"Levees are a tradition that originated in Britain as formal New Year’s Day receptions for government and military. They are carried on in Canada and are especially popular in Victoria, where levees take place at city halls, recreation centres and military establishments.
In Victoria, visitors arrived at the levee by foot, car, and on bicycles with one group coming in a school bus as part of the 20th annual Poor People’s Levee tour, sponsored by local business and labour organizations."
We never attended a levee in Victoria as we're not really into lining up to shake hands with government officials. If I had to make a choice I guess I would do the Polar Bear Swim! I imagine there are some levees in Vancouver but a google search brought up water retention and dikes for possible flooding. As always, Victoria's local newspaper had a listing of all the levees. Things have changed as free activities are offered by municipalities and also the times are later in the day. If I remember right, most of these levees were very early, like around 7am, certainly not something we felt like doing on New Year's Day when we were young and had been up until all hours of the morning!
Victoria-area residents have a wide range of options for New Year’s Day:
• Guichon will welcome British Columbians to Government House on Monday for the traditional (and well attended) annual New Year’s Day Levee. Visitors can stop by to socialize and enjoy refreshments and live music.
Guests are encouraged to arrive early to avoid a long lineup to meet Guichon. The levee is free to attend, but food contributions or donations to support local food banks are encouraged and accepted at the door.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to noon at Government House, 1401 Rockland Ave.
• The public is invited to HMCS Malahat, which hosts a levee on behalf of local ships and naval shore establishments.
Despite its name, HMCS Malahat is not a ship, but a naval reserve training recruitment centre in James Bay — and one of the largest reserve divisions in the Royal Canadian Navy.
Visitors can enjoy light fare and meet some of the nearly 130 naval reservists from Greater Victoria. The event runs from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday at 20 Huron St.
• Meet the mayor and members of the City of Victoria council at city hall, but pack your swim gear, as the city’s Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre throws open its doors for a free swim.
The event at Victoria City Hall runs from 10 a.m. to noon, and will be catered by chef David Roger with Songhees Seafood and Steam. Metapop Ensemble will perform pop/rock music.
The free swim is set for 1 to 4 p.m. at 2275 Quadra St. In previous years, more than 500 people have dived into this event.
• Esquimalt has hosted a formal levee since 1947, with an opportunity to meet the mayor and council from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the atrium of the Esquimalt Recreation Centre, 527 Fraser St.
Families can also choose to swim or skate, with free skating offered at the Archie Browning Sports Centre from 1 to 2:50 p.m., and free swimming at the Esquimalt Recreation Centre between 1 and 3 p.m.
• The public is invited to join Oak Bay Mayor Nils Jensen and members of the council at a community walk, followed by an informal meet and greet. The walk starts at 12:30 p.m. from the lobby of the Oak Bay Recreation Centre, with coffee and tea served between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. in the upstairs lounge of the recreation centre, 1975 Bee St.
Residents can take in free activities after, including Jazzercise, a fitness-studio orientation, lengths in the pool, a children’s swim or 15-minute free tennis lessons.
The activities are free, but donations for KidSport are gratefully accepted.
• In Saanich, visitors can enjoy a free swim at Commonwealth Pool between 10 a.m. and noon or free skating at Pearkes Recreation Centre between 1 and 3 p.m.
• Sidney Mayor Steve Price and Sidney council will host a tea, with finger sandwiches, cake, tea, coffee and juice. Music will be provided by the Craig Henderson Trio.
