Victoria Day weekend is one of the most cherished holidays in Canada, offering the perfect excuse to get outside, celebrate with friends and family, and embrace the start of summer. Falling on Monday, May 19 in 2025, this long weekend gives Canadians from coast to coast a chance to enjoy everything from local festivals and outdoor adventures to cultural events and fireworks. Here’s a look at how different regions of Canada will be ringing in Victoria Day this year—Canadian-style.
Victoria Day in British Columbia: Parades, Tea, and Nature
On the West Coast, British Columbia truly comes alive during the Victoria Day weekend. In Victoria, the province’s capital and namesake of the holiday, the annual parade is a major highlight, bringing the city together in a joyful display of marching bands, cultural floats, and community pride. The city’s historic charm adds to the festive atmosphere. Many take the opportunity to enjoy high tea at the iconic Fairmont Empress or Butchart Gardens, while others escape into nature to hike trails around Goldstream Park or try a treetop adventure at WildPlay.
Vancouver Island offers even more in the way of nature and relaxation. Kayaking along the rugged coastlines offers up-close encounters with wildlife such as harbour seals and sea birds. The Juan de Fuca Trail and the Galloping Goose Trail are ideal for hikers and cyclists looking to make the most of the spring weather. Those staying on the mainland might head to Surrey for the Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair, one of Canada’s longest-running rodeos, which blends rodeo sports, live music, carnival rides, and family-friendly entertainment.
Victoria Day in Ontario: Fireworks, Boat Cruises, and Festivals
In Ontario, Victoria Day weekend is synonymous with fireworks, outdoor fun, and the first big gatherings of the season. Toronto’s waterfront becomes a social hub, with a series of themed boat parties setting sail throughout the weekend. From early-2000s dance hits to glow-in-the-dark cruises, these events draw crowds ready to dance under the stars while enjoying the skyline views. For those looking for something a little less lively, Toronto’s parks and beaches—like High Park or Woodbine Beach—make excellent picnic spots to soak up the sunshine.
Niagara Falls is a prime Victoria Day destination thanks to its breathtaking natural wonders and special long weekend events. Visitors can experience the falls from below on boat cruises or view them from above on a helicopter tour. The surrounding area is packed with attractions like botanical gardens, the butterfly conservatory, and zipline adventures. On the nights of the long weekend, the falls are illuminated in vibrant colours, capped off by fireworks shows that light up the night sky.
A short drive north of Toronto, the Schomberg Fair also returns this May. This classic agricultural fair is packed with small-town charm and includes livestock exhibitions, carnival rides, crafts, and live music. It’s a slice of rural Ontario at its finest and perfect for families or those looking to escape the city.
Meanwhile, in Ottawa, the CanGames convention brings together board game enthusiasts, role-playing adventurers, and strategy gamers for a weekend of imaginative fun. Held at the Rideau Curling Club, the event features a mix of classic games and new releases, appealing to a wide range of ages and interests.
Victoria Day in Quebec: Culture and Relaxation in Montreal
Over in Quebec, Victoria Day is not a statutory holiday in all regions, but Montreal still makes the most of the long weekend. Many Montrealers use the time to explore Old Montreal, where cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and patios buzzing with conversation make for a perfect spring outing. Mount Royal Park is also a popular destination for picnics, sunbathing, and panoramic views of the city. Though there may not be formal Victoria Day celebrations, the city’s cultural richness offers plenty to discover.
Victoria Day in Nova Scotia: Coastal Charm in Halifax
In Atlantic Canada, Nova Scotia’s coastal beauty makes it an ideal spot to relax over the long weekend. Halifax, with its charming mix of history and seafront vibes, invites visitors to stroll the waterfront boardwalk, indulge in fresh seafood, and visit landmarks like the Halifax Citadel. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic provides insight into the region’s deep connection to the sea, making it both a relaxing and educational destination.
Tips for a Memorable Victoria Day Weekend in Canada
Regardless of where you are in Canada, the Victoria Day weekend is an invitation to reconnect with community, nature, and culture. It’s the first taste of summer and a time when people emerge from the chill of early spring with renewed energy and excitement. Whether you’re watching fireworks over Niagara Falls, sipping tea in Victoria, dancing on a Toronto boat cruise, or simply relaxing at a lakeside cottage, Victoria Day 2025 promises to be a weekend to remember. So plan ahead, check the local forecast, and make the most of this quintessentially Canadian holiday.