15+ Best Things to Do on Victoria Day 2025 in Canada
Celebrate the unofficial start of summer with a uniquely Canadian twist! Victoria Day, observed on May 19th in 2025, honors Queen Victoria’s legacy and marks the beginning of warmer days. From dazzling fireworks to heritage fairs, Canada offers a vibrant mix of activities for families, history buffs, and adventure seekers. Whether you're planning a Victoria Day weekend getaway or a local day trip, here's your ultimate guide to what to do on Victoria Day, from iconic events to hidden-gem activities.
Introduction to Victoria Day Celebrations
Victoria Day, colloquially known as the "May Two-Four" weekend, blends royal tradition with modern Canadian culture. Established in 1845 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s birthday, the holiday has evolved into a celebration of Canada’s British heritage and a joyful kickoff to the outdoor season. Expect parades, picnics, and pyrotechnics nationwide—all under the banner of red-and-white patriotism.
The holiday’s origins trace back to the reign of Queen Victoria, whose influence shaped Canada’s early governance. Today, it’s a time for communities to gather, reflect on history, and embrace the warmer weather. Cities and towns across the country decorate streets with Union Jack flags, while families dust off their BBQs and camping gear. For travelers, Victoria Day offers a golden opportunity to experience Canada’s diverse regional traditions, from the maritime charm of Nova Scotia to the multicultural energy of Toronto.
Top Victoria Day Weekend Activities
Family-Friendly Festivities
Parades & Street Festivals Cities like Ottawa, Hamilton, and Winnipeg host lively parades featuring marching bands, vintage cars, and costumed performers. Ottawa’s "Spirit of Victoria" parade is a crowd favorite, with floats showcasing Canadian history. In smaller towns like Stratford, Ontario, expect quirky additions like tractor parades or petting zoos.
Carnival Rides & Games Visit local fairs such as Calgary’s Heritage Park Historical Village, where kids can enjoy old-fashioned carousel rides and cotton candy. Edmonton’s K-Days (starting early this year!) often overlaps with Victoria Day weekend, offering roller coasters and live music.
DIY Backyard BBQs Fire up the grill with classic Canadian fare: maple-glazed salmon, Alberta beef burgers, or Québec-style poutine. Pair it with lawn games like bocce ball, cornhole, or a DIY scavenger hunt with patriotic themes.
Cultural Experiences
Indigenous Heritage Workshops Learn about First Nations traditions at museums like Winnipeg’s Canadian Museum for Human Rights or Vancouver’s Museum of Anthropology. Participate in hands-on activities like beading, drum-making, or storytelling sessions led by Indigenous elders.
Victorian Tea Parties Step back in time at historic estates like Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria, BC, or Dundurn Castle in Hamilton. Sip Earl Grey tea, nibble on scones, and enjoy live piano performances in opulent 19th-century parlors.
Artisan Markets Shop for handmade crafts at Toronto’s Distillery District or Montreal’s Marché des Possibles. Look for Victoria Day-themed souvenirs, like maple syrup candles or miniature Mountie figurines.
Outdoor Adventures
Kayaking & Canoeing Victoria Day weekend marks the perfect time to embrace Canada's breathtaking natural landscapes as they awaken from winter. For water enthusiasts, early-season kayaking and canoeing opportunities abound in Banff's iconic turquoise lakes, where you'll enjoy peaceful paddling before the summer crowds arrive. Algonquin Provincial Park offers over 1,500 lakes to explore, with possible wildlife sightings of moose and loons. Coastal adventurers can head to Newfoundland's Gros Morne National Park to navigate stunning fjords where icebergs may still be visible in May.
Hiking Trails Hikers will find ideal conditions on trails across the country. British Columbia's legendary Grouse Grind provides a challenging 2.9-kilometer ascent with rewarding views of Vancouver. In Quebec, the Mont-Tremblant trails showcase vibrant spring wildflowers, while Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Highlands combines ocean vistas with lush forests. For families, shorter interpretive trails like Ontario's Bruce Peninsula offer manageable hikes with spectacular Georgian Bay views.
Camping Under the Stars Camping enthusiasts should book early to secure prime spots in Jasper National Park or Ontario’s Killarney Provincial Park, where quartzite mountains radiate ethereal pink hues at sunset. For a truly immersive off-grid experience, a reliable power station is essential to energize all your gear—from cooking appliances to photography equipment.
