10 Things to do in Victoria, BC this June (2024)

If you’re like us, you’re anxiously awaiting the arrival of summertime. With its mild island climate and array of outdoor events and activities, Victoria, BC is the perfect choice for a quick trip to kick off your summer! To get your travel planning started, here are 10 things to do in Victoria now through June!

1. Hop On Hop Off City Tour – Now – June 30

Soak in the sights and sounds of downtown Victoria and aboard a charming double-decker bus! This Victoria Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour offers the perfect way to pack in the highlights of BC’s capital city on your own schedule. The tour starts in front of the palatial Fairmont Empress Hotel, then winds its way around a variety of must-see spots including sprawling Beacon Hill Park, the quaint James Bay neighborhood, Craigdarroch Castle and lots more.

2. Oak Bay Tea Party – May 31 – June 2

Enjoy two days of merriment and local entertainment at the 62nd annual Oak Bay Tea Party! Festivities kick off Saturday morning with a parade through town, ending at the seaside Willows Park. The celebrations continue with a lineup of live music, air show antics, local food vendors and even a floating teacup race!

3. Buchart Gardens Night Illuminations – June 1 – September 15

Starting June 1st, prepare to witness the world-renowned Butchart Gardens in a whole new light. Spend an evening wandering the pathways in awe as 3,000 subtle lights transform the gardens into a vibrant kaleidoscope of colors.

Traveling later in the month? Beginning June 28th, enjoy live performances at the Butchart Gardens Wednesday-Saturday during the evening on the concert lawn!

4. Folktoria – June 1 – 2

Celebrating a multicultural array of performing arts, food, and arts & crafts, Folktoria 2024 is back this year at Centennial Square. Catch live dance performances, sample eats from around the world, play a game or two, and soak in the diverse vibe that sets Victoria apart.

5. Sidney Thursday Night Street Market – June 6 – September 5

Spend a balmy Thursday evening strolling the streets of nearby Sidney, BC during their annual series of Street Markets! Check out booths from local vendors offering everything from baked goods and candy to jewelry and pottery, alongside a bevy of dining options from local food trucks. Find a one-of-a-kind souvenir from one of the artisan tents, grab some ripe summer berries from a produce booth and catch some live tunes from local musical acts.

6. Vic West Fest – June 8

Live music, mouthwatering eats, interactive exhibits and an abundance of family friendly activities – mark your calendar for this year’s Vic West Fest! Located at the Victoria West Community Theatre & Banfield park, enjoy an afternoon under the sun as community spirit and the vibrance of Victoria’s culture brings together residents, local businesses, and visitors!

7. Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival – June 14 – 16

Follow the sounds of strumming banjos and thrumming upright bass to this year’s Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival! Catch shows from artists traveling from as far away as Nashville, plus an assortment of local favorites such as The Doggone Brothers and The Clover Point Drifters. Tucked in the stunning Cowichan Valley, you’ll be located in the heart of Vancouver Island’s burgeoning wine scene as well as mere minutes away from hiking and cycling trails that wind past old-growth forests and tranquil lakes.

8. Celebrate Father’s Day – June 18

Give dad an experience to remember with a day of exploration in Victoria! Does he have a taste for malted marvels? Toast to pops with a lineup of frothy suds on a tasting tour of the Victoria’s finest suds. Is a day on water more his speed? Head out on whale watching adventure and seize the chance to meet the PNW’s most iconic marine inhabitants on tour with Eagle Wing Whale Watching or Five Star whale watching. History buff? Catch a Hop-on Hop-off & Craigdarroch Castle tour to explore the historic palace and dive deep into the culture of BC’s capital city.

9. Ska and Reggae Festival – June 19 – 23

Cruise over to Ship Point in the Inner Harbour for five full days of laid-back tunes at Victoria’s Ska and Reggae Festival. Celebrating their 25th anniversary with a massive lineup, enjoy talented artists from across the world as you dance the night away.

10. Victoria International Jazz Festival – June 21 – 30

Head downtown for a night of mellow bass, soothing vocals and bright horns at the Victoria International JazzFest! As the longest running multi-day professional music festival on Vancouver Island, JazzFest has been offering its devoted audience a broad scope of entertainment for 40 years running. Spread across eight venues around the downtown area, the festival features jazz cats both new and old.

With this wide array of events and activities kicking off in June, it’s the perfect time to cruise up on the Victoria Clipper fast ferry for a getaway! Stroll through outdoor markets, catch some stellar live music or take a quick trip to Brazil by way of dinner and dancing! With exciting cultural attractions taking place every week, Victoria is the perfect locale for fueling your early summer wanderlust.

10 Things to Do in Victoria, BC This June