Holidays: Victoria Day in Canada

Victoria Day in Canada

Quick Facts

Victoria Day is celebrated in honor of the birthdays of both Queen Victoria and the current monarch of Canada.

Local names

Name	Language
Victoria Day	English
le Jour de Victoria	French

Victoria Day 2008

Monday, May 19, 2008

Victoria Day 2009

Monday, May 18, 2009
See list of observations below

Queen Victoria was born in London, England on May 24, 1819. After the death of her father and three uncles, she became Queen of Great Britain and Ireland and was Sovereign of many countries, including Canada. Victoria Day, also known as May Two-Four, May Long and May Long Weekend, is a statutory holiday in Canada on the last Monday before or on the anniversary of her birth. In the province of Quebec, the day is known as National Patriotes Day and commemorates the Patriotes of the Lower Canadian Rebellion in 1837.

This illustration is based on artwork from ©iStockphoto.com/Michiel de Boer & ©iStockphoto.com/George Cairns

What do people do?

In some cities, fireworks displays or parades are held to mark Victoria Day. The most notable parade is held in the city of Victoria, British Columbia, which was named after Queen Victoria. Many people gather in parks to enjoy fireworks displays, which are particularly impressive in Hamilton and Toronto.

For many people, the long Victoria Day weekend marks the end of the winter and the unofficial start of the spring or summer season. After this weekend, gardeners can be reasonably sure that there will be no more frost until the autumn so they can sow or plant out delicate crops and plants. For the same reason, people with recreational homes in colder parts of the country often go to them to open them up for the summer. In addition, many amusement parks and outdoor attractions open for their summer season this weekend. Notably, stores on Prince Edward Island are only permitted to open on Sunday between Victoria Day and Christmas Day.

Public life

Victoria Day is a statutory holiday in all Canadian provinces and territories, except New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Most people have a day off work and schools are closed. In some areas, particularly in the provinces of Ontario, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador, stores are closed. However, there are some local variations. Post offices across the whole country are closed. Public transport services may run to a normal or reduced timetable.

Background

Victoria was born on May 24, 1819. Following the death of three uncles and her father, she became Queen of the United Kingdom on June 20, 1837 and reigned until her death on January 22, 1901. For many years, she was the longest-reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. However, Queen Elizabeth II surpassed her in late 2007. During Victoria's life, the British Empire expanded considerably. However, her powers as Queen of the United Kingdom were reduced as the House of Commons became more important and powerful in British politics.

The monarch's birthday has been celebrated in Canada since before the beginning of Queen Victoria's reign. After her death, in 1901, May 25 became known as Empire Day. The sovereign's official birthday was still celebrated, often on the King's or Queen's actual birthday. In 1952, Empire Day was moved to the Monday before May 25 and since 1953, the official birthday of Queen Elizabeth II has been celebrated on this date in Canada. In 1958, Empire Day became known as Commonwealth Day, which was moved to the second Monday in March. The Monday before May 25 then became known as Victoria Day, which is a Canadian statutory holiday.

Victoria Day Observances

Weekday

Date

Year

Name

Holiday type

Where it is observed

Mon

May 19

1980

Victoria Day

National holiday