Victoria Day is a public holiday celebrated annually in Canada on the Monday preceding May 25th. This federal holiday honours Queen Victoria’s birthday while marking the unofficial start of summer across the nation.
For Canadian employees and employers, it’s important to understand Victoria Day’s statutory requirements, regional variations, and cultural significance.
When is Victoria Day in Canada?
Victoria Day falls on the Monday before May 25th every year without exception. The holiday’s fixed date on the Monday preceding May 25th was established in 1952, creating a consistent three-day long weekend. This scheduling helps employers plan work schedules and allows families to arrange seasonal activities.
Victoria Day is a statutory holiday in every Canadian province and territory, with the exception of New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
The following table outlines the upcoming Victoria Day dates from 2024 to 2030:
| Year | Date |
| 2024 | Monday, May 20th |
| 2025 | Monday, May 19th |
| 2026 | Monday, May 18th |
| 2027 | Monday, May 24th |
| 2028 | Monday, May 22nd |
| 2029 | Monday, May 21st |
| 2030 | Monday, May 20th |
Source: Victoria Day, Wikipedia
How Did Victoria Day Originate in Canada?
The origins of Victoria Day in Canada can be traced back to the 1800s. In 1845, the legislative assembly of the Province of Canada declared May 25th a holiday to honour Queen Victoria’s birthday.
Queen Victoria was born on May 24th, 1819 and ascended the British throne in 1837 at the age of 18. She ruled for 63 years as Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland until her death in 1901.
Although Queen Victoria never visited Canada, her role was significant to the Confederation. Her father, Prince Edward, resided in Quebec and Halifax for nearly a decade prior to her reign.
After Queen Victoria’s death in 1901, the Parliament of Canada officially named May 24th as Victoria Day that same year. It became a national holiday to pay tribute to Victoria’s role in Confederation and her selection of Ottawa as the nation’s capital.
In 1952, Victoria Day was fixed to occur annually on the Monday before May 25th, creating the modern three-day weekend that Canadians now enjoy. This adjusted the date while allowing the holiday to remain near Queen Victoria’s birthday.
Source: Why do we celebrate Victoria Day? – cbc.ca
How do Canadians Celebrate Victoria Day?
The Victoria Day long weekend marks the unofficial start of summer in Canada. Traditions to celebrate the holiday include:
- Outdoor Activities: Parades, fireworks, barbecues, camping trips, beach visits, boating, hiking, and cottage openings are popular Victoria Day activities enjoyed by Canadians taking advantage of the warm May weather.
- Garden Planting: Gardeners often use the Victoria Day weekend to plant annual flowers, vegetable gardens, and other delicate plants outside since the risk of frost has generally passed by late May.
- Amusement Park Openings: Many amusement parks and outdoor attractions, such as Canada’s Wonderland, open for the summer season on Victoria Day weekend to attract holiday crowds.
- Sporting Events: Community sporting events like 10K runs, marathons, soccer tournaments, and cricket matches frequently occur on the holiday weekend.
- Retail Sales: To promote the unofficial start of summer, retailers offer Victoria’s Day sales on seasonal items such as summer clothing, outdoor living products, and gardening supplies.
- Family Gatherings: The long weekend allows families to reunite outdoors and host barbecues, picnics, or other events on the holiday.
What is the Significance of Victoria Day in Canada?
As a federal statutory holiday, Victoria Day holds cultural, historical and seasonal significance:
- Unofficial Start of Summer: For many Canadians, Victoria Day weekend signifies the transition from spring to summer, ushering in warmer weather for increased outdoor pursuits.
- Honouring Queen Victoria: The holiday commemorates Queen Victoria’s birthday and honours her legacy as the sovereign of Britain and its territories during Confederation.
- Celebrating the Monarchy: It upholds the centuries-old tradition of honouring the reigning monarch’s birthday in Canada as a member of the Commonwealth.
- Canadian Heritage: Victoria Day coincides with homegrown traditions like camping, gardening, cottaging, and community gatherings.
Is Victoria Day a Statutory Holiday Across Canada?
Victoria Day is a statutory federal holiday under the Canada Labour Code, providing employees across the country with a paid day off. However, its status differs between provinces and territories:
| Province/Territory | Status |
| Alberta | Statutory Holiday |
| British Columbia | Statutory Holiday |
| Manitoba | Statutory Holiday |
| New Brunswick | Not Statutory |
| Newfoundland | Not Statutory |
| Nova Scotia | Not Statutory |
| NWT | Statutory Holiday |
| Nunavut | Statutory Holiday |
| Ontario | Statutory Holiday |
| PEI | Not Statutory |
| Quebec | National Patriots’ Day |
| Saskatchewan | Statutory Holiday |
| Yukon | Statutory Holiday |
Can an Employee Be Required to Work on Victoria Day?
An employee’s right to refuse work on Victoria Day depends on their industry and province. In jurisdictions where it’s a statutory holiday, most employees can refuse to work.
However, this right generally does not apply to those working in:
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Hotels, restaurants, and tourism operations
- Continuous operations like manufacturing plants
- Essential services (e.g., emergency responders)
Employees in these sectors who work on Victoria Day are entitled to premium compensation as dictated by their provincial employment standards or collective agreement.
