Traditional New Year’s Day events in Greater Victoria, like levees and polar bear swims, are not taking place to ring in 2021 while the province is under restrictions that ban all gatherings indoors and outside to prevent COVID-19 transmission.
An annual New Year’s Day levee at Victoria’s Government House that features refreshments and live music, a tradition since 1871, is cancelled. Instead, Government House is inviting everyone who has attended a New Year’s Day levee to share their favourite photo for a chance to win a catered lunch for two on Government House grounds. Photos can be submitted to [email protected] until Jan. 4.
A levee at Victoria City Hall that normally offers the opportunity for residents to meet council members is also cancelled.
Organized polar bear swims, which often take place at Glass Beach in Sidney, Esquimalt Lagoon, Taylor Beach in Metchosin and Whiffin Spit Park in Sooke, are also not taking place on Jan. 1.
