GVHA Events Calendar

For over 75 years, Swiftsure International Yacht Race has been a premier sailing event for Racers and Spectators from British Columbia, Washington and Oregon States. Swiftsure is a much-anticipated  annual event for locals and tourists alike.

The event is held on the US Memorial Day weekend, this year May 22-24, in order to accommodate American  participants and visitors.

Race to Alaska is a on-water race from Port Townsend, Washington to Ketchikan, Alaska. Teams must first complete “The Proving Ground”  – a 40 mile route from Port Townsend to Victoria, BC. After arrival in Victoria on June 14 and 15, teams have 3 days to rest, recuperate, and repair! During the layover in Victoria, a festival atmosphere takes over the GVHA Causeway Docks as fans and racers build energy for the Race Start on June 17 at Noon.

Celebrate the height of summer in BC’s capital at the Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival presented by Fairway Market. The sizzle of the  food trucks, the sounds of Victoria’s rich cultural  landscape, and the beating of the drums welcome spectators to the Inner Harbour in Victoria. Join  1,000 racers and 20,000 visitors for the Island’s signature and original dragon boat festival. With additional programs around the area that  celebrates Vancouver Island’s unique culture, we invite you to enjoy the sights, sounds, and  excitement of the Island’s signature dragon boat
festival.

i-Land Fest is organized by the Vancouver Island Caribbean Hub , and is a vibrant celebration dedicated to bringing the rich traditions and lively spirit of Caribbean culture to Vancouver Island. Founded with a passion for sharing the unique and diverse heritage of the Caribbean community, the  festival honours the traditions of Trinidad &  Tobago’s Carnival, offering a lively and immersive  cultural experience.

BC CrabFest is a one-day harbour gathering celebrating BC waters, coastal foodways, and the communities connected to them. Set along Victoria’s Inner Harbour, the festival is anchored around the BC Dungeness Crab Boil and brings people together to crack fresh crab, enjoy local seafood, listen to live music, and explore hands-on coastal learning.

From family activities and chef demonstrations to coastal storytelling and local drinks, BC CrabFest invites locals and visitors alike to spend the day by the water celebrating the food, traditions, and ocean stewardship that shape life along BC’s coast.

The David Foster Foundation will celebrate its 40th anniversary with two events in Victoria, BC:  a red-carpet Gala on Friday, August 7th and public concert in the iconic Inner Harbour on Saturday  August 8th. For four decades, the Foundation has  provided financial support for families with  children in need of life-saving organ transplants,  aiding with non-medical expenses such as  accommodations, travel, groceries, and utilities, ensuring families can focus entirely on their child’s medical journey.

Returning to the city where it all began, this  milestone weekend will celebrate David Foster’s hometown Victoria and honour the children and  families who inspired the Foundation’s mission.

The Maritime Museum of British Columbia is proud to host the annual Victoria Classic Boat Festival, a celebration of maritime heritage set along Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

Visitors can explore the docks, view up to 100 classic boats, cheer on their favourites during the races, and take part in a wide range of engaging activities throughout the weekend.