Remembrance Day is a time to honour those who have served Canada in times of war, military conflict and peace. There are plenty of events happening in Greater Victoria to commemorate Remembrance Day. Here is a list.
WEST SHORE
Metchosin: Remembrance Day March | Nov. 11 | 11 a.m.
The ceremony starts at 11 a.m. at the Cenotaph at St. Mary the Virgin Church (4354 Metchosin Rd.) followed by a march that will return to Metchosin Fire Hall where the 14th JDF Scouts will serve refreshments.
Colwood Cemony | Nov. 11 | 10:45-11:45 a.m.
Join the 7th Juan de Fuca Scouts at the Colwood Cenotaph in the Garry oak grove outside the Juan de Fuca Arena (1767 Island Highway). The Scouts will march from John Stubbs School to the cenotaph for a small ceremony at 10:45 a.m. and a moment of silence at 11 a.m.
The cenotaph marks where a Bofors gun was installed in 1942 to protect Esquimalt Harbour after a submarine shelled the Estevan Point Lighthouse north of Tofino.
Langford Ceremony | Nov. 11 | 10:40 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.
Join Langford Legion Branch #91 at the Langford Cenotaph in Veterans Memorial Park (2815 Veterans Memorial).
Sooke parade and ceremony | Nov. 11 | 10:30 a.m.
A parade begins at Evergreen Mall followed by a ceremony at the Sooke Legion Cenotaph (6727 Eustace Rd.).
THE CORE
Victoria ceremony | Nov. 11 | 10:30 a.m.
The province's official Remembrance Day ceremony, organized by the Victoria Remembrance Day Committee Poppy Fund, will be held at the Victoria Cenotaph at the B.C. Legislature (501 Belleville St.). Roads close at approximately 10 a.m. for spectators to gather.
The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s) will participate and will also conduct their own service afterwards at Pioneer Square by Christchurch Cathedral before marching back to Bay Street Armoury.
Esquimalt Cenotaph | Nov. 11 | 10 a.m. to noon
Join members of the Royal Canadian Navy, Cadets, Royal Canadian Legion, and Scouts Canada in a Remembrance Day parade and ceremony. There will be a parade starting at the Tudor House (Admirals and Esquimalt roads) that ends at the cenotaph in Memorial Park (1200 Esquimalt Rd.).
Hermann's Jazz Club special concerts | Nov. 8 and Nov. 10
On Nov. 8, Angela Verbrugge will perform traditional pop and jazz of the late '30s and '40s, along with a special reading and historical insights by military historian and author Susan Raby-Dunne.
On Nov. 10, Kelby MacNayr's Swing Rhythm Kings play a special Remembrance Day concert featuring music from the great band leaders and composers of the day.
Capriccio Vocal Ensemble at Christ Church Cathedral | Nov. 11 | 2:30-3:30 p.m.
A concert that shines a powerful spotlight on the untold stories of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour Canadians who served our country in the military. Featuring the Festive Brass Quintet, the majestic sounds of Christ Church Cathedral’s Wolff pipe organ, and bagpipes. Tickets are $18-35.
Saanich ceremony | Nov. 11 | 10:45-11:45 a.m.
Join the District of Saanich at the Cenotaph at Saanich Municipal Hall (770 Vernon Ave.) to pause in a silent moment of remembrance.
Royal Roads University ceremony and documentary screening | Nov. 11 | 10:40 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Join Royal Roads University, the Vancouver Island Ex-Cadet Club and CFB Esquimalt for a Remembrance Day ceremony at 10:40 a.m. on the Castle Terrace Lawn outside Hatley Castle (2005 Sooke Rd.).
Following the ceremony, at about 11:45 a.m., Dr. Geoffrey Bird, RRU professor and lead of the War Heritage Research Initiative, will present two of his documentary films, Trees of Remembrance: Shelbourne Memorial Avenue and War Memorials and Their Makers: Messengers of Meaning. Please note, the films are not suitable for children under 13 years old. This 45-minute presentation will be held on the Quarterdeck in the Grant Building.
The museum in the lower level of Hatley Castle will be open to the public for free from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Habitat Café will offer light refreshments for purchase from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Oak Bay Ceremony | Nov. 11 | 10:55 a.m.
A ceremony will take place at the Oak Bay Cenotaph (2900 block of Beach Drive). A livestream of the ceremony will also be available at lumeraevents.com/OakBayRemembers.
PENINSULA
Central Saanich ceremony | Nov. 11 | 10:50 a.m.
A ceremony to pay tribute to, honour, and remember those who have served and continue to serve our country during times of war, military conflict, and peacekeeping. Located at 1209 Clarke Rd., HEL,HILEC Park in Brentwood Bay at the Cenotaph.
Sidney Concert of Remembrance | Nov. 10 | 2 p.m.
The Sidney Concert Band presents its annual Concert of Remembrance at the Mary Winspear Centre. This year's event is Women and the War Effort, honouring Canadian women and their wartime contributions. For $30, the performance includes singers, bagpipes, the Last Post, and the 676 Air Cadet Colour Guard.
Sidney Remembrance Day parade and ceremony | Nov. 11 | 10:25
The parade begins at the Mary Winspear Centre at 10:25 a.m. and runs along Beacon Avenue and Second Street to the Cenotaph in front of Town Hall. A service for the fallen will be held there at 10:45 a.m. and a Moment of Silence, including a military fly-past, is at 11 a.m.
