On August 26 and 27 the RCMP Musical Ride will offer a chance for families in Greater Victoria to enjoy a timeless Canadian tradition.
At Topaz Park and Royal Roads University, 32 riders and their horses will perform complex and thrilling cavalry figures and drills choreographed to music.
1 – The Musical Ride is almost as old as Canada itself
Just nine years after Canada reached confederation, what came to be known as the
“Musical Ride” showcased its first-ever performance in 1876 at Fort Macleod, Alberta.
The event arose from the North West Mounted Police’s practice of using music and riding drills for off-duty and evening entertainment.
Back then, the NWMP relied on skilled riders to carry out police duties across the Prairies.
Patrolling the vast and sparsely inhabited area, NWMP members were frequently the only government officials new settlers would encounter.
2 – The Musical Ride raises funds for local charities
Not only does the event provide entertainment across Canada, but every ticket sold or donation made to the Musical Ride also helps out local charities.
Donations collected from the pair of performances on Vancouver Island will help support the future activities of both the Victoria Military Music Festival Society and the Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association. Volunteers will be on site to collect cash donations, but if you won’t have cash on hand and/or want to contribute ahead of time, click here.
The donations go through CanadaHelps.org, an online platform for fundraising and donations.
3 – Two riders and horses will be coming to the BC Legislature
Talk about a great photo-op! To build up the excitement ahead of the weekend’s performances, a couple of riders and horses decked out in performance attire will visit the Legislature lawns on Friday, August 25 at 5 p.m.
Head down, snap a photo, and chat with the riders!
The stables themselves will also be open to the public on Friday from 9am – 5pm!
Located on the corner of Hunt Rd and Dooley Road, the stables will be accessible from Sayward Rd off the Pat Bay Highway if you are heading North.
4 – The entire event will be live-streamed by Victoria Buzz!
Not able to make it to the Musical Ride but still want to watch the performance? We’ve got you covered! Tune into our Facebook page on August 27 for an amazing live production of the ride.
Featuring multiple high definition camera angles and drone footage, we’ll provide a unique and amazing view of the event from start to finish!
We wanted to give everyone a glimpse of the action, whether or not you’re able to make the trip to Royal Roads. Pull up a smartphone, computer, or smart TV and join us for a quintessentially Canadian afternoon.
5 – Dress up, arrive early, and enjoy the festivities!
Given that the Musical Ride is part of the Canada 150 celebrations, attendees are all encouraged to dress up in red, white, or any costume emblematic of Canada’s diverse heritage.
Reminder: There will be limited parking at both venues. Make sure to get there early, or better yet take public transit.
It could be hot and sunny – so ensure you are protected from the sun. We also suggest bringing:
- chairs or blankets
- cameras
- snacks
- water or other non-alcoholic drinks
The event will offer plenty of photo opportunities both during and after the event. You can even chat with the Musical Ride team, mingle and enjoy the day!
P.S If we don’t already have you convinced that the ride will be a blast, maybe this message from Shania Twain will change your mind…
RCMP Musical Ride at Topaz Park
- Where: Topaz Park, Victoria
- When: Saturday, August 26, 2017, at 1:30 p.m.*
- Cost: By Donation
RCMP Musical Ride at Royal Roads University
- Where: Royal Roads University, Colwood
- When: Sunday, August 27, 2017, at 1:30 p.m.*
- Cost: By Donation
* Entertainment by massed pipes and drums and the 5th Regiment Band starts at 1:30 p.m. with the Musical Ride commencing at 2:30 p.m.
