Victoria Day is a Canadian statutory holiday celebrated on the Monday preceding May 25. It marks the official birthday of Queen Victoria and is often seen as the start of the outdoor season. While many Canadians mark this day with fireworks and barbeques, communities across Canada celebrate Victoria Day in many unique and interesting ways.

Victoria Day Parade – Victoria, British Columbia

The Victoria Day Parade is an annual parade held in Victoria, British Columbia, to celebrate the Victoria Day holiday. It is the largest parade on Vancouver Island and features a variety of floats, marching bands, and community groups. The parade usually starts at Mayfair Shopping Centre and winds through downtown Victoria. Tens of thousands of people attend the parade each year.

Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair – Surrey, British Columbia

The Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair is a four-day event that occurs during the Victoria Day long weekend. The rodeo includes bull riding, barrel racing, and calf roping, while the country fair features carnival rides, live music, and agricultural exhibits. You will also find food vendors and a marketplace where visitors can purchase locally made goods. It’s a fun-filled event that celebrates the country’s Western heritage and attracts thousands yearly.

Banff Sunshine Slush Cup – Banff, Alberta

The Banff Sunshine Slush Cup is an annual event at the Banff Sunshine Village ski resort in Alberta to mark the end of the winter season. The event features skiers and snowboarders attempting to glide down a slope and skim across a pool of icy water at the bottom of the hill, cheered on by a lively crowd. Participants often dress up in costumes, and the festivities include music, food, and drinks, making it a fun and lively way to celebrate the coming spring.

Castrol Victoria Day SpeedFest – Bowmanville, Ontario

Every year, racing enthusiasts flock to Bowmanville, Ontario, to attend the annual Castrol Victoria Day SpeedFest at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. The event features a variety of races, including stock car and open-wheel competitions, with plenty of opportunities for fans to get up close and personal with the cars. It’s a thrilling way to celebrate the holiday, and spectators can enjoy food, drinks, and entertainment in addition to the races.

Canadian Tulip Festival – Ottawa, Ontario

The Canadian Tulip Festival is an annual event held in Ottawa to celebrate the arrival of spring and the 1945 gift of 100,000 tulips from the Dutch royal family. This year, it runs from May 12 to May 22, which means it will be a big draw over the May Long Weekend. The festival features over a million tulips blooming throughout the city, including Commissioners Park, Major’s Hill Park, and the ByWard Market area.

From car races to tulip festivals, Canadians have found unique and exciting ways to celebrate Victoria Day across the country. Whether you prefer outdoor activities or cultural events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on this special holiday.