Little Local - August 21

How are we all feeling about summer winding down? While summer isn’t over yet, we’ve got the perfect spot for kids (and you!) to cast a line 🎣 that you can keep visiting into the fall. And this weekend brings the Japanese Cultural Fair, the Lantern Festival finale, and Maker Saturday at the Royal BC Museum, plus many other events to make the most of summer while it lasts. Scroll down for the details!

Fishing with Kids at Prospect Lake

We recently spent a morning at Whitehead Park on Prospect Lake with friends, and it turned into the perfect little adventure. My eldest was hooked on the idea of going to Prospect Lake when he heard we could fish right off the dock! Even without proper rods, we had a simple setup that we made last year with driftwood, line, and a hook (w/ worms from the gas station). Friends of ours were successful with a net, scooping up giant bullfrog tadpoles for a closer look. And if fishing isn’t your thing, Whitehead Park has shady picnic spots, a small playground, and plenty of space for the kids to run around.

Kids under 16 don’t need a fishing licence in freshwater, which makes this a great beginner spot. Prospect Lake is stocked with rainbow trout in both spring and fall, and you’ll also find bass, perch, and sunfish (aka pumpkinseed), all fun for kids to try catching.

Tips for fishing with kids at Prospect Lake:

• The dock at Whitehead Park is a perfect starting point. No boat needed.

• Early mornings or evenings are best if you’re hoping for trout.

• Keep it simple. No fancy fishing gear required to have fun!

• Bring snacks, sunscreen, and a change of clothes because there are some mushy areas that kids may end up wandering in.

• Even if no one catches a fish, watching minnows and tadpoles keeps kids entertained.

Do you have a favourite local fishing spot? Hit reply and let us know where you go with the family!

🧀 Urban Grocer is your go-to local grocery store on Fort for fresh eats and strong opinions, like saying “no thanks” to American produce this summer. Show your Summer Passport for 20% your grocery bill (excluding eggs, milk + sale items)!

🍔 Big Wheel Burger should definitely be on your radar if you’re looking for a delicious, casual dinner out with the fam. They’ve got classic burgers, shakes, and now chicken tenders! Show your Passport to get free fries + a soda with the purchase of a regular burger. Multiple locations around town!

Want to spread the good word about your business, a project you’re working on, a hire, or just want to say hi to 2,000 local families?

📅 This Weekend

🏮 Salish Sea Lantern Festival
Saturday, August 23 | 6:30pm
Join the community parade from Beacon Park as hundreds of handmade lanterns light up the night sky. A beautiful way to wrap up Lantern Festival Week and celebrate the Salish Sea. [Info]

⛳ Victoria Hearts of Gold Mini-Golf Tournament
Friday, August 22 | 5:30-7pm
Come and join other heart teens (ages 12 to 18 years) for a super fun Mini Golf Tourney at Blenkinsop Mini Golf. RSVP to Shae at [email protected] [Info]

🎸 Music in the Park
Saturday, August 23 | 5:30-7:30pm
Hang out at Lagoon Beach in Colwood with live music from Blase Blase. Bring a blanket and enjoy the evening! [Info]

🐉 Vancouver Island Dragon Boat Festival
Saturday, August 23 & Sunday, August 24
Head down to Fairway Gorge Paddling Club to cheer on the colourful dragon boats, plus enjoy live entertainment, food, and family activities. [Info]

🍂 Sooke Fall Fair
Saturday, August 23 & Sunday, August 24
A classic country fair at Fred Milne Park featuring local produce, baking, crafts, and community fun. [Info]

🎭 FringeKids Fest
Saturday, August 23 & Sunday, August 24 | 9am–12pm
Part of the Victoria Fringe Festival, kids can enjoy free drag storytime, music, interactive theatre, a bouncy castle, dress-up, crafts, and more! [Info]

🌾 North Saanich Flavour Trails Festival
Saturday, August 23 & Sunday, August 24 | 9am–2pm
Take a self-guided tour around the Trail Partners, each showcasing a feature offer, from farm tours, tastings, workshops, feature products, and more! [Trail Guide]

✈️ Hangar Fest Open House
Saturday, August 23 & Sunday, August 24 | 10am–4pm
Step inside historic hangars, see vintage aircraft, and enjoy family fun at the BC Aviation Museum. [Info]

🎨 Maker Saturday at the Royal BC Museum
Saturday, August 23 | 11am–1pm
The Royal BC Museum is dreaming up a new space just for kids and families, and they want to hear from you. Try out fun, hands-on activities and let them know what you'd love to see in this space. [Info]

🌿 Exploring Indigenous Perspectives – Self-Guided Walk
Saturday, August 23 | 1:30–3:30pm
Take a guided-on-your-own walk through East Sooke Park, highlighting Indigenous stories, culture, and connections to the land. [Info]

🚴 Community Ride Day
Sunday, August 24 | 9am–5pm
Just for locals! Experience the Galloping Goose Trail without the round-trip ride. Perfect for families, casual riders, and anyone curious to see more of this beautiful route. Registration required. [Info]

⚓ Sensory-Friendly Hours at the Maritime Museum
Sunday, August 24 | 9:30am–12pm
A quieter museum experience designed for visitors who prefer a quiet and subdued environment. [Info]

🚒 Back-to-School Firestation Tour
Sunday, August 24 | 1pm–2:30pm
Kids can meet local firefighters, explore the trucks, and learn about fire safety. Book online! [Info]

📅 Ongoing

🌳 Free Play in the Park
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in August 5:30–8pm
Panorama staff are hosting FREE summer fun for the whole family, with interactive play, group games, and inflatable fun on a giant 50' obstacle course! [Info]
Tuesdays: at KELSET Elementary
Wednesdays: at Tulista Park
Thursdays: at Centennial Park

👶 Summer Playgroup in the Park (Oaklands)
Tuesdays & Thursdays | Times vary
Join other families at rotating local parks for free, casual playgroups hosted by Oaklands, perfect for little ones to play and parents to connect. [Info]

📘 Stories in the Park
Thursdays from 10am-11am
Head down to Saxe Point Park every Thursday in July & August for stories by Canadian authors, followed by a fun activity. Great for kids aged 2-5, but everyone’s welcome. [Info]

🚲 Free Wheelin’ Youth Bike Lending
Monday – Friday until August 29
Head down to the Topaz Park all-wheels skate and bike park, where kids and youth can borrow bikes, scooters, skateboards, helmets, and pads for free! [Info]

Looking Ahead

🏞️ Neighbourhood Nights
Tuesday, August 26 | 6pm–8pm
Bring a picnic and meet your neighbours at Royal Bay Meadow Park. Enjoy games, activities, and good company in a beautiful community green space. [Info]

🎵 Memorial Park Music Fest
Tuesday, August 26 | 6–8pm
Bring a picnic and enjoy live community music by The Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) in Esquimalt’s Memorial Park. [Info]

🎬 Outdoor Movie Night: Enchanted
Wednesday, August 27 | 8:30pm
Bring a blanket and enjoy Enchanted under the stars at Gorge Park, hosted by Esquimalt Parks & Rec. Hot Dog Guys will be on-site serving up snacks! [Info]

🎡 Saanich Fair
Friday, August 30 – Sunday, September 1
Don't miss Vancouver Island’s oldest fair, with rides, exhibits, farm animals, food vendors, and fun for the whole family. [Info]

Final Note: I do my best to keep everything accurate, but I am only human so the odd mistake might sneak in! If you catch one, feel free to let me know.