Victoria Day 2025: Your Guide to Canada’s Royal Holiday
Victoria Day 2025 falls on Monday, May 19th in Canada. This historic holiday celebrates Queen Victoria’s birthday and is recognized as a federal public holiday in most provinces. It’s also informally known as a holiday marking the beginning of summer each year. Communities nationwide honour the occasion with fireworks, parades, and outdoor festivities.
Let’s explore everything you need to know about Victoria Day 2025, what celebrations you can expect, and the history behind this Canadian holiday.
When is Victoria Day 2025?
Victoria Day is observed on the Monday preceding May 25. This year, it falls on Monday, May 19th, 2025. The holiday dates back to 1845, making it one of Canada’s oldest officially recognized holidays.
Things to Do on Victoria Day 2025
Victoria Day weekend is a great time to get outside and enjoy the long weekend. Here are a few family-friendly activities you can consider for this year’s holiday:
Visit a Local Botanical Garden
Victoria Day traditionally signals the start of gardening season in Canada. Check out your local botanical garden to see if they’ll be open for Victoria Day weekend. You may even find special opening events, workshops, or discounts.
Visit a Local Park
Parks Canada offers great destinations for weekend getaways and day trips alike. Find out if there’s a National or Provincial Park near you and explore the options for hiking, camping, beaches, and more.
Check Out a Fireworks Display
Many cities, like Ottawa and Victoria, hold free fireworks displays on Victoria Day weekend. It’s a good excuse to get outside and enjoy the show!
Look for Local Fairs
Victoria Day weekend is a common time for local fairs and festivals to take place, since many Canadians have an extra day off work.
Major Victoria Day 2025 Celebrations in Canada
Since Victoria Day marks a long weekend and the beginning of summer, there are plenty of celebrations and fairs taking place across the country during Victoria Day 2025.
Victoria Day Toronto 2025
It’s easy to find something to do in Toronto for Victoria Day. To enjoy a night out, check out local clubs and bars offering special deals. For family fun, explore the free fireworks display, or check out holiday specials at local museums and art galleries.
Ashbridges Bay Park Fireworks: A breathtaking display at approximately 10pm on May 19th.
Canada’s Wonderland Victoria Day Fireworks: You have more than one fireworks show to pick from! Canada’s Wonderland also offers a display on May 18th at 10pm, as the park closes.
Junior Jays Victoria Day Weekend: During every Sunday home game, you’ll find fun “Jr. Jays Zones” at Toronto Blue Jays games. On May 18th, you’ll find these fun games and activities at several different areas of the Rogers Centre while the Jays take on Detroit.
Victoria Day SpeedFest: Find a little more action at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, where the NASCAR Canada Series is taking place May 16th-May 18th. You’ll get to watch races, enjoy food and vendors, and have fun in the Fun Zone for kids. This event will also have a fireworks display, on Saturday, May 17th.
Victoria Day Weekend Boat Party: If you’re looking for a 19+ event with a beautiful view of the city, try this 3-hour cruise taking place on May 17th, 2025.
Victoria Day Ottawa 2025
Canadian Tulip Festival: This renowned display of over 300,000 tulips happens to coincide with the holiday! Running from May 9th-May 19th, 2025, you can view the tulips at Commissioners Park in Ottawa for free.
Fireworks & Drone Show: As part of the Tulip Festival, don’t miss the fireworks display happening on Sunday, May 18th. This year’s show will be the first of its kind, combining classic fireworks with a modern drone show.
Victoria Day BC 2025
British Columbia, especially the city of Victoria (named after the Queen), is known for its yearly Victoria Day celebrations:
Victoria Day Parade: Running since 1898, this parade features over 100 marching bands, floats, and performers. This year’s parade is presented by Thrifty Foods and takes place on May 19th, 2025.
Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival: Taking place the weekend of Victoria Day, on May 17th and 18th, you can explore this Scottish-inspired festival at Topaz Park. You’ll find whisky and wine tastings for adults, Scottish/Celtic and folk music bands, an assortment of competitions to watch, and plenty of food and merchandise vendors.
Luxton Spring Fair: Another family-friendly activity taking place the weekend of Victoria Day, this fair runs from May 15th-18th, 2025. You’ll find carnival rides, vendors, and other attractions for all ages at this fair.
Historical Significance of Victoria Day
Victoria Day commemorates Queen Victoria, who ruled from 1837 to 1901. She played a crucial role in Canada’s Confederation in 1867, influencing the country’s early development. Today, the holiday also recognizes the reigning British monarch, King Charles III.
Victoria Day Weather
May weather in Canada can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F). On Victoria Day and throughout the holiday weekend, it’s typical to expect a mix of sunshine and occasional spring showers.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, Victoria Day is a statutory holiday in most Canadian provinces and territories, except for: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. These provinces treat it as a non-statutory holiday, meaning not all workers get a paid day off.
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Store openings vary by location, but it’s a good idea to double check hours during Victoria Day weekend. As a general rule of thumb (for provinces where Victoria Day is officially observed):
Most grocery stores and shopping malls remain closed or operate on reduced hours.
Restaurants, tourist attractions, and entertainment venues tend to stay open.
Government offices, banks, and post offices are closed.
Convenience stores and some pharmacies stay open.
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Victoria Day is a Canadian public holiday honouring Queen Victoria’s birthday. It’s also widely viewed as the unofficial start of summer, and often celebrated with parades, fireworks, & outdoor events. For many Canadians, Victoria Day weekend is the perfect time to plan short trips, spend time with family and friends, and get outside.