Nicknamed May Two-Four, Victoria Day (the Monday on or before May 24) celebrates Queen Victoria's birthday and unofficially kicks off Canada's summer. Across the country, fireworks sparkle over city skylines, garden centres brim with seedlings, and coolers of beer—“a two-four”—are cracked open beside newly thawed lakes.
Fireworks & Weekend Festivals
- Major city displays: Toronto's waterfront, Vancouver's English Bay and Halifax Harbour light up with synchronized fireworks after dusk.
- Small-town fairs: Agricultural exhibitions, midway rides and live music in places from Brandon to Bathurst draw families for all-day fun.
- Community parades: Marching bands, vintage car shows and ceremonial flag-raisings kick off the long weekend in towns large and small.
Garden & Cottage Season Begins
- Planting seedlings: Garden centres run sales on flowers, herbs and vegetable starts—perfect for porch pots and backyard beds.
- Cottage openings: Cottage owners head north to Muskoka, the Kawarthas or the Laurentians, cleaning docks, firing up barbecues and testing the water temperature.
- Parks & picnics: National and provincial parks open trails and campgrounds; families picnic under flowering trees with sandwiches and lemonade.
Outdoor Sports & Water Fun
- Boating and fishing: Lakes and rivers teem with boats, kayaks and anglers casting lines for bass, trout and pike.
- Beach volleyball: Sand courts in urban parks fill with pickup games and tournaments under sunny skies.
- Bike rides & hikes: Multi-use trails—Trans Canada Trail segments, waterfront promenades—offer scenic routes for all ages.
Family Traditions & Community Spirit
- Backyard barbecues: Burgers, hot dogs and kabobs sizzle alongside salads and cool drinks on family decks.
- Outdoor concerts: Bands play classic rock, country and folk at amphitheatres and community greens.
- Kids' activities: Face-painting, bouncy castles and scavenger hunts keep little ones entertained all afternoon.