Remembrance Day Ceremonies on Vancouver Island 2026
Find a Remembrance Day ceremony near you on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. This guide covers Victoria, Nanaimo, Parksville, Comox, Duncan and Ladysmith, plus where to check for other services and how to take part from home.
On Wednesday, November 11, communities across Vancouver Island gather to honour those who served and remember those who lost their lives in service. Many people mark the day by attending a cenotaph ceremony, wearing a poppy or observing two minutes of silence at 11 a.m.
Parades and gatherings often begin before 11 a.m. Check the local schedule below and allow time to reach the cenotaph on foot if roads are closed. All local times are Pacific time.
Victoria: Legislative Cenotaph
The Remembrance Day ceremony takes place at the Legislative Cenotaph by Victoria’s Inner Harbour. The city lists the event from 10:30 a.m. to noon , while Victoria Police advises that the parade starts at 10 a.m. Arrive before 10 a.m. if you want to see the parade.
Local tip
Road closures near the Inner Harbour begin around 9:30 a.m. Check the police advisory before choosing where to park or get dropped off. City of Victoria event details · Victoria Police traffic advisory
Nanaimo and Parksville
Nanaimo. The downtown parade is reported to begin at 10:40 a.m. , with the ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Dallas Square Cenotaph, 85 Front Street . Check the city’s parade notice and confirm the schedule with Legion Branch 10 before leaving. City of Nanaimo public notices .
Parksville. The local tourism office lists the ceremony at 10:40 a.m. at the cenotaph on Craig Street , at the south end of City Hall. The listing includes an 11 a.m. flyover and refreshments afterward at the Mt. Arrowsmith Legion, 146 Hirst Avenue West . Parksville ceremony details .
Local tip
If you’re heading to Parksville for the service, go to the City Hall cenotaph first. The Legion hall is the location for refreshments afterward.
Comox and Courtenay
Comox. Royal Canadian Legion Branch 160 hosts the ceremony. The Town of Comox lists the parade at 10:30 a.m. and wreath-laying at 10:45 a.m. at the Comox Cenotaph, with a flypast scheduled afterward. Town of Comox event details .
Courtenay. Local reporting identifies Jubilee Square Cenotaph as the venue. Confirm the 2026 start time with the local Legion before heading out. Royal Canadian Legion ceremony information .
Local tip
Part of Comox Avenue closes to traffic at 10 a.m. Give yourself time to walk to the cenotaph.
Duncan and Ladysmith
Duncan. The city’s event description lists the ceremony at 10:50 a.m. at Charles Hoey Park, 130 Canada Avenue . The calendar entry starts at 10:30 a.m. , so plan to arrive by then. City of Duncan events calendar .
Ladysmith. The Town of Ladysmith lists a 10:30 a.m. parade from Legion Branch 171 at 621 First Avenue , followed by the ceremony around 10:45 a.m. at the cenotaph at the east end of Warren Street. Local reporting lists later times, so use the town’s earlier schedule when planning your arrival. Town of Ladysmith parade and road closures .
Local tip
If you’re attending the Ladysmith service, check the closures on First Avenue and the southbound Trans-Canada Highway before setting out.
Salt Spring Island
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 92 has posted a Remembrance Week listing for November 11. Confirm the ceremony time and parade route directly with the branch before making plans. Branch 92’s Remembrance Week listing .
Local tip
Confirm the ceremony location before arranging a ride into Ganges. The address on the listing is the Legion branch, and the parade and ceremony may use separate locations.
Observe Remembrance Day from Home
You can observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. Pacific time , read about a veteran’s service or watch the Royal Canadian Legion’s national ceremony from Ottawa. The Legion lists live coverage on national news networks and its official Facebook page. Royal Canadian Legion national ceremony .
Local tip
Ottawa is three hours ahead of Vancouver Island in November. If you’re watching live, check the broadcast time separately from your local 11 a.m. observance.
When is Remembrance Day in 2026?
Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
What time should I arrive?
Check the posted parade or gathering time for your community. Aim to arrive 20–30 minutes before the part you want to attend, especially if you’ll need to walk around road closures.
When are the two minutes of silence?
The traditional observance is at 11 a.m. local time. Many parades and ceremonies begin earlier.
Can I take part from home?
Yes. Observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. Pacific time or watch the national ceremony through the Royal Canadian Legion’s published broadcast options.
How do I check seating or step-free access?
Contact the host Legion branch or municipality to ask about seating, viewing areas, accessible parking and drop-off points.