Established as a holiday in Ontario in 1845,
it became a national Canadian holiday in 1901. Today, Victoria Day also serves serves as the unofficial start of a Canadian summer and a great day for barbecues and spectacular fireworks displays.
Victoria Day fun facts
• Although named after the British monarch, Victoria Day is celebrated mostly in Canada (and parts of Scotland!)
• Some people may still know Victoria Day as "May Two-Four" for May 24th, the official date of Queen Victoria's birthday because, back in the day, that's when Victoria Day was celebrated. Today, the more popular nickname for the holiday is "May Long Weekend." Victoria Day always falls on a Monday -- giving Canadians a long, three-day weekend off.
• Victoria Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer in Canada, and celebrated with barbecues and camping trips. It's also when public pools are officially opened for the season.
• Nova Scotia is the only Canadian province that does not recognize Victoria Day as an official holiday.
More about Victoria Day around the Web:
Find out more about the celebration along with more fun facts, party ideas, kids' activities, special events, and a bit of trivia about Victoria
Day celebrations ...
Day - The official Canadian Heritage site with a brief
history and overview of other royal birthday observances.