Victoria Classic Boat Festival 2026
The Pacific Northwest's premier heritage boating event returns to Victoria's Inner Harbour for a full weekend of classic vessels, dockside tours, the iconic Sail Past and an annual sailing race.
Friday, September 4 – Sunday, September 6, 2026
Inner Harbour Lower Causeway (in front of the Empress Hotel) · Festival Hub at Ship Point
Free at the public docks — donations gratefully accepted at the gate
2026 Festival Program
- Friday · Sept 4
Docks Open & Arrival
Public docks open. Historic vessels arrive throughout the day and light up the harbour at dusk.
- Saturday · Sept 5
Open-Dock Tours
Full day of open-dock vessel tours, live maritime music and local Plein Air artists working at Ship Point.
- Sunday · Sept 6
Sail Past & Race
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Classic Sail Past (best views from the Lower Causeway or Clover Point).
1:00 PM: Annual Sailing Race between Clover Point and Ogden Point.
Where To Go At The Inner Harbour
Inner Harbour Lower Causeway docks — directly in front of the Fairmont Empress Hotel. Walk the docks to see classic wooden sailboats, working vessels and heritage powerboats up close.
Ship Point hosts the festival gift shop, information booths, live music and local artists throughout the weekend.
Plan Your Visit
Free lifejacket loans are typically available for children on the docks, courtesy of the Canadian Coast Guard.
Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome to join you on the public docks.
The physical Maritime Museum of BC at 744 Douglas Street is closed during the festival so all staff can be down at the docks helping visitors.
Continue Planning Your Visit
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Victoria Classic Boat Festival?+
The festival runs Friday, September 4 through Sunday, September 6, 2026 at Victoria's Inner Harbour.
How much does it cost to attend?+
Public dock viewing is free by donation at the gate. Donations support the host, the Maritime Museum of British Columbia.
Where is the best place to watch the Classic Sail Past?+
The best public vantage points are the Lower Causeway in the Inner Harbour and Clover Point along Dallas Road.
Can I bring my dog?+
Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome on the public docks during the festival.
Are lifejackets available for children?+
The Canadian Coast Guard typically provides free lifejacket loans for children on the docks during the festival.