Victoria Day in Canada: a holiday that outlived the empire

Canada is the only country in the world that still celebrates Victoria Day as an official public holiday. This day was once the main celebration throughout the British Empire, but now it's been forgotten even in Britain itself. In 2026, the holiday falls on Monday, May 18, and approximately 35 million Canadians will get a long weekend. For those planning immigration or who have recently moved to Canada, understanding this holiday is key to culturally immersing yourself in Canadian life.

Where this holiday came from: from military parades to public celebrations

The history of Victoria Day dates back to 1845 — it's Canada's oldest official holiday, existing for more than 180 years. Initially, the monarch's birthday was more of a military event: men would gather in militia units for mandatory training. However, after the union of the Canadian provinces, parliament was looking for a common holiday that would suit both English-speaking and French-speaking residents. Queen Victoria's birthday — May 24 — became exactly that date.

Why Victoria specifically? This queen occupied the throne in 1867, when Canada gained dominion status within the British Empire. She was the one who named Ottawa the country's capital. For this, Canadians gave her an honorary title — "Mother of Confederation."

In 1854, on the Queen's 35th birthday, five thousand Canadian residents gathered at the government house to congratulate their queen. After Victoria's death in 1901, parliament passed a special act establishing May 24 as an official holiday. And in 1952, the date became "floating" — the holiday was moved to the last Monday before May 25, so Canadians would always get a long weekend.

Since 1952, this same date serves as the official birthday of the reigning Canadian monarch. Under King Charles III, the holiday continues to strengthen the constitutional link between Canada and the Crown.

How Canadians celebrate: fireworks, cottages, and "May Two-Four"

People often call Victoria Day "May Two-Four." This is a double reference: to the May 24 date and to the 24-bottle case of beer that's invariably popular during this long weekend. The nickname has become so rooted in Canadian culture that it has its own entry in Canadian dictionaries.

For many Canadians, the Victoria Day long weekend marks the unofficial start of summer. After this date, gardeners can be confident there won't be any frost until fall, and they start planting. Thousands of families head to cottages and national parks — hiking, fishing, and boating become the main activities.

Fireworks are the centerpiece of the celebration. Here's what's planned for 2026:

• Toronto, Ashbridges Bay Park — May 18 at 10:00 PM will launch about 2,000 fireworks, with the show lasting 13–14 minutes. This is one of the largest municipal displays in the province.
• Niagara Falls — the summer fireworks series starts May 15 at 10:00 PM and continues nightly until October 12 against the backdrop of the famous falls.
• Ottawa — the Canadian Tulip Festival runs from May 8 to 18 among more than a million tulips. However, there will be no fireworks or drone show in 2026 — they've been moved to 2027.
• Victoria, British Columbia — a traditional parade that's been held since 1898 in the city named after the queen.

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Official protocol requires that on this day the British flag be raised from dawn to sunset at all federal buildings, and in each provincial capital at noon a royal salute is fired — 21 gun salute.

The holiday and Canadian identity: between tradition and debate

Victoria Day is one of the few holidays in the world that honors a deceased monarch by name. At one time, loyalty to the Crown was viewed as a key characteristic distinguishing Canada from the USA, and the monarchy was perceived as a "guarantor of minority rights."

However, the holiday isn't without controversy. Some Canadians, especially representatives of Indigenous peoples and immigrants not from Britain, question the appropriateness of a holiday honoring a monarch associated with colonial expansion. In Quebec, this day has been officially celebrated since 2003 as National Patriots' Day — in memory of participants in the 1837 rebellion.

Peter Woolstencroft, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Waterloo, noted that Canada's constitutional peculiarities make abolishing the monarchy extremely unlikely. According to him, such a process would require long and contentious negotiations that Canadians are likely not prepared for — especially given the treaty relationships between Indigenous peoples and the Crown.

Victoria Day is a federal holiday and a day off in six of ten provinces — British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador — as well as in all three territories: the Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut.

What immigrants need to know: a practical guide for May 18

On Victoria Day, federal government offices are closed, including Service Canada centers and passport offices. Postal service doesn't operate — there's no mail collection or delivery. Most bank branches also don't serve customers. Schools in provinces where the holiday is a statutory day off are closed.

That said, gas stations and convenience stores are typically open. Many coffee shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues operate. Among Toronto museums open on the holiday: the Royal Ontario Museum, Aga Khan Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, Bata Shoe Museum, and Hockey Hall of Fame. Public transit runs on a reduced holiday schedule.

Starting in 2026, stores in Ontario can open on Victoria Day for the first time thanks to changes in the Retail Business Holidays Act, although this remains at each retailer's discretion.

For those in the process of filing immigration paperwork: application processing times may be slightly delayed due to holiday office closures. If you need urgent travel documents — take care of this in advance.

The Victoria Day weekend is one of the busiest travel periods in Canada. Transportation services recommend leaving before noon on Friday, and booking plane and train tickets well in advance.

Victoria Day is more than just a day off

For newcomers to Canada, Victoria Day is a chance to see how the country combines British heritage with its own unique identity. Fireworks, cottages, the first tomato planting, and a 24-pack of beer — all of this intertwines into a typically Canadian holiday that can't be confused with any other.