2026 dates not confirmed yet. The Island Equipment Owners Association has not announced the 2026 parade date or route yet. It is traditionally held on the first Saturday of December, which would be December 5, 2026. We’ll update this page as soon as the 2026 details are announced.
Picture 80 dump trucks, cranes, fire trucks and buses, every one of them wrapped in Christmas lights, rolling slowly along Dallas Road. That’s the Island Equipment Owners Association (IEOA) Truck Parade and Food Drive, and for a lot of Victoria families it’s an even bigger tradition than the Santa parade.
The parade runs on the first Saturday in December. In 2025 it was December 6, and in 2024 December 7. The IEOA posts the 2026 date, route map and live GPS tracker at ieoa.ca, so check there before you go.
Comparing holiday parades? See our Victoria Santa Claus Parade page and the Christmas lights in Victoria roundup.
IEOA Truck Parade: Quick Facts
| When | The first Saturday of December (December 5 in 2026 if the pattern holds), 5:00 to about 8:00 PM. Confirm at ieoa.ca |
| Start | Breakwater District at Ogden Point, 5:00 PM |
| Finish | Royal Bay in Colwood, around 8:00 PM |
| Route | About 35 km through five municipalities: Victoria, Oak Bay, Saanich, View Royal and Colwood |
| Cost | Free. Bring food or cash for local food banks |
| Trucks | More than 80 decorated commercial trucks and buses |
The Route and Timing
The convoy leaves Ogden Point at 5:00 PM, follows Dallas Road along the water into Oak Bay, comes back through downtown Victoria, heads up through Saanich and View Royal, and finishes at Royal Bay in Colwood around 8:00 PM. In 2024 it reached Oak Bay Avenue around 6:00 PM, Yates Street around 6:30 PM and Goldstream Avenue around 7:30 PM. Expect similar timing, and use the IEOA’s GPS tracker on the night.
Best Places to Watch
- Dallas Road: the organizers’ favourite. The lights reflect off the water and there’s lots of room.
- Oak Bay Avenue: a village atmosphere with shops and cafés nearby.
- Downtown: easiest by transit, but busier.
- West Shore: Goldstream Avenue and the Colwood finish are good for families who live out that way.
The Food Drive
The parade is a fundraiser. Since it started, the IEOA has collected about 176,000 pounds of food and raised more than $114,000 for local food banks. Bring non-perishable food to hand to volunteers along the route, or donate online through ieoa.ca.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the IEOA Truck Parade in 2026?
It is held on the first Saturday of December. The IEOA confirms the exact 2026 date and route at ieoa.ca.
What time does it start?
The trucks leave Ogden Point at 5:00 PM and reach Colwood around 8:00 PM.
Is it free?
Yes. Food and cash donations for food banks are encouraged.
How can I tell when the trucks will pass me?
The IEOA posts a live GPS tracker on its website on parade night.
Related: Christmas lights in Victoria, Best Christmas things to do in Victoria.
Part of: Victoria Christmas Guide 2026
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