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Victoria Day in Canada

This national overview identifies holiday occasions. Public holiday dates, substitute days and school calendars depend on the state or territory. Use your jurisdiction calendar for closures and countdowns.

State and territory calendars

Choose your jurisdiction for public holidays, substitute dates, local exceptions and school calendars.

About this calendar

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.

Coverage

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.

Dates and coverage by jurisdiction — 2027

Additional and substitute dates are separate entries. Local and sector-only holidays apply only to the areas or institutions specified.

Alberta

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

Actual statutory/calendar date; employer-dependent substitute dates are not manufactured. Official source

British Columbia

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

Actual statutory/calendar date; employer-dependent substitute dates are not manufactured. Official source

Manitoba

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

Actual statutory/calendar date; employer-dependent substitute dates are not manufactured. Official source

Northwest Territories

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

Actual statutory/calendar date; employer-dependent substitute dates are not manufactured. Official source

Nunavut

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

Actual statutory/calendar date; employer-dependent substitute dates are not manufactured. Official source

Ontario

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

Actual statutory/calendar date; employer-dependent substitute dates are not manufactured. Official source

Saskatchewan

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

Actual statutory/calendar date; employer-dependent substitute dates are not manufactured. Official source

Yukon

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

Actual statutory/calendar date; employer-dependent substitute dates are not manufactured. Official source

Missing entries do not establish that a jurisdiction has no holiday. Check its calendar for pending official dates and local exceptions.

Background

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.

Workplaces

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.

Banks

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.

Schools

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.

Planning

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.

Holiday guides

Official sources

Government of Canada: Government of Canada: general holidays for federally regulated employment