Public holidays in Canada

Non-floating holidays

Non-statutory holidays are written in gray.

Moving Holidays in Canada

Victoria Day

Canada was a British colony and still belongs to the Commonwealth of Nations. The Monday before May 25 is considered a public and non-working holiday throughout Canada in honour of Queen Victoria (24 May 1819). This makes Canada the only country that celebrates not the birthday of the current head of state, but that of the queen who admitted her own country to the British Empire (1867).

Victoria Day is not celebrated throughout the country on this Monday, but a regional day, which varies from region to region. While the British king is honoured in Ontario, the neighbouring province of Quebec celebrates National Patriots Day. Thus, the whole of Canada has a public holiday on this day.

The occasion may vary regionally, but the celebrations vary less. Throughout the country, parades, concerts and horse shows are held on Victoria Day. Families gather for a picnic in the park in view of the warmer season. Schools, post offices, libraries and government offices are closed throughout the country, although many shops are still open. Tourists should avoid longer distances on this weekend, as the long weekend means that many Canadians are on the road, creating congestion and the ferries are fully booked.