National Victoria Day

Victoria Day is a Canadian federal holiday that honors Queen Victoria, who was the reigning monarch when Canada became a country in 1867. It’s celebrated on the last Monday preceding May 25th and is considered the unofficial start of summer in Canada.

Quick Facts

When is it?: The Monday before May 25th each year
Tagged as: Canadian federal holiday, long weekend
What’s the hashtag?: #VictoriaDay
When was it founded?: 1845
Who founded it?: The legislative assembly of the Province of Canada

History of Victoria Day

Victoria Day was established as a holiday in the Province of Canada in 1845 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s birthday on May 24th. After Queen Victoria’s death in 1901, the Canadian government officially named the holiday Victoria Day and established it as a legal holiday. In 1952, it was decided that Victoria Day would always be celebrated on the Monday preceding May 25th, creating a long weekend for Canadians.

The holiday has deep roots in Canadian identity, as Queen Victoria was the monarch during Canada’s confederation in 1867. Victoria Day is uniquely Canadian and continues to be celebrated across the country as both a commemoration of Queen Victoria and, since 1952, as the official birthday of the current reigning monarch.

Timeline

1845: Victoria Day declared a holiday by the Canadian government
1867: Canada becomes a country during Queen Victoria’s reign
1901: After Queen Victoria’s death, Victoria Day becomes an official national holiday
1952: The holiday is moved to the Monday preceding May 25th
2003: Quebec officially creates National Patriots’ Day on the same date

Dates by Next Year (2025 to 2030)

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	May 19	Monday
2026	May 18	Monday
2027	May 24	Monday
2028	May 22	Monday
2029	May 21	Monday
2030	May 20	Monday

How Victoria Day is Observed

Victoria Day is a statutory holiday in most parts of Canada. The day is usually marked with parades, outdoor events, and activities like camping and fireworks displays. Many Canadians use this long weekend to open up their cottages for the summer season or plant their gardens, as it traditionally marks the time when the risk of frost has passed.

In Quebec, the holiday is celebrated as National Patriots’ Day (Journée nationale des patriotes) instead of Victoria Day. This replaced a holiday called Fête de Dollard in 2003, which had replaced Victoria Day in 1918.

Fun Facts About Victoria Day

Victoria Day is often affectionately referred to as “May Two-Four” by Canadians, which is a play on words referring both to the date (around May 24th) and to a case of 24 beers (a “two-four”), which is a popular purchase for the long weekend celebrations.

Queen Victoria never actually visited Canada, despite having the holiday named after her and the capital city of British Columbia named in her honor.

Victoria Day is only celebrated in Canada and Scotland, making it a distinctly Canadian tradition that sets the country apart from other Commonwealth nations.

Quiz

In what year was Victoria Day established as a holiday in Canada?
On what day of the week is Victoria Day celebrated?
What does Quebec celebrate instead of Victoria Day?
What nickname do Canadians often use for Victoria Day?

(Answers: 1. 1845, 2. Monday, 3. National Patriots’ Day, 4. May Two-Four)

FAQs

Why do Canadians celebrate Victoria Day?
Canadians celebrate Victoria Day to honor Queen Victoria, who was the reigning monarch when Canada became a country in 1867. The holiday also now serves as the official birthday celebration for the current monarch.

Is Victoria Day celebrated outside of Canada?
Victoria Day is primarily a Canadian holiday, though it is also observed in Scotland. It is not celebrated in other Commonwealth countries, including the United Kingdom.

What activities are traditional on Victoria Day?
Traditional Victoria Day activities include parades, fireworks displays, barbecues, opening cottages for the summer season, and gardening.

Q: Why is Victoria Day celebrated?
A: It commemorates Queen Victoria’s birthday and celebrates Canadian ties to the monarchy.

Q: Is it a statutory holiday?
A: Yes, in most provinces and territories.

Q: How do Canadians celebrate it?
A: With parades, fireworks, barbecues, gardening, and outdoor activities.

Importance of Victoria Day

Victoria Day holds cultural significance as Canada’s oldest state holiday. It represents the country’s historical ties to the British monarchy while also marking an important seasonal transition. For many Canadians, Victoria Day represents the unofficial start of summer and outdoor activities after a long winter.

The holiday also serves as a reminder of Canada’s constitutional monarchy, as the current monarch remains Canada’s head of state. This dual purpose – honoring both the past and present monarchs – makes Victoria Day a unique celebration of Canadian heritage and identity.