Things are looking up as we head into the weekend; the weather is beautiful, Sunday is Father’s Day and BC is in Stage 2 of the provincial restart plan!
So while remaining safe, get out this weekend, support local and celebrate dad.
Here are 13 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend, June 19th-20th:
Learn about Orcas at the Royal BC Museum
The Royal BC Museum’s feature exhibit showcases the spirit of BC’s wild coast, orca whales. In the exhibit, ‘Orcas: Our Shared Future’, visitors will learn about various orca populations, the complex structure of orca groups and the consequences of captivity. Tickets can be purchased up to two weeks in advance.
- Where: 675 Belleville Street, Royal BC Museum
- When: Tickets available 10:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. daily.
- Tickets: $26.95 Adults (19-64), $18.95 Senior (65+) or Student (19+ with valid student ID), $16.95 Youth (6-18).
Experience the Bay Centre’s ‘Canopy in Bloom’
If you want to view a beautiful dried floral archway and support mental health initiatives in Victoria, visit the Bay Centre’s ‘Canopy in Bloom’ display. During your visit, be sure to take a photo and post to social media using the hashtags #CanopyinBloom and #BlueLoveCampaign.
- Where: Centre Court of the Bay Centre, 1150 Douglas Street
- When: Open shopping centre hours, everyday until September 20th
Donate to Victoria’s Community Fridge
Victoria’s first Community Fridge has opened in Rock Bay, to assist in ensuring all residents have access to food. Locals can visit, take whatever they need, or donate to help support those in need. Before donating, please look at their list of donation guidelines.
- Where: 2725 Rock Bay Avenue
- When: The Community Fridge is open 24/7
Tour the The Cowichan Valley Craft Crawl
Don’t miss out on the Cowichan Valley Craft Crawl this Saturday! Participants can drive around to various vendors spread out throughout the Cowichan Valley to support local businesses and try new products.
See a list of participating vendors, maps and address lists here.
Don’t forget to check out the Virtual Vendors section for those vendors who have decided to stick to online sales.
- Where: Throughout the Cowichan Valley
- When: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday June 19th
Get Pizza at Bilston Creek Farm
This weekend, try a fresh wood-fired pizza, cheese platters and tea boxes in a beautiful, calm setting at Bilston Creek Farm.
- Location: 4185 Metchosin Road
- Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
Play Little Free Library Bingo
The Little Free Libraries, located across Greater Victoria, have launched their very own Bingo game! Visit a Little Free Library near you to pick up a card (or download one here) and explore your neighbourhood for more libraries to complete your card.
Sample local wine, ciders and spirits with the ‘Islands Passport’
The ‘Islands Passport’ is a road map to the best wineries, distilleries and ciders on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Created by the coordinators of the Victoria International Wine Festival and Cheese and Meat Festival, the ‘Islands Passport’ includes 20 different vendors to explore.
- Where: All across Vancouver and the Gulf Islands!
- When: Available now, and can be used until May 2022.
- Price: $39.99 each
- To buy: Grab yours online today!
James Bay Community Market
The James Bay Community Market is operating rain or shine every Saturday from May to October. The Market has expanded to allow for more space to walk and more vendors.
The Market provides the perfect Saturday morning outing for you and your household bubble, with everything from jewelry, books, produce, baked goods and more.
Check out the list of vendors.
- Where: Corner of Menzies Street and Superior Street in James Bay
- When: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., every Saturday until October 2nd
Sooke Country Market
Visiting Sooke Country Market is a perfect Saturday morning activity. Browse through the vendors selling everything from fresh produce, jewelry, gardening supplies and more.
Check out the list of vendors.
- Where: John Phillips Memorial Park, 2201 Otter Point Road
- When: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Saturdays until October 9th
Moss Street Market
2021 marks Moss Street Market’s 30th season in operation. If you prefer contactless pick up, you can visit the online Moss Street Market to pick up your order.
Check out the list of vendors.
- Where: 1330 Fairfield Road
- When: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Saturdays through October
Play Nerf and Laser Tag
IRL Battle Arena has announced free “Sunday Funday” games at Mount Doug Park throughout the summer.
The event series begins this Sunday, just in time for Fathers Day, and includes games such as Laser Tag and Nerf Wars.
The IRL Battle Arena event is open to all ages 8+ and all gear is provided.
Covid precautions are in place. Be sure to register online in advance as drop-ins will not be accepted.
- Where: Mt. Doug Park
- When 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sunday June 20th
- Price: By Donation to the Island Prostate Center
- Registration: Book your spot online.
Sidney Street Market
The Sidney Street Market is back! After a prolonged COVID-19 absence, the market has returned to a new location at the Mary Winspear Centre. While you’re there, be sure to check out Glory Bakehouse for some delicious brownies.
- Where: Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney
- When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., every Sunday through October 10th
Attend the ‘Go Skate Day’ Celebration
Influence Board Shop presents their ‘Go Skate Day’ celebration this Sunday at Gordon Head Skatepark. Enjoy skateboarding, food and prizes! Remember to practice social distancing.
- Where: 4100 Lambrick Way, Gordon Head Skatepark
- When: Starting at 12:00 p.m., Sunday
Just a reminder: As recommended by BC’s health officials, outdoor gatherings of up to 50 people are permitted but people are asked to use COVID-19 layers of protection and maintain physical distancing. When attending any events, please adhere to COVID-19 health and safety restrictions, including proper physical distancing and wearing a mask or face-covering in public indoor and retail spaces. If you are sick, stay home!
