Victoria gains national acclaim for Best Local Parade and Top Tours in Canada!

It’s a golden season for Greater Victoria. Within the span of a single week, the city has claimed three major national honors, proving that whether you’re a local or a visitor, Victoria is the place to be for world-class experiences.

From a “David vs. Goliath” win at the Canadian Event Awards to dominating the Tripadvisor rankings, here is why Victoria is currently the talk of the country.

🏆 #1 in Canada: Victoria Day Parade Named “Event of the Year”

In a massive win for the local community, the Thrifty Foods Victoria Day Parade was recently named Event of the Year at the 2026 Canadian Event Awards in Toronto.

The Greater Victoria Festival Society beat out major international heavyweights—including the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver and Whistler—to take home the top prize in the “market, fair, or festival” category.

What makes the victory even more impressive? The society operates on a fraction of the budget of its competitors. “We’re a tiny but tough team,” said Parade Director Kelly Kurta. “We’re competing on a national level with 10% of the budget.” This year’s parade is set for May 18th along a new, condensed downtown route.

🐋 #2 in Canada: Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Tours

On the tourism front, Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Watching Tours has secured the #2 spot on Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travellers’ Choice “Best of the Best” list for Canada.

Ranking in the top 1% of listings worldwide, Eagle Wing was praised for its high-performance catamarans and its status as Canada’s first carbon-neutral whale watching company. Reviewers highlighted the “above-and-beyond” expertise of the naturalists who bring the Salish Sea to life.

🥟 #5 in Canada: A Taste of Victoria Food Tours

Rounding out the top five experiences in the country is A Taste of Victoria Food Tours. This marks the seventh time in eight years that this local staple has been recognized on the national stage.

The tour, which winds through Chinatown and the Inner Harbour, was celebrated for its perfect mix of culinary delights and deep historical storytelling. As Marketing Manager Jessica Taylor-Olson put it, “Having multiple local experiences ranked among the best in Canada shows what a special destination this is.”

A City on the Move

Victoria is the only city in Canada to claim two of the top five spots on the Tripadvisor list this year. When you add a national “Event of the Year” title to the mix, it’s clear that Victoria’s blend of community spirit and professional excellence is a winning combination.

Planning your May long weekend? Be sure to catch the award-winning Victoria Day Parade on May 18th, and book your whale watching or food tour early—they are sure to be busier than ever! 

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