Victoria Day in Canada
View the global Victoria Day guide
Victoria Day is a Canadian holiday observed on the Monday preceding 25 May. It originated as a celebration of Queen Victoria's birthday and today is associated with the Canadian Crown, the unofficial beginning of the summer season and a popular long weekend in many parts of the country.
Victoria Day
Holiday
Canada
Country
2026
Next Date Year
Monday
Day
May
18
May 18, 2026
Victoria Day Date in Canada
Date
May 18, 2026
Day
Monday
Public Holiday
Yes
Bank Holiday
Yes
Date Confirmed
Yes
Victoria Day Dates in Canada
Victoria Day 2026
- Confirmed Authoritative Canada rules; confirmed dates. Federal general-holiday coverage applies to federally regulated employees; provincial/territorial treatment varies.
Victoria Day 2027
- Confirmed Authoritative Canada rules; confirmed dates. Federal general-holiday coverage applies to federally regulated employees; provincial/territorial treatment varies.
Victoria Day 2028
- Confirmed Authoritative Canada rules; confirmed dates. Federal general-holiday coverage applies to federally regulated employees; provincial/territorial treatment varies.
History of Victoria Day
Victoria Day began with celebrations of Queen Victoria's birthday. Canadian Heritage records that the Province of Canada declared 24 May a holiday in 1845; Parliament later established Victoria Day, and since 1953 the legal date has been the Monday immediately preceding 25 May. It also marks the official celebration of the Sovereign's birthday in Canada.
Importance of Victoria Day
Victoria Day has historical importance because of Canada's constitutional monarchy and longstanding connection with the Crown. In everyday life, however, many Canadians associate it with the beginning of warmer weather, opening cottages, gardening, camping and the start of the summer recreation season.
How Victoria Day Is Celebrated in Canada
Celebrations vary widely. Fireworks, community events, cottage trips, camping and outdoor gatherings are common in areas where the holiday is observed. Some official ceremonies acknowledge the monarch's birthday, while many families simply use the long weekend for leisure.
Office Impact
The federal Holidays Act names Victoria Day a legal holiday, and federally regulated employees receive it as a general holiday. Provincial employment treatment is not uniform; Quebec observes National Patriots' Day on the same Monday. Federal offices close, while provincial and private schedules depend on location.
Bank Impact
The Bank of Canada and major financial institutions schedule a May holiday, with Quebec commonly labelling it National Patriots' Day. Branch and settlement services are affected, while online and self-service banking generally continue.
School Impact
Education is provincial. Many school calendars close for Victoria Day or the corresponding provincial observance, but names and treatment differ—most notably National Patriots' Day in Quebec. The applicable board calendar controls.
Travel Information
Victoria Day weekend is a major seasonal travel period. Cottage regions, campgrounds, highways and recreational destinations can become busy as Canadians take advantage of improving spring weather. Travellers should book popular destinations early.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Victoria Day in Canada?
Victoria Day is observed on the Monday preceding 25 May.
Why is it called Victoria Day?
The holiday originated as a celebration of Queen Victoria's birthday.
Is Victoria Day observed everywhere in Canada?
Holiday treatment varies by province and territory, and some jurisdictions use different observances.
Why is Victoria Day associated with summer?
Many Canadians view the long weekend as the unofficial beginning of the summer recreation season.
Are banks and offices closed?
Many are closed where Victoria Day is recognised, but arrangements vary by jurisdiction.
Regional variations
This holiday has region-specific dates or observance.