The 59th annual Saanich Strawberry Festival returns to Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park on Sunday, July 5, 2026, bringing fun for families and likely traffic headaches for anyone near Beaver Beach. The Capital Regional District has issued an event notice warning visitors to expect increased traffic at the Beaver Beach entrance, parking lot, Governor General field area, and Filter Beds during the festival, which runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The free community event is one of Greater Victoria’s biggest summer traditions. Last year it drew around 10,000 people, so anyone heading to the park that day should plan for delays or consider alternatives. Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock said it is his favourite community event of the year because it brings families together and celebrates local agriculture.
One of the main draws is the signature strawberry dessert served from 2 to 4 p.m. for $2. This year that means strawberries from Michell’s Farm Market paired with Island Farms vanilla ice cream or a vegan nicecream from Cold Comfort. In a move to cut waste, volunteers will dish everything out in reusable stainless steel bowls for the second year running, a switch that kept about 4,000 paper cups out of the compost last time.
There is more than just dessert. Live music plays on two stages, one on the main lawn and another in the kids’ zone. Local vendors, food trucks, and arts and crafts booths will be set up, and there will be a free bicycle valet service. There are also accessible parking and washrooms. Overflow parking is available at Saanich Commonwealth Place with a shuttle running to the festival grounds.
Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park is the busiest in the CRD system, with about two million visits a year. So even without a festival, a sunny Sunday can be packed. Residents are simply being asked to plan ahead, carpool, or ride a bike.
