Victoria Day: Where Canadian Tradition Meets Summer Dreams & Hockey Fever
Published by Ron Alfred De Guzman | MaxWell Realty Blogs | May 16, 2025
Your guide to celebrating Canada's most uniquely royal long weekend
May long weekend isn't just another holiday—it's a Canadian institution that perfectly captures who we are as a nation. Victoria Day blends royal heritage with summer traditions, fireworks with playoff hockey, and historical significance with the promise of warm weather adventures ahead. For many Canadians, this weekend marks more than just the unofficial start of summer; it's when our national character truly shines.
The Royal Story Behind Our Favorite Long Weekend
Victoria Day honors Queen Victoria, the monarch who witnessed Canada's birth as a nation in 1867. Born on May 24, 1819, she ruled the British Empire for an extraordinary 63 years—from 1837 until her death in 1901 (Government of Canada). Her reign shaped not just Canada's political landscape but also our cultural identity in ways that continue today.
The holiday's journey began in 1845 when the Province of Canada first declared May 24 a public holiday (The Canadian Encyclopedia). After Confederation, the tradition evolved, and following Queen Victoria's death in 1901, it became permanently established as a legal holiday. The brilliant move came in 1952 when the date shifted to the last Monday before May 25, guaranteeing Canadians that coveted long weekend (Government of Canada).
Today, Victoria Day serves dual purposes—honoring Queen Victoria while celebrating the official birthday of Canada's current monarch, keeping our royal connections alive in the modern era.
"May Two-Four": The Holiday That's Perfectly Canadian
Victoria Day has spawned traditions that could only exist in Canada:
The "May Two-Four" Legend: This clever nickname captures two Canadian essentials—the date (near May 24th) and our love for a good time (slang for a 24-beer case). It's become synonymous with long weekend festivities (The Canadian Encyclopedia).
A Children's Protest Song: Generations of Canadian kids have sung: "The twenty-fourth of May / Is the Queen's birthday; / If they don't give us a holiday / We'll all run away!" It's delightfully Canadian—polite rebellion with a sing-song melody (The Canadian Encyclopedia).
Quebec's Alternative: While the rest of Canada celebrates Victoria Day, Quebec observes Journée nationale des patriotes, honoring the 1837-38 rebellions and showcasing our nation's complex historical narrative (Government of Quebec).
Summer's Official Starting Gun: Victoria Day signals more than just a day off—it's when summer businesses open their doors, gardeners safely plant their crops, and cottages across the country welcome their first visitors of the season (Government of Canada).
Perhaps most remarkably, Queen Victoria herself chose Ottawa as Canada's capital, a decision that shaped our nation's political future and gave us one of the world's most beautiful capital cities (Library and Archives Canada).
The Weekend That Signals Summer's Arrival
Victoria Day weekend creates the perfect storm of Canadian summer traditions. While some families use the long weekend to explore vacation properties in destinations like Muskoka or the Maritimes, the holiday's real significance lies in its role as summer's official kickoff.
Cottage Country Awakens: Across Canada, cottage owners make their annual pilgrimage to open up seasonal properties. Statistics Canada notes significant migration patterns during long weekends as urban dwellers head to rural retreats (Statistics Canada).
Garden Centers Boom: The Royal Horticultural Society recognizes Victoria Day as the traditional "last frost" date for much of Canada, making it the safest time to plant tender annuals and vegetables (Canadian Gardening Magazine).
Tourism Season Begins: The Canadian Tourism Commission reports that Victoria Day weekend marks the beginning of peak domestic travel season, with campgrounds, hotels, and tourist attractions seeing their first major influx of visitors (Destination Canada).
Action-Packed Weekend: From Fireworks to Playoffs
Victoria Day weekend offers something for every Canadian family, combining traditional celebrations with modern entertainment:
Spectacular Fireworks Displays: Cities across Canada illuminate the night sky with dazzling shows. Toronto's Ashbridges Bay Park hosts one of the country's most impressive displays, drawing families from across the GTA (City of Toronto).
Cultural Celebrations & Parades: Victoria, BC's Victoria Day Parade celebrates the city's royal heritage, while Ottawa showcases its world-famous Canadian Tulip Festival, creating a perfect blend of history and natural beauty (Ottawa Tourism).
Thrill-Seekers Paradise: Canada's Wonderland in Toronto combines heart-pounding rides with evening fireworks displays, offering the perfect mix of adrenaline and tradition (Canada's Wonderland).
NHL Playoff Fever: For hockey-loving Canadians, Victoria Day weekend often coincides with crucial NHL playoff games—Conference Finals or even Stanley Cup Finals action (NHL). The 2025 playoffs are expected to feature key matchups around May 19th, giving families the perfect excuse to gather around the TV or head to local sports bars for communal viewing experiences (CBC Sports).
Outdoor Adventures Begin: Parks Canada reports peak visitor registration often begins during Victoria Day weekend, as hiking trails, camping sites, and national parks officially enter their busy season (Parks Canada).
A Holiday That Defines Canadian Character
Victoria Day represents something uniquely Canadian—our ability to honor tradition while embracing modern fun. It's the weekend when:
- Gardeners across the country finally plant their tomatoes
- Cottage communities come alive after winter hibernation
- Families plan their summer adventures
- Hockey fans unite for playoff excitement
- Summer festivals and events officially begin
The holiday perfectly encapsulates Canadian values: respect for history, love of the outdoors, community spirit, and an appreciation for life's simple pleasures. It's remarkable that a holiday honoring a 19th-century British monarch has evolved into such an authentically Canadian celebration.
Making This Victoria Day Memorable
Whether you're a history buff fascinated by our royal connections, a sports fan living for playoff hockey, or simply someone who loves the promise of summer, Victoria Day offers something special. The holiday bridges generations—from grandparents who remember singing the traditional Victoria Day song to kids experiencing their first cottage weekend.
Planning Your Perfect Victoria Day Weekend
As you prepare for this year's celebration, consider the many ways to honor this uniquely Canadian tradition:
- Attend local fireworks displays and parades
- Visit historical sites that tell Queen Victoria's story
- Explore Canada's natural beauty through hiking or camping
- Support local businesses as they kick off summer season
- Gather with family and friends for hockey playoff viewing parties
- Start your own garden to celebrate the end of frost season
Whatever your Victoria Day plans include—fireworks, hockey playoffs, outdoor adventures, or simply time with loved ones—you're participating in a tradition that's over 175 years old and authentically Canadian.
So raise a toast to Queen Victoria, whose birthday gift to Canada became the perfect excuse to celebrate summer's arrival, community spirit, and the endless beauty of our great nation. After all, where else can you honor a 19th-century British monarch by lighting fireworks, watching playoff hockey, and embracing the great Canadian outdoors all in one spectacular long weekend?
Sources:
- Government of Canada - Victoria Day Official Information
- The Canadian Encyclopedia - Victoria Day History and Traditions
- Government of Quebec - National Patriots Day Details
- Library and Archives Canada - Ottawa Capital Selection
- Statistics Canada - Migration and Tourism Patterns
- Canadian Gardening Magazine - Planting Guidelines
- Destination Canada - Tourism Season Statistics
- City of Toronto - Victoria Day Events
- Ottawa Tourism - Canadian Tulip Festival
- Canada's Wonderland - Holiday Celebrations
- NHL - Playoff Schedule Information
- CBC Sports - Hockey Coverage and Statistics
- Parks Canada - Visitor Statistics and Programs