Victoria Day 2026: Your Guide to Canada’s Royal Holiday

Holidays

Apr 15

Victoria Day 2026 falls on Monday, May 18th in Canada. This historic holiday celebrates Queen Victoria’s birthday and is recognized as a federal public holiday in most provinces. It’s also informally known as a holiday marking the beginning of summer each year. Communities nationwide honour the occasion with fireworks, parades, and outdoor festivities.

Let’s explore everything you need to know about Victoria Day 2026, what celebrations you can expect, and the history behind this Canadian holiday.

When is Victoria Day 2026?

Victoria Day is observed on the Monday preceding May 25. This year, it falls on Monday, May 18th, 2026. The holiday dates back to 1845, making it one of Canada’s oldest officially recognized holidays.

Things to Do on Victoria Day 2026

Victoria Day weekend is a great time to get outside and enjoy the long weekend. Here are a few family-friendly activities you can consider for this year’s holiday:

Visit a Local Botanical Garden

Victoria Day traditionally signals the start of gardening season in Canada. Check out your local botanical garden to see if they’ll be open for Victoria Day weekend. You may even find special opening events, workshops, or discounts.

Visit a Local Park

Parks Canada offers great destinations for weekend getaways and day trips alike. Find out if there’s a National or Provincial Park near you and explore the options for hiking, camping, beaches, and more.

Check Out a Fireworks Display

Many cities, like Ottawa and Victoria, hold free fireworks displays on Victoria Day weekend. It’s a good excuse to get outside and enjoy the show!

Look for Local Fairs

Victoria Day weekend is a common time for local fairs and festivals to take place, since many Canadians have an extra day off work.

Major Victoria Day 2026 Celebrations in Canada

Since Victoria Day marks a long weekend and the beginning of summer, there are plenty of celebrations and fairs taking place across the country during Victoria Day 2026.

Victoria Day Toronto 2026

It’s easy to find something to do in Toronto for Victoria Day. To enjoy a night out, check out local clubs and bars offering special deals. For family fun, explore the free fireworks display, or check out holiday specials at local museums and art galleries.

Ashbridges Bay Park Fireworks [Status: details have not been announced yet.]
Canada’s Wonderland Victoria Day Fireworks: Canada’s Wonderland typically offers a grand fireworks display on the Sunday of the long weekend. [Status: details have not been announced yet.]
Junior Jays Victoria Day Weekend: During every Sunday home game, you’ll find fun “Jr. Jays Zones” at Toronto Blue Jays games.
Victoria Day SpeedFest: Find a little more action at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, where the NASCAR Canada Series is taking place May 15th to 17th, 2026. You’ll get to watch races, enjoy food and vendors, and have fun in the Fun Zone for kids. This event will also have a fireworks display, on Saturday, May 16th.
Victoria Day Weekend Boat Party [Status: details have not been announced yet.]

Victoria Day Ottawa 2026

Canadian Tulip Festival: This renowned display of over 300,000 tulips happens to coincide with the holiday! Running in Spring 2026, you can view the tulips at Commissioners Park in Ottawa for free. [Status: dates have not been announced yet.]
Fireworks & Drone Show: As part of the Tulip Festival, don’t miss the annual fireworks display. This year’s show will be the first of its kind, combining classic fireworks with a modern drone show. [Status: details have not been announced yet.]

Victoria Day BC 2026

British Columbia, especially the city of Victoria (named after the Queen), is known for its yearly Victoria Day celebrations:

Victoria Day Parade: Running since 1898, this parade features over 100 marching bands, floats, and performers. This year’s parade takes place on May 18th, 2026 and will be celebrating its 126th year.
Luxton Spring Fair: Another family-friendly activity taking place the weekend of Victoria Day. You’ll find carnival rides, vendors, and other attractions for all ages at this fair. [Status: details have not been announced yet.]

Historical Significance of Victoria Day

Victoria Day commemorates Queen Victoria, who ruled from 1837 to 1901. She played a crucial role in Canada’s Confederation in 1867, influencing the country’s early development. Today, the holiday also recognizes the reigning British monarch, King Charles III.

Victoria Day Weather

May weather in Canada can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F). On Victoria Day and throughout the holiday weekend, it’s typical to expect a mix of sunshine and occasional spring showers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Victoria Day is a statutory holiday in most Canadian provinces and territories, except for: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. These provinces treat it as a non-statutory holiday, meaning not all workers get a paid day off.
Store openings vary by location, but it’s a good idea to double check hours during Victoria Day weekend. As a general rule of thumb (for provinces where Victoria Day is officially observed):
- Most grocery stores and shopping malls remain closed or operate on reduced hours.
- Restaurants, tourist attractions, and entertainment venues tend to stay open.
- Government offices, banks, and post offices are closed.
- Convenience stores and some pharmacies stay open.
Victoria Day is a Canadian public holiday honouring Queen Victoria’s birthday. It’s also widely viewed as the unofficial start of summer, and often celebrated with parades, fireworks, & outdoor events. For many Canadians, Victoria Day weekend is the perfect time to plan short trips, spend time with family and friends, and get outside.