As Victoria Day 2025 approaches on Monday, May 19, many Canadians are gearing up for fireworks, backyard barbecues, and the unofficial start to summer. But not everyone across the country will be kicking back with a drink on this classic May Two-Four weekend — because Victoria Day isn’t a statutory holiday everywhere in Canada.
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While it’s celebrated as a federal holiday, giving time off to government and federally regulated workers, only some provinces treat it as a statutory (stat) holiday for the general workforce. Others, especially in Atlantic Canada, do not legally require employers to provide the day off or extra holiday pay.
So, before you plan that lake getaway or assume a paid day off, here’s a breakdown of who gets Victoria Day off in 2025 and where it’s just another Monday.
What is Victoria Day?
Victoria Day is celebrated each year on the Monday before May 25, in honour of Queen Victoria’s birthday (May 24). In 2025, it lands on May 19. The day is widely regarded as the unofficial start of summer in Canada, marked by fireworks, gardening, and cottage season kick-offs.
It’s also commonly known as May Two-Four, both because of the date and the Canadian tradition of buying a 24-pack of beer for the long weekend.
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Is Victoria Day a Federal Holiday?
Yes. Victoria Day is a federal holiday across Canada.
This means that if you work for the federal government, banks, postal services, airlines, or telecoms, you will have the day off — regardless of which province or territory you live in.
Where Is Victoria Day a Statutory Holiday in 2025?
The holiday is considered a statutory holiday in the following provinces and territories:
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- Northwest Territories
- Nunavut
- Ontario
- Quebec (celebrated as National Patriots’ Day)
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
If you live and work in one of these areas (outside of essential services or retail), you’re likely entitled to the day off with pay, or stat holiday pay if you are required to work.
Where Victoria Day Is Not a Statutory Holiday
Victoria Day is not a statutory holiday in the Atlantic provinces, including:
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.)
In these provinces:
- Provincial government offices may still close.
- Some employers may voluntarily give the day off.
- There is no legal requirement for employers to offer a paid holiday or stat pay.
- It’s typically business as usual, especially in the retail and service sectors.
Are Stores & Services Open on Victoria Day 2025?
It varies by region:
- In provinces where it’s a stat, most government offices, schools, libraries, and banks will be closed.
- Major retailers like Walmart, Loblaws, FreshCo, and malls in large cities may open with reduced hours — but check ahead.
- Public transit usually runs on holiday schedules.
- Canada Post and Service Canada offices will be closed nationwide.
In non-statutory holiday provinces, more businesses and services are likely to remain open as normal.
TL;DR: Who Gets Victoria Day 2025 Off?
- Federal employees? Yes — across the country.
- Living in ON, BC, AB, SK, MB, QC, YK, NT, or NU? You likely get the day off.
- Living in NB, NS, NL, or PEI? Not a statutory holiday — your employer decides.
- Retail & public services? Depends on local policy — call ahead.
Conclusion
Victoria Day 2025 is a beloved Canadian holiday — but not everyone will be enjoying a three-day weekend. While most provinces treat it as a statutory holiday, workers in the Atlantic provinces may not be entitled to time off or stat pay unless their employer offers it voluntarily.
Whether you’re off to a cottage, catching fireworks, or clocking into work, now you know exactly where Victoria Day 2025 stands in your part of Canada. Just in case you’re working — maybe plan that cold one for after your shift.