Springtime Splendor in Victoria: Four Events You’ll Want to Check Out!

Spring is a great time to take in everything that Victoria has to offer with its beautiful landscape and natural scenery. As the plants bloom and many small animals emerge from hibernation after a long winter, you will enjoy average temperatures of 10 to 18 degrees Celsius (50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit), which is the perfect weather for you to enjoy all of your spring break activities in Victoria, BC. The spring season brings with it so many fun things to do in Victoria; you won’t want to miss out! Some springtime Victoria events include: Victoria Beer Week, the Capital City Comic Con, the 121st Island Farms Victoria Day Parade, and the blooming of the famous cherry blossoms. Read on for a full overview of these exciting events!

Home Base: Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA

First, settle in at the Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA, nestled between Fisherman’s Wharf and the beautiful inner harbour. This hotel in Victoria offers astonishing views and natural beauty to go with its many amenities, ensuring you to have a complete hotel experience full of fun and relaxation. With gorgeous event spaces, a water taxi stop nearby, and the award-winning Blue Crab Seafood House, you will have everything you need for an amazing stay. Tip: all hotel guests are welcome to take advantage of the complimentary shuttle service within the downtown core (available from 7:30 am to 11 pm).

1. Cherry Blossoms In and Around Victoria

Photo: Tourism Victoria

Kick off your Victoria trip with a stroll down the city streets and see the trees come alive with beautiful colours of pink and white. While this is not an official festival, it is certainly a sight to see and one of the best reasons to visit Victoria in spring. Depending on the weather and species, generally from mid-February to May, cherry blossom trees transform the streets with fabulous bursts of colour and gently falling pink and white petals. The many varieties of trees bloom over the four-month period, but the peak of pink perfection is usually in early April. There are thousands of trees throughout the city, but there are some particularly good spots to take in the views. View Street—aptly named—is one of the first streets to bloom. Menzies Street, Belleville Street at the Inner Harbour, James Bay, Beacon Hill Park, and Government Street will also provide you with the sweet sights you’re looking for.

2. Victoria Beer Week 2019

You will find no shortage of things to do in Victoria on any day of the week. But this year, taking place from March 1-9 is Victoria Beer Week. Featuring more than 40 British Columbia craft breweries in venues across the city, the event focuses on education and features a diverse beer selection so that you can enjoy a whole week of fun and festivities.

Here’s the schedule at a glance:

Friday – Lift Off

You can taste 12 brand new beers from some of BC’s best breweries while enjoying delicious eats from Victoria Public Market’s fantastic vendors.

Saturday – Long Table Brewery Tour | All About the Wood

Rob Mangelsdorf, editor of The Growler magazine, will be there when you jump on board the West Coast Brew bus for an evening of good food, good company, and of course, very good beer. The fun continues when the shuttle drops you off at All About the Wood for more sampling of a wide range of beer styles. 

Photo: Tourism Victoria

Sunday – Homebrewing Workshop

This lunchtime event led by Clay Potter is guaranteed to entertain while you learn the basics of homebrewing.

Monday – Beer, Pizza, and Gelato | Ultimate Craft Beer Quiz

This pizza and beer party includes four different wood-fired pizzas, each one paired with a craft beer, followed by dessert. Or visit the Northern Quarter for an Ultimate Craft Beer Quiz to test your beer knowledge.

Tuesday – Taco Tuesday

A reason to love Tuesdays! You can expect some awesome beer and taco pairings at the Victoria Public Market.

Wednesday – Beer Cocktails Competition

Six of Victoria’s best bartenders will compete to create cocktails using craft beer and spirits from Vancouver Island distilleries. You get to taste the creations, vote on your favourites, and see who the judges pick to win. But the real winner here is you!

Thursday – Pucker Up

Are you ready to make that famous “duck face?” Sample some sour brews from a list of 20+ sour beers spread between Garrick’s Head Pub and The Churchill.

Friday – Drink Your Hops & Eat 'Em Too

Do you love hops? Fun fact: they’re not just for beer, you can cook with them too! Come sip and sample some beer and bites prepared by the Victoria Public Market vendors.

Photo: Tourism Victoria

Saturday – Brewmaster’s Brunch | Saturday Night Casks

Craft beer, delicious food, and some good old-fashioned socializing are what you'll find at the Brewmaster’s Brunch. Just make sure you don’t miss one of the most popular closing event: a cask night celebrating craft beer creativity! With a collection of over 25 unique cask-conditioned beers from BC breweries, you will have to save some room for the amazing food provided by the fantastic vendors from Victoria Public Market.

3. Capital City Comic Con – March 22-24, 2019

If you’re into comics, toys, games, family fun, science fiction, special guests, and pop culture of all kinds, you’ll have a great time at Capital City Comic Con! You will experience three days of panels, cosplay related excitement, autographs, vendors, and much more in the Victoria Conference Centre and Crystal Garden. #CapCityComic

4. 121st Island Farms Victoria Day Parade

Led by the Canadian Forces, this is Victoria’s largest parade and event, attracting well over 100,000 people. On Monday, May 20, 2019 at 2 pm, join this multicultural event featuring talented Canadian and American marching bands, community and commercial floats, and cultural performances supported by many of the local businesses. Following this free event, you can join the “Celebration Square” in Centennial Square where the party keeps marching on!

Where to Dine & Unwind in Victoria

After a day of fun activities, head back to Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA and refuel at the finest seafood spot in Victoria, the Blue Crab Seafood House. Boasting the freshest seafood, seasonal culinary creations, and mouth-watering menus, you are in for a delight. You’ll want to check back often so you don't miss out on seasonal promotions showcasing the absolute best seafood in the area. Hotel Amenities to Help You Have a Relaxing Stay

During your stay, enjoy features and amenities such as:

• Free Wi-Fi 
• Indoor/ outdoor pool 
• Fitness centre 
• Whirlpool & sauna 
• Business Centre 
• A full-service 52-slip marina with slip rentals 
• Accessible & pet-friendly rooms 
• Electric charging stations 
• Level 3 Canada Access Rating

Plus, you can find these signature APA Hotel amenities at the hotel:

• TOTO^Ⓡ Washlets electronic bidet seats 
• 55” flat-screen TVs 
• Slippers 
• Traditional welcoming origami cranes

The Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA has you covered for your springtime getaway. With so many fabulous things to do in Victoria, you will keep coming back to this spectacular oceanfront location for many seasons to come.