The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus portable power station stands out as the ultimate companion, featuring a 2,016Wh expandable battery and solar compatibility to effortlessly power camping lights, coolers, and cameras while documenting Canada’s pristine wilderness. Its whisper-quiet operation ensures peaceful mornings as you brew coffee with a portable maker or charge devices.
EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus Portable Power Station
First-timers can enhance their skills through provincial parks’ “Learn to Camp” programs, where mastering fire-building and tent pitching pairs perfectly with the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus’s user-friendly design. Whether you’re capturing golden-hour landscapes or keeping perishables fresh, this portable power station guarantees seamless power for every adventure need.
For thrill-seekers, tackle Quebec’s churning Jacques-Cartier River rapids or Alberta’s rugged Kananaskis biking trails—the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus’ X-Boost mode (supporting 3,600W devices) ensures GPS units and action cameras stay juiced for safety and storytelling. Birders at Point Pelee National Park can leverage its 13 output ports to simultaneously charge binoculars, laptops, and photography gear during peak migration.
Whether you’re paddling glacial lakes or stargazing under unpolluted skies, Victoria Day weekend pairs Canada’s wild beauty with the reliability of a portable power station designed for modern adventurers. The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus’ 2-hour full recharge capability means you’ll never miss capturing that golden-hour glow over the Rockies or sharing updates from remote trails.
Victoria Day Monday Events
Major City Celebrations
Toronto: Ashbridges Bay Fireworks Canada’s largest fireworks display lights up Lake Ontario at 9:45 PM. Arrive early to snag waterfront seating at Woodbine Beach or join a sunset cruise for prime views. Local food trucks serve peameal bacon sandwiches and Beavertails.
Vancouver: Stanley Park Picnics Join thousands for a communal picnic with live folk music and kite-flying competitions. Don’t miss the "Great Canadian Bake-Off" tent, where amateur bakers compete with red-and-white desserts.
Ottawa: Changing of the Guard Witness this ceremonial spectacle on Parliament Hill at 10:00 AM, followed by a royal-themed afternoon tea at the Fairmont Château Laurier.
Unique Local Experiences
Niagara Falls Illumination The falls glow in royal purple from dusk till midnight. Pair the view with a vintage wine tour at nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake vineyards.
Quebec’s "Fête de Dollard" Blend In Montreal, this lesser-known celebration merges Victoria Day with French-Canadian history. Enjoy folk dances, poutine tastings, and reenactments of 17th-century battles in Old Port.
Small-Town Heritage Fairs Explore towns like Mahone Bay, NS, or Drumheller, AB, for blacksmith demos, butter-churning workshops, and horse-drawn carriage rides. In Alberta’s Ukrainian Cultural Village, learn to make perogies from scratch!
2025 Special Events Calendar
Signature Annual Events
Victoria Day Races Bet on thoroughbreds at Toronto’s Woodbine Racetrack, a tradition since 1956. Dress to impress for the "Hats and Horses" competition, where extravagant fascinators win prizes.
Symphony Under the Stars The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra performs open-air concerts at Deer Lake Park. This year’s theme: "British Invasion," featuring Beatles and Rolling Stones covers.
Maritime Boat Christening Ceremonies In Nova Scotia’s Lunenburg—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—watch fishing communities bless new vessels with ceremonial champagne splashes. Stay for the lobster boil afterward!
New 2025 Additions
Interactive VR Historical Tours Step into 19th-century Canada via augmented reality exhibits at Ottawa’s Diefenbunker Museum or Halifax’s Citadel Hill. Kids can "meet" digital avatars of Sir John A. Macdonald or Laura Secord.
Eco-Friendly Fireworks Alternatives Cities like Edmonton and Halifax debut drone light shows to reduce environmental impact. Calgary’s "SkyCanvas" features 500 synchronized drones forming images of maple leaves and the Crown.
Multicultural Food Festivals Savor global flavors at Toronto’s "Taste of the Nations" (featuring Filipino adobo and Jamaican jerk stations) or Winnipeg’s "Folklorama Lite" pop-ups. In Vancouver, the "Night Market Sneak Peek" offers early access to Asian street food favorites.
