Saanich Fair

The Saanich Fair is a Vancouver Island institution and one of the oldest agricultural fairs in Western Canada, welcoming crowds to the Saanich Fairgrounds in Saanichton every Labour Day long weekend since 1868. More than a century and a half on, it remains a heartfelt celebration of farming, community and the end of summer. For families across Greater Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula, a trip to the fair is as much a part of September as the first day back at school.

The fair packs an enormous amount into three days. At its heart are its agricultural roots: livestock barns full of cattle, sheep, goats, poultry and rabbits, prize horses, and 4-H youth showing the animals they have raised, alongside horticulture halls brimming with giant vegetables, flowers, baking, preserves and handicrafts entered in dozens of judged categories. Around all that runs the fun of a classic country fair — a midway of amusement rides and games, live entertainment on multiple stages, demonstrations, a food row of fair favourites, and vendors of every kind. It is genuinely all-ages: little ones love the animals and rides, while adults enjoy the exhibits, music and nostalgia. Set on the rural Saanich Peninsula just north of Victoria, it is an easy, affordable day out and a lovely way to send off the summer. Come hungry, wear comfortable shoes, and give yourself the whole day to take it all in.