Salty Sundays: Linocut Printmaking Workshop
2024-08-18 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
An educational and creative drop-in workshop that teaches participants how to create linocut bookmark/postcard prints, while learning about Salish Sea animals and the environmental risk factors that threaten their lives and ecosystems. No experience is necessary. Drop in and start creating!

This program is included in admission or membership, and does not require registration.

Nautical Chart Art Family Workshop
2024-08-22 14:00 - 16:00 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
Update nautical charts into framed works of art using origami and iris-folding techniques.

Set sail on a memorable family experience and gain an appreciation for the rich history of map making. Join us in repurposing old nautical charts into captivating art pieces while exploring the fascinating history of charting the land we now call Vancouver Island. Together, you’ll learn creative techniques like origami and iris folding to transform these charts into a shadow box design for your home.

Ticket is for two individuals and includes all materials for one nautical chart art shadow box and admission to the Maritime Museum of BC (valid for 24 hours). Recommended for ages 7 and up.

Museum Tots
2024-08-24 10:30 - 11:15 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
This weekly program introduces children ages 3 – 5 to the fun world of museum learning. Each week’s program revolves around a new theme, encouraging children to learn through crafts, play, song, and dance. There is a new maritime theme every week.

No registration required–drop-ins welcome!

For more information, please call us at 250-385-4222 or email us at programs@mmbc.bc.ca.

Please note that parents are required to stay for the duration of the program.

Sea Lantern Workshop
2024-08-24 14:00 - 15:15 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
Transform a simple mason jar into your own “sea lantern” while learning how lighthouses have been instrumental in keeping mariners safe here since the 1800s.

Sensory-Friendly Hours
2024-08-25 09:30 - 12:00, 2024-09-08 09:30 - 12:00, 2024-09-15 09:30 - 12:00 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
Explore the Maritime Museum of BC during our weekly Sensory-Friendly hours, designed for visitors who prefer a quiet and subdued environment. Enjoy low-volume surroundings, dimmed lighting, and a scent-free atmosphere. These dedicated hours provide an inclusive experience for all, ensuring everyone can engage with our exhibits comfortably and peacefully.

Sensory kits are available to borrow during your visit from the front desk during all opening hours.

Maritime Masterclasses: A West Coast Trail Preparation Primer
2024-08-25 14:00 - 15:30 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
Prepare for your West Coast Trail adventure with experienced hiker, Chantal Webb! Learn what to pack and what to leave behind, get insider tips for booking the trail, and gain essential hiking knowledge, including trail etiquette, wildlife safety, and navigation techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-timer, this primer ensures you’re ready for a successful and unforgettable journey.

This program does not require registration, but you can register to ensure your spot. It is included in the cost of admission or with a MMBC membership.

Instructor Chantal Webb has been a runner her entire life. After 28 years, she decided to offset some of her running with hiking, to reduce the strain on her joints.

Being the type of person who jumps into everything with both feet, the first hike she wanted to do was an 8-week, 1,000 km section of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). After planning and training for a year and a half, she hiked for 6 weeks and achieved 700 kilometers.

Chantal was happy to find that she loved hiking – with the scenery, challenge and occasional solitude – and learned a lot! She returned to the PCT last year for 3 weeks and 350 kms and will return this year for a month and 500 kms. She hiked the West Coast Trail last summer and really enjoyed the difference in the experience from dry California to muddy Vancouver Island.

Instructor Jamie Webb is a third generation Victorian whose grandfather sailed in the famed clipper Thermopylae in the 1890’s. In 1988 Jamie completed a four-year apprenticeship in Rigging and Sailmaking.

For the last 20 years he has worked for the Royal Canadian Navy and is currently their Senior Protocol Officer. Jamie has been a naval reserve officer and instructor with the Sea Cadet programme since 1983.