Why is Victoria Day Called May Two-Four?
Victoria Day has taken on some informal nicknames, highlighting the occasion as an early summer long weekend.
The most popular is “May Two-Four,” which has dual meanings:
- It references May 24th, Queen Victoria’s original birthday, which the holiday honours.
- It refers to a case or “two-four” of 24 beers, a popular long weekend purchase.
Other nicknames are May Long Weekend and May Run, both pointing to the three-day holiday period.
These casual nicknames emphasize the long weekend and capture the spirit of celebrating summer’s arrival with friends, family, and outdoor activities.
How Does Quebec Celebrate Victoria Day?
While most of Canada recognizes Victoria Day, Quebec celebrates National Patriots’ Day on the same date instead.
In 2003, Quebec’s legislature officially renamed the holiday to honour the Patriotes who resisted the British colonial government during Lower Canada’s 1837 Rebellions.
The French term “Journée nationale des patriotes” directly translates to “National Patriots’ Day” and is commonly used in Quebec’s French-speaking communities.
The change distances Quebec from the British monarchy, but the province still enjoys the same long weekend as the rest of Canada. Most businesses and government services remain closed for National Patriots’ Day.
Long Weekend Traditions by Province
The following provinces have their own distinct long weekend traditions:
Ontario: Hosts large fireworks displays, particularly in Toronto and Ottawa. The Toronto Islands are open for summer recreation. Outdoor attractions like Canada’s Wonderland are open for the season.
British Columbia: Canadian Forces hold a massive naval ship party dubbed “Fleet Week” with public tours and celebrations in Vancouver.
Alberta: Traditional Victoria Day events include community pancake breakfasts and running races.
New Brunswick: Although not a statutory holiday, many still close businesses and camps open at provincial parks. Markets and events occur in Fredericton.
Nova Scotia: Retail stores remain open, although many other businesses are closed. The Tall Ships Festival often coincides with the holiday weekend in Halifax.
Manitoba: Major events include the Winnipeg Folk Festival’s kickoff celebrations and Assiniboine Park’s long weekend programming.
Canada is a multicultural country that celebrates many holidays and festivals throughout the year. Some of the major Canadian holidays include:
- New Year’s Day
- Family Day
- Good Friday
- Easter
- Canada Day
- Labour Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Remembrance Day
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
The bottom line
Victoria Day is a uniquely Canadian public holiday celebrating Queen Victoria’s birthday and the unofficial beginning of summer nationwide. Canadians commemorate the date with fireworks, parades, outdoor recreation, and community events that coincide with the arrival of warmer weather.
The long weekend provides a chance to open cottages, plant gardens, shop seasonal sales, and partake in beloved Canadian pastimes with friends and family. Though originally honouring Queen Victoria’s role in Confederation, the holiday has evolved into a landmark event for the summer kickoff.
FAQs related to Victoria Day in Canada
Why is Victoria Day a holiday in Canada?
In 1845, Queen Victoria's birthday was declared a holiday by the legislative assembly of the Province of Canada. In 1901, it was officially named Victoria Day after her death to commemorate her rule.
Is Victoria Day a statutory holiday everywhere in Canada?
It is a statutory holiday federally and in most provinces/territories but not in New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Quebec celebrates National Patriots' Day instead.
What does "May two-four" mean for Victoria Day?
"May two-four" is a nickname for Victoria Day that references both May 24th and a case of 24 beers, referring to the long weekend's drinking culture.
Are there any major events on Victoria Day weekend?
Major events include fireworks displays, cultural festivals, ship tours, amusement park openings, sporting events, street festivals, and retail sales/promotions.
When is Victoria Day in 2025?
In 2025, Victoria Day will fall on Monday, May 19th.
When is Victoria Day in 2026?
Victoria Day in 2026 will be on Monday, May 18th.
Do you get paid extra for working on Victoria Day?
In provinces where it's a statutory holiday, employees are entitled to general holiday pay if they work on Victoria Day.
Where are the biggest Victoria Day celebrations?
Major celebrations include fireworks at Toronto's Ashbridges Bay, parades in Victoria, BC, and large displays in Hamilton. Many cities host community events.
Why is Victoria Day important to gardeners?
After Victoria Day, gardeners can be reasonably sure there will be no more frost until autumn, making it safe to plant tender crops and flowers.
What's open on Victoria Day in Canada?
Most government offices, banks, and post offices close. Many retail stores close except in provinces without a statutory holiday designation. Tourist attractions, restaurants, and essential services typically remain open with holiday hours.
When was the first Victoria Day celebrated?
The first Victoria Day was celebrated in 1845 when the legislative assembly of the Province of Canada declared Queen Victoria's birthday (May 24) an official public holiday. It became a national holiday in 1901 after Queen Victoria's death.
What is Victoria Day for kids?
Victoria Day is a holiday celebrating Queen Victoria's birthday and the start of summer fun in Canada. Kids enjoy fireworks, parades, outdoor activities, and often have their first camping trips or visits to cottages. It means no school on Monday and lots of family time.
