Tour – guided tour
- Point Ellice House Museum & Gardens – admission
- Rathjen Cellars – wine sampling flight
- Sidney Museum – admission to the Lego Exhibition
*please note: many of these attractions require advanced booking – call ahead to find out what the policies and booking requirements are.
Discounted Attractions
- Adrena Line Zipline – 20% off zipline tours.
- Craigdarroch Castle – 25% off guided tours
- Eagle Wing Whale Watching Tours – 50% off their Salish Sea Marine Wildlife and Whale Tour
- Fired Up! – 15% off painting on pottery or canvas for drop ins
- Five Star Whale Watching – 50% off for all locals
- Gardens at the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific – admission is only $2
- Iron & Wood Golf Simulators – free rental clubs
- Orca Spirit Adventures – the Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Tours are $75
- Pacifica Paddle Sports – 50% off all 2-hour rentals
- Prince of Whales – take part in a tour AND go to the Royal BC Museum for a combined total of $79
- Quazar’s Arcade – 2 bonus tokens when you buy at least 10
- SALT Pilates + Barre – 50% off drop ins and 20% off class passes
- Victoria Bug Zoo – 25% off admission
*please note: many of these attractions require advanced booking – call ahead to find out what the policies and booking requirements are.
Food & Drink
- Chocolats Favoris – buy menu item and get one free
- LURE Restaurant & Bar – 10% off all items
- Macaloney Caledonian Distillery and Twa Dogs Brewery – 50% off the Brewery and Distillery Tours
- Off The Eaten Track – 20% off the “Downtown Food & City” tour
- Silk Road Tea – receive a free gift with each purchase
- Vancouver Island Brewing – $5 flights and 20% off merchandise
Crafted Farmhouse Market
March 11th 5pm – 9pm / 12th 10am – 5pm
If you’re staying at a beautiful EMR Sidney property and you’re looking for something to do this March, check out the amazing vendors at the Crafted Farmhouse Market at the Mary Winspear Centre. Showcasing some of the best small businesses of the Island, you can find a selection of local handmade items, live music, food trucks and sweet treats. Come for the evening on Saturday or spend the Sunday afternoon shopping, eating and enjoying the fun! Admission is $5 at the door and kids are free!
St. Patrick’s Day at the Irish Times
March 17th
Located right in the heart of Government St. in heritage downtown Victoria, this lively Irish pub is an ideal place to find friendly service, great food and awesome ambience. Every year on St. Paddy’s day, however, there is no better place to find a fun and celebratory atmosphere. Here you can eat, drink and dance the night away as if you were on the Emerald Isle! Book ahead to ensure you get a table. Sláinte!
Capital City Comic Con
March 25th 3pm – 9pm / 26th 10am – 6pm / 27th 10am – 5pm
Whether you love superheroes or are a huge wizard nerd, this is the place where you can really let loose with all your fellow fans. From incredible cosplay to awesome booths, exhibits and artists, this convention is one of the most popular spring events in Victoria. This year, you can join in the fun at the Victoria Convention Center and Crystal Gardens right in downtown Victoria! Grab your tickets here and don’t forget your costume!
Music of the Emerald Isles
March 26th 8:00 – 10:00
If you’re looking for a more refined way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or if you just have an affinity for traditional Irish music, you’ll want to grab your tickets for a night at the symphony. Maria Millar, the Juilliard trained violinist and Riverdance alumni will join the Victoria Symphony for an enchanting evening of lilting Irish ballads, foot-stomping ceiliedhs and popular Celtic tunes.
Cherry and Plum Blossoms
March – May
Ok, so this one isn’t exactly an organized activity, but if you’ve ever been in Victoria for this time of year, you know how beautiful it is when the cherry blossoms begin to bloom. All over the city, roads are enclosed by huge, pink clouds of blossoms and when the wind blows, the petals flutter down in the thousands…it’s magical. If you’re visiting Victoria at this time of year you can really make the most of this incredible phenomena! This interactive map of the cherry blossoms all over the city is the perfect place to start mapping out your next, or first, cherry blossom walk!