Classic Boat Festival Friday, Day 1
2024-08-30 09:00 - 20:00 | Inner Harbour, Wharf Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y9, Canada
Up to 100 classic vessels in Victoria’s Inner Harbour over Labour Day weekend. Docks open to the public; suggested donation of $5 for entry, with all funds benefiting the Maritime Museum of BC’s programs, exhibits, and collections care.

Yacht Dogs Café
2024-08-30 10:00 - 20:00, 2024-08-31 09:00 - 20:00, 2024-09-01 09:00 - 18:00 | Inner Harbour, Wharf Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y9, Canada
Enjoy snacks throughout the day to keep you fueled as you peruse 80+ heritage vessels in the Inner Harbour!

$5 – hot dogs, veggie dogs, corn on the cob

$3 – coffee, cold drinks, donuts, chips

Find the Yacht Dogs Café on the floating dock directly beside the ramp from the Causeway to the Inner Harbour docks.

Lekwungen Welcome Ceremony and Classic Boat Festival Kick-Off
2024-08-30 12:00 - 12:30 | Inner Harbour, Wharf Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y9, Canada
The Lekwungen Welcome Ceremony will be held on the docks, as Salute Vessel MV Midnight Sun arrives in the Inner Harbour with the Honorary Commodore and dignitaries aboard to kick off the 45th annual Classic Boat Festival.

Feature Performer: The Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy
2024-08-30 12:30 - 14:30 | Inner Harbour, Wharf Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y9, Canada
See the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy perform on the Touchdown Festival main stage in the Ship Point parking lot!

The Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), in operation since 1940, is comprised of thirty five professional full-time musicians whose primary role within the Royal Canadian Navy is to support Naval Operations, ceremonial events, and public outreach initiatives. Currently under the direction of Lieutenant (Navy) Ben Van Slyke, the Band performs in a variety of ensembles ranging from parade band and concert band to big band, brass and woodwind quintets, and rock and contemporary ensembles.

Music Program: Bilgewater
2024-08-30 14:30 - 16:30
Singing primarily vocal harmony with some instrumental accompaniment; the band draws their inspiration and style from the likes of: Great Big Sea, The Dreadnoughts, Stan Rogers, David Coffin and any other historical seafaring songs they can find. Expect theatrics and full costume with Bilgewater on stage!

Current Members: Kris Samuels, Eric Eder, Jody Onuma, Norman St Jean and Caroline Hubatka

Boater's Victoriana Lawn Bowling Welcome Reception
2024-08-30 16:00 - 18:00 | Canadian Pacific Lawn Bowling and Croquet Club, 720 Belleville Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 1A3, Canada
One of several exciting Boater events for the Classic Boat Festival.

The Welcome Reception – a Victoriana Gin & Tea Sandwich Party – will be held at the Canadian Pacific Lawn Bowling and Croquet Club on Friday, 30 August from 4:00 – 6:00 PM. Wear whites, enjoy a game on the lawn, and get to know your fellow boaters. Light snacks and beverages will be served, with a cash/debit/credit bar.

All Boater Registrations include two complimentary tickets to the Welcome Reception, but additional tickets can be purchased at the registration link for $25 each. This event is only open to Registered Boaters and their guests.

This event is proudly sponsored by the Canadian Pacific Lawn Bowling and Croquet Club and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirit.

Classic Boat Festival Saturday, Day 2
2024-08-31 09:00 - 20:00 | Inner Harbour, Wharf Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y9, Canada
Up to 100 classic vessels in Victoria’s Inner Harbour over Labour Day weekend. Docks open to the public; suggested donation of $ for entry, with all funds benefiting the Maritime Museum of BC’s programs, exhibits, and collections care.

Feature Performer: Chiefs and Petty Officers' Association Band
2024-08-31 10:00 - 12:00 | Inner Harbour, Wharf Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y9, Canada
See the Chiefs and Petty Officers’ Association Band on the Inner Harbour Causeway.

Feature Performer: The Hounds of Cuchulain
2024-08-31 12:30 - 14:30 | Inner Harbour, Wharf Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y9, Canada
See the Hounds of Cuchulain perform on the Inner Harbour docks.

