It was a Canada Day to remember in Victoria for all the right reasons.
Thousands descended in the Inner Harbour area Tuesday for day-long activities, culminating with more than 40,000 on hand for the fireworks display, up slightly from last year, say officials.
Victoria police said there were fewer problems than in previous years too. Police spokesperson Mike Russell said just over two dozen people were taken into custody.
“This year we saw lots of enthusiastic people, but less intoxicated people,” said Charlayne Thornton-Joe, Canada Day organizer.
Although official numbers have not yet arrived, the annual living flag turnout is estimated to have been between 2,500 and 3,000, making Victoria the likely victor over rival city Winnipeg.
The mood was much different than last year when two people were arrested when they planted crude bombs on the grounds of the B.C. legislature.