The Victoria Classic Boat Festival is returning to the Inner Harbour for its 46th year at the end of August, with plenty of nautical-themed fun and activities to be had.
The festival will sail into Victoria on Labour Day weekend from August 29th to 31st, with 90 beautiful and history-rich heritage and classic vessels to be featured.
The Maritime Museum of BC’s Victoria Classic Boat Festival is an annual gathering of vessels of a classic design, new and old, power and sail.
Every year, the festival draws in approximately 10,000 visitors to tour the docks and the boats on display.
“The Pacific Northwest is blessed with an enormous number of traditional boats – from sailboats, to workboats, to cruisers,” said Brittany Vis, Executive Director of the Maritime Museum of BC and Festival Administrator.
“The Festival began in 1977 with the idea that our maritime heritage must not only be preserved, but also celebrated.”
This year’s festivities will have several highlights, including the much-anticipated return of the 1897 sailing vessel Dorothy, live maritime music, the festival’s Artists Aboard Program will feature three local maritime artists sketching on the docks and creating new works, as well as the beloved Sunday Sail Past and Sail Race.
The Sail Past and Sail Race is a must-see at the festival, which starts at 11 a.m. on Sunday, August 31st and allows spectators to watch the parade of ships from the Inner Harbour.
Three recommended vantage points for the public include Barb’s Fish and Chips at Fisherman’s Wharf, the Ogden Point Breakwater and Clover Point.
Two featured vessels to see this year are the Trekka and Dorothy.
This year is the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Trekka departing Victoria’s Inner Harbour to circumnavigate the globe, and the 66th anniversary of the vessel’s triumphant return. This will be the first time in 10 years the Trekka will be able to be viewed by the public at the festival.
Dorothy, which was built in 1897 and is widely thought to be one of Canada’s oldest, still-sailing yachts. This vessel was purchased by the Maritime Museum of BC in recent years to be refurbished and restored. Dorothy will also be able to be viewed by the public at the upcoming festival.
The Victoria Classic Boat Festival is one of the summer’s most interesting and popular events, and all proceeds from the festival go to supporting the Maritime Museum of BC, a non-profit organization based right here in Victoria.
46th annual Victoria Classic Boat Festival
- When:
- August 29th to 31st
- Friday, August 29th and Saturday, August 30th: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday, August 31st: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Where: Victoria’s downtown Inner Harbour
- Admission: Open by donation (suggested $5)