Music Program: Kouskous
2024-08-31 15:00 - 17:00
Kouskous is a World Folk Music Duo with an eclectic repertoire. Our interest in maritime culture stems from our interest in folks songs, along with the knowledge about the history of Victoria. As a port city, Victoria has its share of songs relating to the sea. In addition to a large number of English sea shanties, our program includes songs about the sea in French and Greek.

Music Program: Spindrift
2024-08-31 17:30 - 19:30
Mike Fenger and Joy Kruger have been part of the local acoustic music scene for over 30 years and have independently sung and performed in groups such as Lime Bay Mutiny, The Sidewalk Sailors, Spin Drift, The Nautical Song Circle, The Garden City Blueblowers, The Big Weee, and many casual duos and trios mostly connected through The Victoria Folk Music Society. Mike and Joy have performed together for the past nine months and have recently taken the name Spindrift for their performances of sea shanties and other songs of the sea.

Mike Fenger has performed the Classic Boat event in past years and sung shanties and sea songs at Ships Point with Lime Bay Mutiny (8 members) and the original Spindrift duo (which featured the strong sea-loving voice of the late Harry Martin who was a long-time member of the Maritime Museum). Outside of past appearances at the Classic Boat Festival Mike also performed with the Sidewalk Sailors and participated in Folkfest with the Nautical Song Circle.

For decades Joy Kruger has been a harmony singer much in demand and a lead singer of note. She is a seasoned performer and her enunciation and projection and warmth in performance endears her to those who have heard her perform. She was a fun-loving busker on the Victoria waterfront for many years and she has regularly performed at seniors’ centres, coffee shops, music clubs, and local music festivals including Vic West Fest and most recently with Mike at Fairfield-Gonzales Luminara Fest.

Boater's Skipper and Captain Meeting
2024-09-01 09:00 - 09:30
This meeting is for registered boaters, to plan their participation in the Sail Past. Marine Operations Head Bill Noon and Wharfinger Nick Banks will be on hand with vital information and timings.

Meet on the Causeway below Milestone’s.

Classic Boat Festival Sunday, Day 3
2024-09-01 09:00 - 18:00 | Inner Harbour, Wharf Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y9, Canada

Music Program: Seeking Sirens
2024-09-01 10:00 - 12:00
Seeking Sirens are a group singing primarily sea shanties and folk music, with occasional accompaniment. All members grew up in Victoria on the coast and have a lived connection to the city’s nautical culture.

Sail Past and Sail Race
2024-09-01 11:00 - 13:00
Watch classic vessels leave the Inner Harbour!

Head to the Ogden Point Causeway, Clover Point, or Barb’s Fish and Chips at Fisherman’s Wharf for the best view of the traditional Sail Past, and the Sail Race for sailing vessels.

Feature Performer: MMBC's Salty Singers
2024-09-01 13:00 - 15:00 | Inner Harbour, Wharf Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y9, Canada
The Maritime Museum of BC’s Salty Singers is a volunteer shanty choir led by Music Director Janet Rendell. They perform shanties and favourite sea songs at museum and community events.

Boater's Awards Banquet
2024-09-01 18:00 - 20:30 | Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville St., Victoria, BC V8V 1X3, Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 1X3, Canada
One of several exciting Boater events for the Classic Boat Festival.

The Awards Banquet in the Vancouver Island Ballroom at the Hotel Grand Pacific. The Awards Banquet will be held from 6:00 – 8:30 PM. Tickets are $75 each, and will not be sold at the door, so please purchase tickets through the boater registration link prior to the August 15 cut-off.

This event is only open to Registered Boaters and their guests. Tickets can be purchased through the Boater Registration portal, by scrolling down to “Add-Ons”.

Museum Tots - Pirates
2024-09-14 10:30 - 11:15

Museum Tots - Sharks
2024-09-21 10:30 - 11:15
