Victoria Day

Victoria Day is a Canadian public holiday observed on the Monday preceding May 25; in 2026, it falls on May 18. Its origins lie in the birthday celebrations for Queen Victoria, who was born on May 24, 1819, and became a powerful symbol of the British Empire and Canada’s historical connection to the Crown. The holiday was formally recognized in the Province of Canada in 1845 and became a federal holiday in 1901, following Victoria’s death. It is often regarded as Canada’s oldest continuously observed non-religious public holiday.

After Queen Victoria’s death, Victoria Day continued as a commemoration of her reign and of Canada’s constitutional heritage. For much of the 20th century, it also served as an occasion to mark the reigning sovereign’s birthday, although the holiday retained its traditional name in Canada. Today, Victoria Day is primarily a long weekend associated with the beginning of summer rather than a formal royal observance. Its history also reflects Canada’s colonial ties to Britain, a legacy that is increasingly considered alongside the country’s diverse cultures and Indigenous histories.

Victoria Day is commonly celebrated with parades, community festivals, public ceremonies, and fireworks, particularly on the evening before the holiday Monday. Major displays have traditionally taken place in cities such as Victoria, British Columbia, and Toronto, while smaller towns often organize local concerts, fairs, and family activities. The long weekend is widely viewed as the unofficial start of the summer season: many Canadians open cottages, begin camping trips, launch boats, plant gardens, and spend time outdoors with family and friends.

The weekend is popularly nicknamed the “May long weekend” or “May Two-Four,” a name linked both to the date’s traditional association with May 24 and to Canadian slang for a case of 24 beers. Barbecues, picnics, burgers, grilled foods, salads, and seasonal desserts are common, although there is no single official Victoria Day dish. Retailers often hold holiday sales, and parks and lakeside communities become especially busy. Typical greetings include “Happy Victoria Day,” “Have a great May long weekend,” and “Enjoy the May Two-Four,” with the last expression generally used in informal contexts.