Victoria Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer in Canada—think backyard BBQs, fireworks, and finally some patio time. Falling on Monday, May 19, 2025, the holiday gives many Canadians a three-day break, but it can leave you wondering: what’s open, what’s closed, and what’s worth planning for?
Here’s your quick, coast-to-coast guide to what’s open, closed, and happening on Victoria Day 2025.
What Is Victoria Day All About?
Victoria Day honors Queen Victoria’s birthday—she reigned from 1837 to 1901. Though she’s long gone, the holiday is still widely celebrated, often marking the start of summer across Canada.
Most provinces treat it as a statutory holiday, but not all:
- Stat holiday in: Ontario, B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Yukon, Northwest Territories.
- Not a stat holiday in: Quebec (they celebrate Journée nationale des patriotes), Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia.
What’s Open on Victoria Day 2025?
Retail & Grocery Stores
Urban shopping malls (like Toronto’s Eaton Centre or Vancouver’s Pacific Centre): Mostly open with reduced hours.
Smaller malls and suburban stores: Many closed.
Grocery chains: Some Loblaws, Sobeys, and Metro locations open (reduced hours); No Frills and FreshCo likely closed.
Convenience stores: Open, including 7-Eleven and Circle K.
Restaurants & Fast Food
Chains like McDonald’s, Tim Hortons, Starbucks: Open.
Local restaurants: Some open, some closed.
Delivery apps (Uber Eats, SkipTheDishes): Running, but possibly with longer wait times.
Tourist Attractions & Entertainment
Open: Toronto Zoo, Vancouver Aquarium, Canada’s Wonderland, Science World, Niagara Falls attractions.
Museums: Large ones open (e.g. Canadian Museum of History); smaller ones may close.
Parks & Outdoor Spaces
City parks, trails, and beaches: Open. But most beaches won’t have lifeguards yet.
Provincial/national parks: Open, but check availability—campgrounds may be full.
What’s Closed on Victoria Day 2025?
Government Services
Closed: City halls, licensing offices, passport services, courts.
Many government websites remain functional if you need digital services.
Banks & Post Offices
Banks: RBC, TD, BMO, and CIBC closed in most provinces.
Post offices (Canada Post): Closed; no mail delivery.
Shipping carriers (FedEx, UPS): Likely closed or operating reduced hours.
Libraries & Community Centres
Most public libraries and rec centres are closed, though a few in larger cities may run limited programs or events.
Schools & Universities
All K-12 schools: Closed nationwide.
Post-secondary campuses: Closed unless otherwise noted.
In Quebec, closures line up with Journée nationale des patriotes.
Public Transit on Victoria Day
Transit runs but usually on a holiday schedule:
- TTC (Toronto): Sunday/holiday schedule.
- OC Transpo (Ottawa), TransLink (Vancouver), STM (Montreal): Reduced service and longer wait times.
Pro tips:
- Use real-time tracking apps like Transit or Citymapper.
- Follow your local transit authority on social media for live updates.
Victoria Day Events & Fireworks
If you’re sticking close to home, there are still ways to enjoy the day.
Fireworks Shows
Toronto: Ashbridges Bay fireworks are a major draw—expect traffic.
Niagara Falls: Fireworks over the falls at 10 PM.
Ottawa suburbs: Look for smaller displays in areas like Kanata.
Vancouver: No official show, but community events in Burnaby and Richmond may have displays.
Reminder: Check local bylaws before setting off personal fireworks.
Parades & Local Events
Victoria, B.C.: Live music, food trucks, and cultural festivities.
Toronto & Hamilton: Neighborhood parades and community fairs.
Farmers’ markets and festivals: Many kick off their summer season this weekend—check municipal websites or Facebook Events for details.
Long Weekend Planning Tips
Maximize your time off with a little pre-holiday strategy:
Travel & Accommodation
Highways like the 401, QEW, and Highway 1 get congested Friday afternoon and Monday night.
VIA Rail, GO Transit, Megabus: Book tickets in advance.
Hotels and Airbnbs: Expect price surges—search outside the city core for better deals.
Last-Minute Shopping
Stock up early: Many grocery stores close early Sunday or remain closed Monday.
Gas, propane, essentials: Grab them ahead of time.
Sunscreen and bug spray: Handy for unexpected outdoor time.
Safety & Weather
Weather: May can be unpredictable—check the forecast and bring layers.
Campfire bans: Check local regulations if heading outdoors.
Minor injuries? Keep a basic first-aid kit handy—walk-in clinics may be closed.
Quick Province-by-Province Snapshot
| Province | Stat Holiday? | Retail Open? | Alcohol? | Fireworks? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | ✅ | Some stores | ✅ (LCBO limited) | ✅ |
| Quebec | ❌ | Mostly open | ✅ | ❌ |
| B.C. | ✅ | Some open | ✅ | ✅ |
| Alberta | ✅ | Varies | ✅ | ✅ |
| Nova Scotia | ❌ | Mostly closed | ✅ | Limited |
| Manitoba | ✅ | Mostly closed | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sask. | ✅ | Some open | ✅ | ✅ |
| N.L. | ❌ | Closed | ✅ | ❌ |
Always check local sources for the latest updates.
Final Thoughts
Victoria Day 2025 is the perfect excuse to get outside, take a break, or hit the road. Whether you’re looking for fireworks, relaxing at the lake, or just making sure the store’s open, a little planning goes a long way. Bookmark this guide and share it around—it might just save someone’s long weekend.
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