Victoria Day is a statutory holiday in Canada, and falls on the last Monday before May 25th. In 2009, Victoria Day is on Monday May 18th.
Most people in Canada consider the Victoria Day weekend the real start of summer. The problem is that it's often still pretty cold for the first long weekend of summer (I recall getting snowed on while camping near Stratford a few years back). Still, chances are good the weather will be nice enough to be outside, even if you may need a spring jacket. This is why gardening, camping, patio-lounging, fireworks and other outdoor entertainment are all popular choices over the Victoria Day weekend.
So What's the "May Two-Four"?
If you're new to Ontario you should know this weekend has another name - one which has very little to do with celebrating royal birthdays. A "two-four" is slang for a case of 24 beers, and since the Victoria Day Weekend often ends up including the date May 24th, well, the "May Two-Four" is that weekend where you have an extra day to drink, or recover. However you want to look at it.
The Start of Gardening Season
In the hopes that the frost is really over, many people break out the gardening gloves for Victoria Day and get dirty. If you're one of them, check out the Green Toronto calendar for gardening workshops, or visit a nursery to get the plants you need (just don't forget to check their hours, first!). Many grocery and department stores also have garden centres open for this weekend.• Green Toronto Calendar
• SheridanNurseries.com
• IslingtonNurseries.com
The Start of Camping Season
If you weren't able to make it out to Algonquin this year, consider the Glen Rouge Campground in Rouge Park. Toronto's only campground may not be as rustic as heading up north, but it also won't cost you nearly as much in gas.• Learn more about Glen Rouge Campground
• Need gear? Try a Canadian Tire
Victoria Day Fireworks
Free Fireworks Display at Ashbridges Bay
Grab a blanket and head down to the Beaches on Monday May 18th to enjoy a free fireworks display that should start after 9:30pm. Of course if you head down earlier in the day you can stroll the shops and boardwalk and make sure you get a great spot to watch from. Just remember it will be cooler by the water, so dress appropriately and bring something comfy to sit on.
Fireworks at Ontario Place
Victoria Day Weekend is also opening weekend at Ontario Place. The park will open at 10am all three days of the long weekend, closing at 6pm on Saturday and Monday. But on Sunday May 17th the park will stay open until 10pm so you can enjoy fireworks in the evening, beginning at 9:30pm. Of course, you can also just get near Ontario Place and keep your eyes on the sky.
Jubilee Queen Cruises - Fireworks Cruise
If you'd rather see the fireworks from the water, Jubilee Queen Cruises offers a special evening cruise on the Victoria Day Weekend that also includes dinner and dancing.
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Fireworks at Canada's Wonderland
Weather permitting, the giant theme park just north of Toronto will be putting on a fireworks display on Sunday May 17th at 10pm. Regular admission applies, so of course you'll want to get your money's worth and go much earlier in the day to enjoy the rides and entertainment too.
Other Special Events for Victoria Day 2009
Victoria Day at Toronto's Historic Sites
Fort York will be open from 10am-4pm on Victoria Day, while the Gibson House will be celebrating the Queen's Birthday from noon-5pm. The Spadina Museum will be open from noon to 5pm all three days of the long weekend. The Scarborough Historical Museum is having a Victorian Cream Tea on Sunday afternoon to celebrate and Montgomery's Inn is having a Victoria Day Tea of their own on Monday.
