Victoria Day 2026 — How Many Days Until Victoria Day?

Name: Victoria Day
Location: Canada

About Victoria Day

Victoria Day is a Canadian federal public holiday observed on the last Monday before or on 25 May, celebrating the birthday of Queen Victoria (24 May 1819) and — since her death in 1901 — also the official birthday of the reigning Canadian monarch. It is observed primarily in English Canada; in Quebec, the same day is officially called National Patriots' Day (Journée nationale des patriotes), commemorating the Patriotes Rebellion of 1837–38.

Victoria Day was first celebrated in Canada in 1845, when Queen Victoria was on the throne. After her death it continued as a celebration of the monarchy. In 1952, it was linked to the birthday of the reigning sovereign. Today it also unofficially marks the beginning of summer in Canada — the May long weekend is one of the most popular camping and cottage-opening weekends of the year.

Fireworks displays are held in cities across Canada on Victoria Day evening. In Ottawa, the formal celebration includes a 21-gun salute on Parliament Hill. The holiday is sometimes informally called the "May Two-Four" weekend — a Canadian slang term referencing the date's proximity to 24 May and the Canadian slang for a case of 24 beer bottles.

Victoria Day falls on the last Monday before or on 25 May each year in Canada
It celebrates Queen Victoria's birthday on 24 May 1819
In Quebec, the same day is observed as National Patriots' Day
Informally called "May Two-Four" weekend — a reference to 24 May and a case of 24 beers
Victoria Day marks the unofficial start of summer in Canada

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Victoria Day?

Victoria Day falls on the last Monday before or on 25 May every year in Canada. In 2026 that is 18 May.

Is Victoria Day a public holiday across all of Canada?

Victoria Day is a federal public holiday, but how it is observed varies by province. It is not a public holiday in Quebec (where National Patriots' Day is observed instead) or New Brunswick.

Why is Victoria Day celebrated in Canada but not the UK?

Canada has maintained the Victoria Day holiday since 1845, and it was never abolished after Victorian era. The UK does not have a federal Victoria Day observance, though some Commonwealth countries and parts of Scotland do mark it.