The Maritime Museum of BC’s 46th Annual Victoria Classic Boat Festival Sails into the Inner Harbour 

Now in its 46th year, the Victoria Classic Boat Festival, run by the Maritime Museum of BC, returns to Victoria’s Inner Harbour this Labour Day weekend from 29 – 31 August, 2025.

Spend your weekend viewing up to 90 beautiful and history-rich heritage and classic vessels—expertly restored, rebuilt, and painstakingly maintained. Docks are open 9 AM – 8 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 9 AM – 6 PM on Sunday. Admission is open, with a $5 dock donation suggested to keep this Victoria classic event sailing into the future.

This iconic Victoria weekend event is supported by the City of Victoria, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, Gregory C. Marshall Naval Architect Ltd., Abernethy & Gaudin Boatbuilders Ltd., CFAX 1070, CTV, Virgin Radio 107.3 and Canadian Pacific Lawn Bowling & Croquet Club. Festival partner Vancouver Island Caribbean Hub will be holding their 2nd annual i-Land Fest of Caribbean music, dance, cuisine, and art at Ship Point—the downtown waterfront will be filled with programming and things to do and see all weekend long!

So many exciting Festival highlights for 2025! Hotly anticipated is the return of 1897 sailing vessel Dorothy—fresh off a summer of touring other festivals, youth sailing programs, and regattas on the Salish Sea. Live maritime music awaits you right on the docks! The Festival’s Artists Aboard Program features three local maritime artists sketching on the docks and creating new works from their weekend of experiences. Visitors are encouraged to come down for the boats, music, and to talk with the artists documenting these vessels.

As always, the Sunday Sail Past and Sail Race is a beloved tradition, with vessels saluting Honorary Commodore William Harpster and registered sailboats embracing the wind in pursuit of coveted sailing awards. Refuel throughout the weekend at the Yacht Dogs Cafe right on the docks, featuring hot dogs and ice cream.

About the Victoria Classic Boat Festival

The Victoria Classic Boat Festival is a spectacular annual gathering of vessels of a Classic design, both new and old, power and sail. Vessels attend from all over the Pacific Northwest, with the occasional visiting vessel from distant oceans. Each year during the Labour Day weekend, approximately 10,000 visitors tour the docks and the boats on display. The public is invited to view the boats while they are moored at the Inner Harbour docks. Many owners generously offer tours of their boats.
  
Brittany Vis, Executive Director of the Maritime Museum of BC and Festival Administrator, noted that “the Pacific Northwest is blessed with an enormous number of traditional boats – from sailboats, to workboats, to cruisers.”

“The Festival began in 1977 with the idea that our maritime heritage must not only be preserved, but also celebrated,” Vis said, “This 46th celebration in the Inner Harbour, the Festival’s open docks, events, and activities serve to engage our community and visitors with our maritime history, culture, arts, music, and its ongoing story. ” 

Public Events

The Sail Past and Sail Race starting at 11:00 AM on Sunday, August 31 are traditional sailing events where spectators can watch the parade of ships from the Inner Harbour—ships follow the salute vessel Midnight Sun out into the Salish Sea. There are three recommended vantage points for the public: Barb’s Fish and Chips at Fisherman’s Wharf, the Ogden Point Breakwater, and Clover Point. Stick around to catch the Sail Race when power vessels return to the harbour!

The Yacht Dogs Café is open on the floating dock directly beside the Causeway ramp. Hot dogs and veggie dogs are $5; cold drinks, coffee, donuts, and chips are $3. Open Friday from 19:00 – 8:00 PM; Saturday from 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; and Sunday from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

Find all events on the Maritime Museum of BC’s Event Calendar