Enjoy the unofficial kick-off to the summer this Victoria Day at one of many May long weekend trips in Canada.
Explore the best Victoria Day long weekend destinations to start planning your next getaway.
About Victoria Day in Canada
Victoria Day is an annual Canadian holiday commemorating the birth of Queen Victoria, which occurred more than 200 years ago on May 24, 1819. Observed on the Monday before May 25th, Victoria Day is recognized across the country, except in Quebec, where it is called Journée nationale des Patriotes (National Patriots Day).
Victoria Day long weekend marks the unofficial start of the Canadian summer. Also known as May Two-Four or May Long, many pools, beaches, campgrounds, and festivals have their opening weekends scheduled around this holiday, making it one of the best times to get out of town, check out the best places to travel in Canada, and start your summer.
Top long weekend holiday destinations for Victoria Day
Here are some exciting events happening across the country this Victoria Day weekend.
Victoria Day Parade, Victoria, BC
Cost: Free admission
The Victoria Day long weekend is a popular time to travel, especially to Queen Victoria’s namesake city, Victoria, BC. Tens of thousands of people gather along the downtown streets for one of the biggest events of the year in the province’s capital and one of the biggest parades in the country.
The Victoria Day festivities begin with the parade on Monday morning. Come early to grab a spot on Douglas Street to catch more than 100 floats, marching bands, and cultural shows. It’s a free and fun event for the whole family. You’ll fare better if you make reservations for ferries or a seaplane flight into Victoria and arrive early, since the crowds fill the city for the three-day weekend.
Canadian Tulip Festival, Ottawa, ON
Cost: Free admission
More information: https://tulipfestival.ca/
The Canadian Tulip Festival is one of the world's largest tulip festivals, and it typically runs for two weeks in May before ending on Victoria Day. Since its opening in 1953, this award-winning festival, which features 750,000 tulips throughout the National Capital Region, has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
The festival ends on Victoria Day, typically closing with a fireworks show over Dow's Lake. Bring your blankets to get cozy among the tulips and enjoy the pyrotechnic display.
Kaslo May Days, Kootenay Rockies, BC
Cost: Free admission
More information: https://www.kaslochamber.com/May-Days-Schedule
British Columbia is known for its natural beauty, and the Kootenay Rockies represent some of the wilderness that attracts adventurers and travellers every year. With salt spring caves, hiking trails in the mountains, and lush cedar-hemlock forests, Kaslo is an ideal May long weekend destination in Canada.
Kaslo May Days is a longstanding, 127-year tradition celebrating the return of summer, and visitors can partake in the festival's Maypole dancing, live music, artisanal crafts, and local food. Logger sports is a favourite at the festival, with visiting athletes from all over competing in events such as axe throwing, tree climbing, and log rolling.
The area is also renowned for birdwatching opportunities in the old-growth forests along the shores of Kootenay Lake. Join the local experts for a guided nature walk to spot some of these feathered populations, and stick around for the Monday morning pancake breakfast and the Victoria Day parade at noon on Front Street.
Victoria Day Weekend Events in Toronto
ByBlacks Restaurant Week
Cost: Free admission
More information: https://byblacks.com/restaurantweek
Enjoy Afro-Caribbean fare, fresh drinks, great music, and culture at the annual ByBlacks Restaurant Week in Toronto this Victoria Day weekend. Entry is free for all ages, and donations from this Victoria Day event go to black youth support programs.
Throughout the week, this food festival celebrates the flavours and culture of Black-owned Canadian restaurants, food trucks, pop-ups, and caterers. Each participating vendor offers prix fixe menus and $10 specials, so you can sample a bit of everything.
Electric Island
Cost: Admission ranges from $135–$250
More information: https://www.electricisland.to/17-may-18-may
The Electric Island seasonal concert series kicks off on Victoria Day weekend in Toronto. The festival has three stages, and the first show of Victoria Day starts with Mochakk, Enrico Sangiuliano, and Astra.
Fireworks at Canada’s Wonderland
Cost: $0–$45
More information: www.canadaswonderland.com/play/events/fireworks
Don’t forget the fireworks at Canada’s Wonderland, an annual tradition for the park in honour of Victoria Day. The show usually starts at 10 pm, weather permitting. You can pay the price of daily admission, about $45, to Canada’s Wonderland for the best view, or set up near the park and enjoy the show for free.
Victoria Day in the Greater Vancouver Area, BC
Victoria Day at Burnaby Village Museum
Cost: Free admission
More information: www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca/
Check out the Victoria Day celebrations at the Burnaby Museum Village, which celebrates the late Queen’s birthday in royal style with carousel rides, historic exhibits, and live demonstrations.
Plan your next trip with Skyscanner
With fireworks and parades in many major Canadian cities each year, Victoria Day weekend is the perfect way to start your summer. Start planning your trip now to make the most of the May long weekend.
Frequently asked questions: Victoria Day long weekend destinations
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