Everything you need to know
Symphony Splash and its famous concert barge returns to the harbour on August 2 and 3 for the first time since 2019. Organized by the Victoria Symphony, this free, public event has a new two-day format with performances on both Saturday and Sunday at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The performers include the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, Juno-winning vocalists Celeigh Cardinal and Shawnee Kish, Cuban vocalist Adonis Puentes, and our own Victoria Symphony. Visit the Symphony website for details.
The barge will be moored beside the Lower Causeway marina, facing the Legislative Assembly. You can watch from the Legislative Assembly lawns, the Lower Causeway, Belleville Street and Government Street. There are also four community stages around the venue and a family zone.
With large crowds expected, please plan your visit with care.
Lower Causeway
To avoid overcrowding and to comply with safety regulations, access to the Lower Causeway – from the Government Street entrance opposite the Empress Hotel to the Belleville Street ramp – is limited to a set number of spectators.
Access the Lower Causeway viewing area will be via the stairs from Government Street opposite the Empress. This entrance opens at 2:30 p.m. each day.
- No advance reserved seating is available.
- Picnic blankets and cushions are welcome on the Lower Causeway, but camping chairs are not permitted.
- Some fixed seating is available. Saving or holding seats is not allowed.
- Same-day stamped re-entry is permitted for brief absences.
- Splash’s accessible area can be reached via the Belleville Street ramp.
Water safety
Spectators on water are welcome to enjoy the performances from the viewing area in front of the barge. Canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and vessels up to 14 ft (4.27 m) in length are permitted within the viewing area.
- Use of engines and electric motors is not permitted.
- All vessels must be paddled or rowed to the viewing area.
- Anchoring is not permitted within the harbour.
- Vessels will not be permitted near Songhees Point around 9:40 p.m. on Sunday.
Please stay safe by complying with Transport Canada safety regulations. Wear a life jacket or a personal flotation device (PFD) and have lights during evening performances. Harbour Patrol, RCMSAR, the Coast Guard, a Splash boat and the Splash kayaking team will manage spectators on the water.
Getting to the harbour
Downtown Victoria street parking and parkades are available as usual. If cycling, the Downtown Victoria Bike Valet on Pandora, and all City of Victoria parkades, offer free, covered bike parking. Bike racks are available around the event, including at the Legislative Assembly and the Visitor Centre at Wharf and Government. If taking BC Transit, plan your route.
Road closures
August 2
8:00 a.m.: Belleville from Menzies to Government closed
12:00 p.m.: Belleville from Government to Douglas closed
12:00 p.m.: Government St. from Superior to Humboldt closed
11:00 p.m.: Belleville from Government to Douglas reopens
11:00 p.m.: Government from Humboldt to Superior reopens
Belleville St. from Menzies to Government remains closed overnight, reopens 11:00 p.m. August 3.
August 3
8:00 a.m.: Belleville from Menzies to Government closed
12:00 p.m.: Belleville from Government to Douglas closed
12:00 p.m.: Government St. from Superior to Humboldt closed
11:00 p.m.: Belleville from Government to Douglas reopens
11:00 p.m.: Government from Humboldt to Superior reopens
Plan your visit
Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen and a hat. Bring warm layers for evening performances. Stay hydrated. A water refill station will be at the intersection of Government and Belleville, on the Legislative Assembly side.
Public bathrooms are located beneath the Visitor Centre. Temporary toilets will be available on Menzies, on Belleville (in front of the museum), and also on Government beside the parliament building.
Smoking is not permitted on the Lower Causeway or on the Legislative Assembly grounds.
Enjoy the show
The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority extends its thanks and appreciation to the Victoria Symphony, its volunteers, and all the other organisations who help put on these amazing concerts. Enjoy the show.
