The History of Victoria Day
Victoria Day is a statutory holiday in Canada which was first celebrated in 1845 to honour Queen Victoria’s birthday. Queen Victoria supported Canadian Confederation, which makes her a key figure in the founding of our country. This holiday marks the unofficial start of summer in Canada and is celebrated from coast to coast.
In 1845, the Legislature of the Province of Canada declared May 25th a public holiday, to honour the birthday of the reigning queen. Following Queen Victoria’s death in 1901, Parliament passed the Holidays Act, which made this date a permanent holiday. In 1952, the federal government moved the holiday to the last Monday before May 25th to ensure it was a long weekend.
Victoria Day is traditionally celebrated nationwide with BBQs, picnics, and firework displays, The holiday marks the start of the camping season, with many people heading to provincial parks to enjoy the three-day weekend. Victoria Day is informally referred to as “May Two-Four” and is the term most Canadians use when speaking about this holiday.
Happy Victoria Day!









