đź‘‘ Days Until Victoria Day
There are
days until Victoria Day (May 19)
Related holidays
About Victoria Day
Victoria Day is a Canadian federal holiday celebrated on the last Monday before May 25th. It honors Queen Victoria's birthday and also serves as the official birthday celebration of the reigning Canadian monarch. The holiday marks the unofficial start of summer in Canada, and many Canadians celebrate with fireworks, camping trips, and outdoor barbecues. In Quebec, the same day is observed as National Patriots' Day (Journée nationale des patriotes).
How to prepare for Victoria Day
Victoria Day weekend is the traditional time to open cottages for the season and start planting gardens — check your hardiness zone for safe planting dates. Book campsites early, as provincial and national parks fill up quickly for this long weekend. Stock up on fireworks (where permitted) and plan a backyard display. If you're heading to the cottage, prep the water system, check the dock, and bring warm layers — late May nights in Canada can still be chilly.
Traditions and customs
Victoria Day honors Queen Victoria, born May 24, 1819, and now serves as the official birthday of Canada's reigning monarch. Affectionately called "May Two-Four" (both for the date and a case of 24 beers), the long weekend is the traditional kickoff to summer — Canadians open cottages, plant gardens after the frost risk passes, and enjoy fireworks. In Quebec the same Monday is observed as National Patriots' Day.
Frequently asked questions
- When is Victoria Day?
- Victoria Day falls on the Monday preceding May 25th, so it lands between May 18th and May 24th each year.
- What does Victoria Day celebrate?
- It commemorates the birthday of Queen Victoria and marks the official birthday of the current Canadian sovereign.
- Why is it called the 'May Two-Four' weekend?
- The nickname puns on Victoria's May 24th birthday and on Canadian slang for a case of 24 beers, reflecting the weekend's role as the unofficial start of summer.