If you are a frequent visitor of Victoria and Vancouver or a first-time visitor, these 2020 events are sure to keep you coming back. Plan ahead for the best lodging choices and enjoy an extra reason to travel to British Columbia’s hottest tourist destinations.
Can’t-Miss Events in Victoria
- January 17-February 2 is the highly anticipated “Dine Around and Stay in Town Victoria” event with a launch gala on January 16 at the Victoria Conference Centre. The gala will showcase more than 50 local restaurants, wineries and craft breweries with tasty bites and lively entertainment. It’s perfect for socializing and learning about the foodie scene in Victoria. The two-week Dine Around event offers opportunities to dine in fabulous restaurants for three-course-meals with set pricing. Get your accommodations in order and prepare to be dazzled by Victoria’s culinary creations.
- March 20-22 brings the Capital City Comic Con to Victoria. An event dedicated to comics, toys, games, sci-fi, family fun and pop culture, Comic Con also plays host to three days of everything from panels and signings to cosplay, vendors and so much more. The event is held at the Victoria Conference Centre and Crystal Garden.
- The TD Victoria International JazzFest is a 10-day music festival that happens every June. The well-attended event features jazz, blues and world music of local Canadians and other internationally acclaimed musicians. Produced by the Victoria Jazz Society, JazzFest is the longest running, multi-day professional music festival on Vancouver Island and will be held this year on June 21-30.
- November brings cause for celebration with the 12th Annual Habitat for Humanity Victoria Gingerbread Showcase—the organization’s premier fundraiser for the year. Visit between mid-November and early January (to be determined closer to the event). Join others at The Parkside Hotel for the popular Gingerbread Showcase showing off the skills and talents of home chefs, professional bakers, artists and designers as they create masterpieces to raise much-needed funds for this cause.
- Don’t miss the Magic of Christmas at Butchart Gardens annually from the first of December through the first week (typically) of January. Bundle up and enjoy the Gardens decked out in holiday lights and wreaths along with festive dining, carolers, ice skating and more.
Can’t-Miss Events in Vancouver
- Vancouver International Wine Festival attracts some 25,000 wine enthusiasts to annually gather at one of the oldest and largest wine events in the world. The event is slated for February 22-March 1, open to the public and typically features a wine region to showcase each year. British Columbia’s own wines are well-represented each year and are among some 700+ wines that are sampled from across the globe in the International Festival Tasting Room. During the three-day event, you’ll also find wine dinners available in some of the city’s best restaurants as well as vertical tastings, seminars, multi-winery brunches and lunches, and upbeat wine tastings referred to as “minglers.”
- The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled for April 2-26. Plan on a visit during this beautiful time when more than 40,000 cherry trees lining the city streets proudly sport their blooms and blossoms. Other notable activities that are part of this celebration include art events, community bike rides, cherry blossom viewing tours and traditional Japanese festivities. Find a room now to get your pick of accommodations and then, let the planning begin!
- July is perfect for a visit with the three-day Vancouver Folk Music Festival going on July 19-21. A major event on the world folk and roots music circuit, you’ll see local talents as well as big time international performers across eight outdoor stages. Also, there will be scores of street food selections, a crafts market and the Festival Community Village. Families are welcome (check out Little Folks Village for kid-friendly activities) as the festival draws a diverse crowd each year.
When planning allows for visits to these cornerstone cities of British Columbia, take a look at events that might spark interest for you and your family. It just makes the visit that much better.
