Cheers to entering another weekend, Victoria—you survived the week!
This weekend is especially thrilling, as Hockey Day in Canada is reaching its peak celebration on Saturday, January 20th. Get down to Ship Point and catch as much as you possibly can, and perhaps you’ll meet some incredible hockey legends in the process!
After you’ve finished up at Ship Point, there will be an epic game between the Victoria Royals and the Kamloops Blazers that you won’t want to miss either.
Other events include catching an IMAX movie, a rap battle at the Victoria Event Centre, enjoying the start of Victoria’s Hot Chocolate Festival, catching the remaining tickets for a whisky festival, and more!
Without further delay, here’s 11 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend—January 20th and 21st:
Hockey Day in Canada: Victoria Royals Games
As a part of the Hockey Day in Canada festivities, there will be two epic back-to-back games featuring Victoria Royals and the Kamloops Blazers!
Enjoy an evening in celebration of all things hockey—an epic sport that promotes community and teamwork.
Not only will the residents of Victoria be gathering for this unique event, but Canada’s national audience and Sportsnet’s media team will be present too!
You can purchase your tickets here.
- Where: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
- When:
- Saturday, January 20th at 4:05 p.m.
- Sunday, January 21st at 3:05 p.m.
Shackleton – Greatest Story of Survival: IMAX
Use the chill outside as an excuse to cozy up for an incredible film, Shackleton – Greatest Story of Survival, in IMAX!
In the early 1900s, Sir Ernest Shackleton set sail with 27 men to attempt to cross the frozen continent of Antarctica on foot. His vessel became trapped in sea ice. After nearly a year locked in the ice, the ship was crushed, forcing the crew into a desperate battle to survive and find their way back to civilization.
Join explorer Tim Jarvis on this incredible experience, reliving Shackleton’s harrowing journey while crossing the perilous landscapes of the great Antarctica and South Georgia.
You can find showtimes and purchase tickets here.
- Where: Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street
- When: Saturday, January 20th and Sunday, January 21st—showtimes vary
Hot Chocolate Festival
Our mouths are already watering—and if you’re a fellow hot chocolate fan, yours will be too!
Not only is this incredible Hot Chocolate Festival going to be running for a full 32 days, the participating local businesses will be putting the money raised towards the BC SPCA Victoria Community Animal Centre.
So, from January 20th to February 20th, you can check out the masterful hot chocolate creations that different businesses around town will have to offer.
Participating locations include popular hotspots like the Fairmont Empress, Chocolate & Co, Pure Lovin’, Shirley Delicious, and more.
If you want to view the full list, you can do so on their website.
- Where: Participating businesses across southern Vancouver Island
- When: Saturday, January 20th to Tuesday, February 20th
Hockey Day in Canada Public Festival
Over the last few days, Victoria has seen some wicked events come through in honour of Hockey Day in Canada—highlighting what it means to host such a legendary event!
Lucky for you, it’s not quite over yet! The days-long celebration will be reaching its peak on Saturday at Ship Point in the Inner Harbour.
A traditional welcoming from the Songhees and Esquimalt Nation will commence as the Stanley Cup is paddled into the Victoria harbour around 10 a.m. where it will remain on display until 4 p.m.
Throughout the day, there will be fun all ages activities including hockey clinics, food trucks, music, the Stanley Cup, autographs, site activations and more.
Wear your favourite Jersey and enjoy watching the games and live broadcast!
You can view their full schedule here.
- Where: Ship Point, Inner Harbour
- When: Saturday, January 20th—event times vary
Hockey Day at Tillicum
The Tillicum Centre invites you and your loved ones to cheer on your favorite Canadian teams on the big screen to celebrate Hockey Day in Canada!
Those who attend the event will get the chance to win tickets to a Victoria Royals game, and if you wear a hockey jersey of your favourite team, you’ll get half off a regular beef hotdog from Hot Dog Guys at Tillicum.
Here’s the schedule of games:
- Jets vs Senators Game at 12 p.m.
- Maple Leafs vs Canucks Game at 4 p.m.
- Flames vs Oilers Game at 7 p.m.
This event is free but you do need to reserve your spot—you can do so via Eventbrite.
- Where: Tillicum Centre (inside upper level by Winners), 3170 Tillicum Road
- When: Saturday, January 20th starting at 12 p.m.
Set The Bar Entertainment at VEC
If you crave intensity, excitement, and the power of spoken word, you won’t want to miss this!
The Victoria Event Centre (VEC) will be hosting The Bridge, an outstanding lineup of local rap battle artists all residing from different areas on Vancouver Island.
Tune in on Saturday and watch as they go head-to-head, ready to prove themselves superior and claim the top spot.
Tickets for this event are $30 if purchased online and $40 at the door!
- Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street
- When: Saturday, January 20th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Victoria Whisky Festival 2024
Attention whisky connoisseurs and curious spirit lovers!
This sought-after event kicked off on Thursday, January 18th and there are still some available tickets left for a few key events on Saturday.
It will be held at the Hotel Grand Pacific and will feature an expanded lineup of distillers, global brand ambassadors, and distillery managers from around the world that are thrilled to present their unique drams and whisky lore.
Every year brings something fresh and enticing from both veteran distilleries showing new and standard releases, as well as distillers just beginning their whisky journey.
Tickets are $49 and you view and purchase them here.
- Where: Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville Street
- When: Saturday, January 20th—times vary
Humboldt Broncos Scholarship Fundraiser
Join organizers and guests for an evening of support and solidarity at the Humboldt Broncos Scholarship Fundraiser on Saturday to honor and remember the brave souls affected by the tragic Humboldt Broncos accident.
This event aims to raise funds for the Humboldt Broncos Scholarship Fund, which provides educational opportunities for survivors and the families of those who lost their lives.
The main highlights of fundraiser will include a silent auction, a 50/50, and two fantastic local bands.
The featured bands will include Cookeilidh at 7:30 p.m. followed by The Hounds of Cuchulain at 9 p.m.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased via Eventbrite, and drinks will be $5.
- Where: Ambrosia Hall, 638 Fisgard Street
- When: Saturday, January 20th from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Blues Jam at Hermann’s Jazz Club
Come down to Hermann’s Jazz Club and enjoy a night of relaxing, toe-tapping blues music!
The Deb Rhymer Band features Kelly Fawcett on guitar, Lee Worden on bass, Phil Whipper on drums, and Deb Rhymer’s leading vocals.
Tickets are $5 and jammers get in for free!
- Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View Street
- When: Sunday, January 21st from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 3 p.m.)
Karaoke at Friends of Dorothy
Sunday night karaoke at Friends of Dorothy is the perfect opportunity to let out your inner diva and give your vocals the time to shine!
They have plenty of bops to pick from, so you’ll have no troubles finding a favourite you know you can crush.
Gather your pals and get jamming!
- Where: Friends of Dorothy, 537 Johnson Street
- When: Sunday, January 21st from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Drag Brunch at Vicious Poodle
Every Sunday, the Vicious Poodle hosts an exceptional Drag Brunch and you’re invited to indulge in their delicious performances as well as food!
You can call them at (250) 388-5975 to make a reservation.
- Where: Vicious Poodle, 726 Johnson Street
- When: Sunday, January 21st at 11 a.m.
