Summer on Vancouver Island/Sunshine Coast: 3 Things to Do

Looking for a good time this summer? It’s only a boat ride away, either to the Sunshine Coast or to Vancouver Island

Looking to escape the city for a more laid-back locale? Hop a ferry to Vancouver Island or the Sunshine Coast and take in all the culture that coastal living has to offer.

Victoria International Buskers Festival

When: July 18-27
Where: Downtown
Cost: Free, but tips are welcome

Sure, street performers are synonymous with summer, but it’s not every day you can watch the best of the best all in one place. The fourth annual Victoria International Buskers Festival features some of the most talented entertainers from around the world.

Taste Victoria

When: July 24-27
Where: Hotel Grand Pacific and other venues in Victoria
Cost: $19-$99

Local cuisine and wine lovers, take your taste buds on a culinary trip to Victoria’s sixth annual festival of food and wine. Tempt your tummy with gourmet fare, discover new B.C. vintages and sharpen your wine-pairing skills with an interactive tasting workshop.

Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts

When: August 14-17
Where: Festival Pavilion at Rockwood Centre in Sechelt, 5511 Shorncliffe Road
Cost: $15 for individual events up to $250 for a weekend pass

Looking for some summer reading suggestions on your weekend getaway? The Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts will take care of that, with readings this year by Canadian favourites Miriam Toews (Governor General’s Award winner), Grant Lawrence (CBC personality and author), Bill Gaston (novelist and playwright) and more.