Celebrations and Ceremonies

Because of its designation as the Capital city, Victoria is a location of symbolic rituals, ceremonies and  celebrations along with being a gathering place for protests. 

Annual ceremonies at the Parliament Buildings include the Opening of the Legislature in February and October and Remembrance Day in November.  For a detailed schedule of other events, check out the grounds calendar of events.

Annual ceremonies at Government House, the ceremonial home of all British Columbians and the residence of the Lieutenant Governor, include:

• The New Year’s Day Levee (open house)
• Order of BC Awards
• Lieutenant Governor’s Awards

Victoria’s beautiful Inner Harbour, nestled between the Parliament Buildings, Empress Hotel and Royal BC Museum, forms a natural amphitheatre for celebrations and ceremonies.  This location is the focus of Canada Day and BC Day celebrations in the region.  For information on other ceremonies and event held in the Inner Harbour of Victoria, BC, see the Tourism Victoria website www.tourismvictoria.com