It’s kind of a passage of spring in these parts as thousands celebrate our community’s connection with the navy and its shipbuilding and repair—the area’s major industry since the 1890s.

Since 1966, Buccaneer Days has been a good excuse to enjoy the warming weather, drink a few cold ones, eat well, and play like a pirate.

There's a bit of a history

It began with May Queen festivities in 1939, evolved 10 years later into Esquimalt Days, and became Buccaneer Days thanks to a longtime Esquimalt resident who wanted to raise the township’s profile. 

According to the mayor’s office and Esquimalt News, in 1966, Bill Allen walked into a special meeting of community organizations wearing a Stetson he bought in Calgary. He said everyone recognized the hat. 

“Well, that’s what we gotta’ do here in Esquimalt—come up with a theme for which people could easily dress up for and be recognized.” Allen suggested Buccaneer Weekend and said, “All we gotta’ do is put on an eye patch and a striped T-shirt and you’re in,” the Esquimalt News reported.

Let’s take you through the nautically-themed weekend which kicks off tomorrow and runs through Sunday afternoon at the Archie Browning Sports Centre, starting with the community barbecue at noon. More good grub is also available at the Buccaneer Galley where a hungry matey can scarf down pizza, hot dogs, Greek food, and even crepes.

You’ll want to digest that before boarding rides on the midway which is open until 11pm tomorrow and Sat.

There’s a new music bingo for tweens and teens tomorrow and for adults on Sat.

A pancake breakfast starts Sat., followed by the parade down Esquimalt from Dominion to Admirals.

Dozens of vendors who have made it, baked it, or grown it, are at the hockey rink ready to sell their wares, while over at the Pirate’s Den Family Zone, parents, and young kids can ride on small vehicles in the curling rink and jump about on the bouncy castle, to the sound of live music, an addition this year.

Sun. is Mother’s Day, and for 10 bucks you can get mom a delicious Mimosa to wash down her pancake breakfast on Bullen Field, home to a mini Olympics for kids aged four to 12. 

Mayor Bard Desjardins a big fan

“I love the Buccaneer barbecue on Friday, the parade, the market and especially watching the kids young and old dress the part in pirate regalia,” says Mayor Barb Desjardins, who says she hopes those additions help to increase family enjoyment.

For the older set, there’s a corn hole tournament and a new beer garden on the ball diamond—and no, you haven’t had too much to drink, those are skydivers coming down from the sky, a demonstration where you can buy a plate and win a prize if one of them lands on it.

Also new this year is a park-and-ride with a shuttle (by donation) leaving the parking lot on Canteen every 30 minutes. There’s also a bike valet with all donations going toward sports groups at Esquimalt High.

Want to be a helpful pirate?

If you just want to hang out and help, organizers are still looking for volunteers, particularly for a couple of hours on Sun. evening when they’ll be needing more people to tear down and pack up. 

The greatest need is for a 1-2 hour commitment on Sunday evening to help tear down and pack up. Please contact us directly or through the form below to help

Here is a schedule for this year’s Esquimalt’s Buccaneer Days.