Gorge Canada Day Picnic
brought to you by
In 2026, presented by
Get To Know The Picnic
So Much Fun To Experience!
Time & Location
The Gorge Canada Day Picnic is on July 1, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., along the beautiful Gorge Waterway.
The length of Gorge Road West, from Tillicum Rd to Admirals Rd, hosts the event and will be closed to traffic from 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Scan (or click) QR Code for Live Map
Features & Events
Fun for the whole family, including:- The Canada Day Family Parade
- Pancake Breakfast
- Voyageur Canoe Rides on the Gorge
- Show and Shine Car Show
- Kids Zone with Inflatables & Activities
- Gorge on Art with 30 Participants
- The Canada Day Market with 65 Vendors
- Strawberry Tea at the Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club
- 29 Food Trucks
- Ponies
- A Dunk Tank
- Puppets
- Plus much more!
Featured Performers
Main Stage 2026
12:00pm
Rick & Rusty
Combining over a century of musical experience, Russ Godfrey
(Guitar and vocals) and Rick Van Krugel (Mandolin family
instruments, guitar and vocals) are a duo whose musical roots grow
deep. Influenced by almost every genre of music this intrepid duo
offers an inspired and eclectic show.
Styles of music vary from vintage popular songs to the traditional
ethnic music of the American South (including such genres as blues,
jug band, Appalachian fiddle tunes and country) and the Celtic
musings of Scotland and Ireland.
Enjoy the show!
1:30pm
The Midnights
The Midnights are an Electrifying Motown, Soul, Pop and Funk Band. Known as one of Canada's hottest, most distinctive, and exceptional acts the band is also popular internationally.
The Midnights’ show recreates the high stepping, choreographed energizing performances of all the great Pop, Motown, R&B and Funk artists.
The Midnights are dazzling, exciting and a treat to watch, listen and Dance to.
You can also catch an intimate performance at the Gorge on Art stage, local musicians busking their stuff at Busker's Corner, and other entertainment along the way.
Plan Your Day
There's so much going on, all throughout the day!
9:00am-9:30am
Family Parade
Find It On The MapKids on bikes, fire engines, classic police cruisers, street entertainers, municipal, provincial and federal representatives, plus special guests to lead the way -- our quintessential family parade leads the way West along Gorge Rd from Tillicum to complete at Admirals Rd at the Pancake Breakfast.
Family Parade
8:30am-11:00am
Pancake Breakfast
Find It On The MapServed up by the Saanich Fire Department with all procedures going towards their burn fund, the classic Pancake Breakfast at Craigflower-Kosapsom Park is a great place to start your day. Enjoy music at Busker's Corner while you enjoy your breakfast.
Pancake Breakfast
9:00am-4:00pm
Canada Day Market
Find It On The MapShop wares from amazing local vendors at the Canada Day Market. There are 60+ vendors to browse, offering everything from custom t-shirts and leather crafts to knitted treasures and jewelry galore!
Canada Day Market
9:00am-4:00pm
Gorge on Art
Find It On The MapWith over 30 incredible artists, this part of the Picnic will have you wondering how much you can carry home!
Gorge on Art
9:00am-4:00pm
Show & Shine Car Show
Find It On The MapNot just classic cars, this wide variety includes your classic oldies plus modern high performance sports cars and everything in between.
Show & Shine Car Show
9:00am-4:00pm
Kids Zone
Find It On The MapInflatables, road hockey, drum workshops, plus much much more. This zone is designed for all the young ones coming to celebrate our community.
Kids Zone
9:00am-4:00pm
Big Canoe Rides
Find It On The MapLeaving from the Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club, enjoy the senic views of the day long event from the water.
Canoe Rides
10:00am-3:00pm
Busker's Corner
Find It On The MapEnjoy musicians from the neighbourhood who just want to get up and play a tune.
Busker's Corner
12:00pm-4:00pm
Main Stage Entertainment
Find It On The MapThe main acts are still to be determined.
Main Stage Entertainment
>
1:30pm-3:30pm
Strawberry Tea
Find It On The MapEnjoy the classic strawberry and shortcake with tea in the Victoria Canoe and Kayak Clubhouse.
Strawberry Tea
Something For Everyone
"The Picnic" is a family friendly event with something to enjoy for the entire community, from the traditional Parade and Pancake Breakfast, to 20+ diverse food trucks and 60+ market vendors.
Learn MoreCanada Day Parade
Kids Zone
Pancake Breakfast
Sponsors
The Gorge Tillicum Community Association would like to thank our generous sponsors for helping us make the 2025 Gorge Canada Day Picnic one of the best community events in Greater Victoria. Thank-you for your support! Are you interested in helping sponsor the 26th Gorge Canada Day Picnic in 2026? Check out how to become a sponsor, and be a part of making this event amazing.
Presented By
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Latest News
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March 29, 2026
General registration is now open for new participants in our Canada Day Market however spots are limited. Learn More.
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March 15, 2026
Invitations have been sent out to last year's Community Engagement Participants.
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March 12, 2026
Invitations have been sent out to last year's Food Vendors and Canada Day Market Vendors.
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February 1, 2026
Planning has commenced! If you want to be involved with this beautiful event that celebrates our community, we're looking for fun and able-bodied individuals to join us to make this the BEST Picnic ever. Join us today.
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January 1, 2026
Yes, the Gorge Canada Day Picnic is on again in 2026 for its 26th season! Plan to be there on Wednesday July 1, 2026.
The Gorge Tillicum Community Association respectfully acknowledges that we reside on the traditional territories of the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Kosapsum) peoples. We honor and respect these Nations for their enduring stewardship of the land, waters, and resources since time immemorial.
The GTCA is committed to taking meaningful action to build respectful and reciprocal relations with the Songhees and Kosapsum peoples on whose land and waterways our members have the privilege of living.