Practical Tips for Victoria Day
Transportation: Using public transit for major events—parking near fireworks zones is a nightmare. Toronto’s TTC and Vancouver’s SkyTrain offer extended holiday schedules.
Weather Prep: Victoria Day weather can be unpredictable—sunny afternoons often give way to cool, breezy evenings. Pack layers you can shed or add, from a breathable T-shirt to a cozy fleece. Don’t forget a lightweight windbreaker to block gusts, and consider bringing a portable solar panel charger to keep phones and cameras powered during your outdoor adventures. Waterproof footwear and a compact umbrella can also come in handy if showers roll through midday.
Power Solutions: For campers and road-trippers, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus portable power station is a game-changer. Weighing just 22 lbs, it powers mini-fridges, string lights, and devices for 12+ hours—perfect for off-grid adventures.
Safety: Keep a close eye on children around campfires and barbecues—sparks and hot coals pose serious burn risks. If you plan to enjoy fireworks, verify local bylaws first: many provinces restrict personal fireworks, so stick to organized public displays. Carry a basic first-aid kit for cuts or scrapes, stay hydrated by sipping water throughout the day, and designate a sober driver if you’ll be celebrating with adult beverages.
Local Event Apps: Download apps like Eventbrite or Meetup for last-minute updates. Search hashtags like #VictoriaDayYYC (Calgary) or #VDay2025Halifax.
Conclusion
Victoria Day 2025 offers something for everyone—whether you’re chasing adrenaline on a mountain trail, savoring poutine at a heritage fair, or marveling at high-tech drone shows. This holiday is a reminder of Canada’s rich history, natural beauty, and community spirit. As you plan your long weekend, remember to balance tradition with innovation: toast the Queen with a craft IPA, explore VR history tours, and embrace eco-friendly celebrations.
Don’t forget to tag your adventures with #VictoriaDay2025—and consider investing in an EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus portable power station for seamless outdoor power. Happy May Two-Four!
FAQs
Why do we celebrate Victoria Day?
Victoria Day commemorates the birthday of Queen Victoria (May 24, 1819), who reigned during Canada's Confederation. Established as a holiday in 1845, it celebrates Canada's British heritage and constitutional monarchy. After Victoria's death in 1901, the date continued honoring the current sovereign. Today, it also unofficially marks summer's arrival, with nationwide festivities blending historical significance and seasonal joy.
What time are Victoria Day fireworks?
Most major fireworks displays occur between 9:30-10:30 PM, though times vary by location. Toronto's Ashbridges Bay show starts at 9:45 PM sharp, while Vancouver's English Bay fireworks begin at 10:00 PM. Smaller towns often hold earlier shows (8:30-9:00 PM) for families. Always check municipal websites for exact schedules, as weather may cause delays. Arrive 1-2 hours early for prime viewing spots at popular venues.
Are stores open on Victoria Day Monday?
Most retail stores operate reduced hours (typically 11 AM-6 PM), while grocery chains like Loblaws and Sobeys remain open regular hours. Major malls (e.g., Toronto's Eaton Centre) open noon-5 PM. Banks, government offices, and libraries close entirely. Gas stations, pharmacies, and convenience stores stay open, with some offering special holiday promotions. Tourist attractions often extend hours to accommodate visitors.
Best free Victoria Day activities?
Many cities offer free programming: Ottawa's Parliament Hill ceremonies, Winnipeg's Folklorama preview shows, and Halifax's waterfront concerts. Most public parks host complimentary events like heritage demonstrations or outdoor movie screenings. Museums in provincial capitals often waive admission fees, and community centers organize free craft workshops. Fireworks displays in urban centers remain the most popular no-cost attraction.
How to find local events near me?
Start with your city's official tourism website (e.g., Vancouver's Tourism Vancouver portal). Event aggregators like Eventbrite and Facebook Events allow filtering by date/location. Local newspapers typically publish comprehensive guides in their weekend editions. For hyperlocal options, check community center bulletin boards or Nextdoor neighborhood groups. Tourism hotlines (e.g., 1-800-O-CANADA) provide personalized recommendations based on your interests.
Gear up for Victoria Day 2025 with the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus portable power station—your reliable companion for outdoor adventures! Whether you’re camping in the Rockies or hosting a backyard movie night, this portable powerhouse keeps your celebrations running smoothly.