The Maritime Museum of BC

Classic Boat Festival Friday, Day 1
2024-08-30 09:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | 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”.

Sensory-Friendly Hours
2024-09-08 09:30 - 12:00, 2024-09-15 09:30 - 12:00, 2024-09-22 09:30 - 12:00, 2024-09-29 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.

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

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

Sea Glass Jewelry Workshop
2024-09-21 14:00 - 15:15 | The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W3M6, Canada
Learn about the history of sea glass in this interactive workshop and design your own piece of jewelry using locally sourced sea glass.

Salty Sundays: Linocut Printmaking Workshop
2024-09-22 14:00 - 16:00 | 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.

Behind-the-Scenes Collection Tour
2024-09-27 13:00 - 15:00 | Seymour Place, 4000 Seymour Place, Saanich, British Columbia, V8X 4S7, Canada
Have you ever wondered what’s behind those Staff Only doors at your favourite museums? Now’s your chance to find out. Join us at the Maritime Museum of BC for a look behind the scenes. Each month, one of our Collections Tour Guides will lead a small group through a particular aspect of our collection.

This month’s guide is Gene Fedderly with a look at the MMBC’s uniform collection.

Participants should meet in the lobby of 4000 Seymour Place at 1 pm on Friday, September 27th. The tour will take place from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm.

Tours are limited to six participants and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

About Your Guide:

Gene Fedderly was born in 1963 in Edmonton, Alberta and grew up primarily in nearby Sherwood Park. At 13 he joined the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and underwent summer training at HMCS QUADRA in Comox. He joined the Naval Reserve at HMCS NONSUCH in 1980 and in 1981 enrolled in the Regular Officer Training Plan. He graduated from Royal Roads Military College with a BSc in 1985 and completed Maritime Surface officer training at HMCS VENTURE in 1986. Gene then joined his first operational ship, HMCS TERRA NOVA, where he achieved his Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate, and after specialty training carried on as her Above Water Warfare Officer. He served in a variety of seagoing and staff positions on the West Coast, retiring from the Royal Canadian Navy in 2013 with the rank of lieutenant-commander. He transferred to the Cadet Training Organization in 2015 and spent the next five summers as a staff officer at HMCS QUADRA. Gene spent his naval career with a keen interest in tradition and ceremonial, and commenced volunteering with the Maritime Museum in 2021 on updating the cataloguing of the uniform collection.

Museum Tots - Go For Gold! (Rushes)
2024-09-28 10:30 - 11:15

Museum Tots - Deep Sea Discoveries
2024-10-05 10:30 - 11:15
