Downtown Victoria was a sea of red on July 1 as thousands of locals, visitors and new arrivals celebrate Canada Day at the B.C. Legislature grounds.
Throughout the day, celebrants had the opportunity to hear performances from local musicians, try Victoria-owned eateries, and fly the maple leaf ahead of the Inner Harbour fireworks in celebration of the 158th year of the Canadian confederation.
Along with some speakers, the celebration saw a long lineup of performers, from DJ Boitano and pop-rock band Miina, to poet laureate Shauntelle Dick-Charleson and the Lekwungen Traditional Dancers.
Kicking off the afternoon, Esquimalt Chief Jerome Thomas and Songhees Councillor Eugene Sam welcomed visitors to the celebration and thanked the large team of staff and volunteers who put the event together.
Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto also said some words, pointing out that she has never witnessed such an "extraordinary outpouring of love" for the country.
"Whether that reason is prompted by other folks in other countries, or whether it's just because we're rediscovering the fact that we've done an awful lot that maybe we've taken a bit for granted over the years, it's time to really recognize some of that and thank one another for doing all of the work that's created the modern country," said Alto.
Joining the celebrations in Victoria, Sooke, Langford, Saanich and Sidney all held their own festivities to mark the occasion.
