Victoria Day
Monday, May 19, 2025
About This Holiday
A Canadian holiday celebrating Queen Victoria's birthday and marking the unofficial start of summer.
History
Victoria Day was declared a Canadian holiday in 1845 while Queen Victoria was still alive. After her death in 1901, it continued as a celebration of her birthday (May 24, 1819). Since 1952, it also celebrates the current monarch's official birthday. The holiday is always on the Monday preceding May 25, creating a long weekend.
Traditions
Canadians celebrate with fireworks displays, camping trips, opening cottages for summer, planting gardens (it's considered safe from frost after Victoria Day), and outdoor activities. In Quebec, it's called 'FΓͺte de la Reine' or 'JournΓ©e nationale des Patriotes,' commemorating the Lower Canada Rebellion. Many communities hold parades and festivals.
Fun Facts
- β¨Victoria Day marks the unofficial start of summer in Canada
- β¨It's illegal to set off fireworks without a permit, but Victoria Day is a traditional exception in many areas
- β¨In Quebec, May 24 is 'National Patriots' Day' instead, honoring the 1837-38 rebellions
- β¨Gardeners follow the rule 'plant after Victoria Day' to avoid frost damage