Is Canada Day a good time or bad time to visit Victoria? What types of things happen in Victoria on Canada Day?

My family was there about 4 years ago and had a wonderful time. Thousands of people gathered in front of the Empress Hotel and watched fabulous fireworks over the harbor. As I recall, there were bands performing and perhaps some food booths, too. The weather was glorious.

thanks, laurafromtexas
This will be our first trip to Victoria and we were not sure whether to be there on Canada Day or schedule around it. Any other suggestions for first time visitors? Hotel, restaurants, sights not to miss?

Number one on my must-see list is Butchart Gardens -- absolutely incredible! Plan to stay at least half a day and linger into the evening, when the gardens are illuminated. There are daily concerts, as well as fireworks displays on Saturday nights in the summer. You can also eat lunch, dinner, or have afternoon tea there. You would also enjoy a free tour of the Parliament Building (beautiful assembly rooms), Craigdarroch Castle, the Royal British Columbia Museum, and seeing the inside of the exquisite Empress Hotel. If you have younger children, they would enjoy Miniature World and the Victoria Bug Zoo. For a wonderful dinner, drive to nearby Sooke and feast on delicacies at Sooke Harbor House. Early July events include the Victoria Jazz Fest June 24-July 3 (www.vicjazz.bc.ca) and a wonderful folk festival (www.icafolkfest.com) For more information on Canada Day festivities and other tourist information, go to www.tourismvictoria.com.

I would recommend you book your hotel early as it can be hard to find accommodation at this time.