Calendar of Events

Festivals held in Vancouver and Victoria draw millions of visitors each year and reflect an extraordinary diversity of cultures and events. Things may seem a little quiet in the winter and early spring, but that's because most residents simply head for the ski slopes. Resorts such as Whistler Blackcomb (tel. 800/944-7853; www.tourismwhistler.com) have events happening nearly every weekend. If no contact number or location is given for any of the events listed, Tourism Vancouver (tel. 604/683-2000; www.tourismvancouver.com) can provide further details.

January

Annual Bald Eagle Count, Goldstream Provincial Park. More than 3,000 bald eagles take up residence to feed on the salmon, which begin to run in October. The eagle count usually takes place in mid- to late January, when the numbers peak. Throughout December and January, the park offers educational programs, displays, and guest speakers. Call tel. 250/478-9414, or visit www.goldstreampark.com for exact dates.

Robert Burns's Birthday. Celebrating the birthday of the great Scottish poet, events around Victoria and Vancouver include Scottish dancing, piping, and feasts of haggis. Most events take place in pubs. January 25.

February

Chinese New Year, Chinatown. Late January or early February.

Trumpeter Swan Festival, Comox Valley. A weeklong festival celebrates these magnificent white birds that gather in the Comox Valley. Check dates with the Vancouver Island tourist office (tel. 250/754-3500).

Flower Count. So many flowers bloom in Victoria and the surrounding area that the city holds an annual flower count. The third week in February is a great time to see the city as it comes alive with vibrant colors. Call tel. 250/953-2033 for more info. Late February/early March.

March

Victoria Festival of Wine. Sample wines from British Columbia and around the world at this yearly festival. Food and music add to the enjoyment, as well as lectures and seminars for beginners and experts. For more information visit www.victoriafestivalofwine.com. Mid-March (dates vary yearly).

Pacific Rim Whale Festival, Tofino, Ucluelet, and Pacific Rim National Park. Every spring, more than 20,000 gray whales migrate past this coastline, attracting visitors to Vancouver Island's west coast beaches. The event features live crab races, storytelling, parades, art shows, guided whale-spotting hikes, and whale-watching boat excursions. Call tel. 250/725-4426, or visit www.pacificrimwhalefestival.org for more information. Mid-March to early April.

April

Annual Brant Wildlife Festival, Qualicum Beach. This 3-day celebration of the annual black brant migration to the area (20,000 birds) includes guided walks through old-growth forest and saltwater and freshwater marshes that are home to hundreds of bird species. For information, call tel. 250/752-9171, or visit www.brantfestival.bc.ca. Early April.

May

Harbour Festival. This 10-day festival takes place in Victoria's downtown district and features heritage walks, entertainment, music, and more. For information, call tel. 250/953-2033, or visit www.tourismvictoria.com. Last week of May.

Swiftsure Weekend. International sailing races make for spectacular scenery on the waters around Victoria. For information, call tel. 250/953-2033, or visit www.tourismvictoria.com. End of May.

June

Jazz Fest International. Jazz, swing, bebop, fusion, and improv artists from across the globe perform at various venues around Victoria during this 10-day festival (tel. 250/388-4423; www.jazzvictoria.ca). Late June/early July.

July

Canada Day. Victoria, the provincial capital, celebrates this national holiday with events centered on the Inner Harbour, including music, food, and fireworks. July 1.

Victoria Pride Celebration. Victoria's gay and lesbian community celebrates with a week of activities that culminates in a downtown parade and festival at Fisherman's Wharf Park. For more info visit www.victoriapridesociety.org. First week in July.

August

First Peoples Festival. This free event highlights the heritage of the Pacific Northwest First Nations with performances, carving demonstrations, and cultural displays at the Royal B.C. Museum (tel. 250/384-3211 or 250/953-3557). Second week in August.

Fringe Festival. Anything goes at this annual alternative theater festival. The festival is a summer's-end 12-day celebration of some of the most innovative theater offered anywhere in the country at eight locations throughout downtown Victoria. For more information call tel. 250/383-2663, or visit www.intrepidtheatre.com. Late August/early September.

Classic Boat Festival. Boaters from around the world converge in Victoria's Inner Harbour for this annual Labour Day weekend celebration, which includes races, a parade of steam vessels, a cruise up the Gorge Waterway, and vessels open for tours. For more information call tel. 250/383-8306. Last weekend in August.

September

The Great Canadian Beer Festival. Featuring samples from the province's best microbreweries, this event is held at the Victoria Conference Centre, 720 Douglas St. For more information call tel. 250/952-0360, or visit www.gcbf.com. Early September.

October

Royal Victoria Marathon. This annual race attracts runners from around the world (half-marathon course available, too). Call tel. 250/658-4520, or go to www.royalvictoriamarathon.com for more info. Early October (Canadian Thanksgiving weekend).

November

Remembrance Day. November 11.

December

Merrython Fun Run. This annual 8km (5.5-mile) race loops through Oak Bay and downtown Victoria. Call (tel. 250/953-2033) for details. Early December.

First Night. Call Tourism Victoria at tel. 250/953-2033 for more details. December 31.