The sun was shining, the atmosphere festive, kids were smiling and people draped in their best maple leaf flags as Saanich celebrated Canada Day.
Marking its 25th anniversary, the Gorge Canada Day Picnic opened its doors to thousands of residents from Greater Victoria and beyond for a day of celebration and family-friendly activities, explained organizer Vera Wynn-Williams.
Marking the quarter-century milestone, Wynn-Williams recalled the history behind the beloved celebration, which has its roots in humble beginnings.
“It started with a group of our original organizers who had the idea of having a car-free zone for one day a year where kids can ride their bikes down Gorge Road,” she said. “At first, we had a few stages and a pancake breakfast and it just steadily grew.”
Today, the community party has grown into a full-fledged day-long celebration, transforming a 2.2-kilometre stretch of Gorge Road – from Admirals to Tillicum – into a bustling event of live music, 29 food trucks, 65 local vendors and activities for all ages.
With blissful weather on their side, Wynn-Williams expects near-record attendance, with as many as 15,000 people estimated in attendance.
“So far, we were hitting those pre-COVID numbers,” she said. “The attendance is fantastic. It's a beautiful day and we're blessed with the weather, so people just come out.”
Part of the event’s charm, the organizer explained, lies in the sheer variety of offerings — from classics like the pancake breakfast, expected to serve more than 800 people, to the popular strawberry tea, which draws a similar crowd.
While some may prefer to sit down and grab a bite, others take the chance to stretch their legs and test their athletic skills. That includes Ezra, who, under the watchful eye of his father, Chris Hill, scored countless soccer goals at one of the event’s activities.
“We were curious to see what was going on for Canada Day,” said Hill, attending his first picnic after moving to Victoria from Vancouver a month ago. “It’s awesome, we love it. It’s easy to get here, the kids are having a great time, and it’s so beautiful out.”
While Hill said he plans to return next year, Wynn-Williams encouraged anyone who hasn’t experienced the Gorge Canada Day Picnic to mark this day on their calendars.
“Come next year! It’s a beautiful day to stroll along the Gorge, and there’s something for everyone. It’s very family-friendly and almost everything is free.”
