There are days when our sense of time — even of the era we are living in — can be deceptive. For a moment, you find yourself transported 50, perhaps 100 years into the past. Then reality returns, the illusion fades, and everything becomes familiar and ordinary once again.

But there are places where time seems powerless. Places where the immersion is so deep and natural that reality simply recedes. Don't worry — that's not a bad thing. Quite the opposite: it can turn into an incredibly captivating and enjoyable adventure.

Welcome to another era. The time machine — admission by donation, with a suggested minimum of $5 — can be found at Victoria Causeway Marina along the Inner Harbour Lower Causeway. It has appeared here every Labor Day weekend for 47 years, and this year, from September 4 to 6, it takes the form of the annual Classic Boat Festival, organized by the Maritime Museum of BC.

76 classic and historic vessels from across the Pacific Northwest are moored along the docks of the Inner Harbor. A walk along the docks during the festival is much more than a stroll among beautiful boats. Visitors can step directly aboard many of the vessels. It is a rare opportunity to see these classic boats up close, look inside, and examine the details of their construction and equipment. Most importantly, you can talk to their owners about the boats' histories and voyages, immersing yourself in a community of people who restore and preserve these remarkable vessels — and keep their stories alive.

As in previous years, the festival day traditionally begins with the Victoria Harbor Ferry Ballet — the familiar aquatic “dance” of the little Harbor Ferries in the heart of the Inner Harbour. But that is only the prelude to a deeper journey into another time.

Moored along the center line of the pier, Deerleap becomes a small floating stage.

The first round of applause goes to the Maritime Museum of BC's Salty Singers, performing traditional sea shanties. Rhythmic clapping is soon joined by feet lightly tapping against the pontoons, while familiar maritime songs tempt the audience to sing along.

Meanwhile, the aroma of hot dogs begins to drift through the air from Yacht Dogs Café, right there on the floating dock. The sweet smoke of sausages sizzling on the grill, the salty taste of the Salish Sea on the tip of your tongue, the gentle murmur of friendly conversations between old acquaintances and newly made friends...

And suddenly — a blast! Not particularly loud, but unmistakably commanding: the sound of a hand-pumped ship's horn. A few seconds of silence. Then another voice answers — slightly weaker, but several notes higher. A moment later comes another: the solid baritone of a tugboat. Then another, and another, until several voices intertwine in a surprisingly melodic exchange across the harbor. And then comes the alto! I'd bet a pint of non-alcoholic beer that one belonged to the veteran Delta Lifeboat.

Before long, after a short break, the floating stage aboard Deerleap draws everyone's attention once again.

For several years now, a place on this stage has been reserved for Hounds of Cuchulain. The Celtic maritime melodies performed by this local band have a way of lingering in the ears — and finding their way into the hearts of the audience.

But the festival does not end there.

On Sunday at 11:00 a.m., the classic vessels will leave the Inner Harbor for the traditional Sail Past and Sail Race. The fleet will make its way past Ogden Point toward Clover Point, offering several excellent waterfront viewpoints for anyone wishing to watch the classic boats head out to sea.

Come along and join them — a journey into another era has rarely been this affordable. Take our word for it — or, better yet, come and see for yourself. Some experiences are simply priceless.