Victoria Day marks the unofficial start of summer across much of Canada, bringing fireworks, cottage trips, outdoor celebrations and the season’s first long weekend for millions of Canadians. This year, the federal holiday falls on Monday, May 18, and many businesses, schools, government offices and public services across the country will either close or operate on modified schedules.
The holiday honours Queen Victoria, whose birthday was May 24, and has been celebrated in Canada for more than a century. Today, Victoria Day remains one of the country’s most recognized spring holidays, especially in provinces and territories where it is observed as an official statutory holiday.
As Canadians prepare for the long weekend, many are wondering which stores, services and attractions will remain open and which will shut down for the day.
What Is Victoria Day and Why Is It Celebrated?
Victoria Day commemorates Queen Victoria, who was born on May 24, 1819. She served as Queen of the United Kingdom and Empress of India during a transformative period in British and Canadian history. The holiday became an official Canadian observance long before Confederation and continues to be recognized nationwide.
The federal government designates Victoria Day as a national holiday observed on the Monday preceding May 25 each year. In 2026, that date falls on May 18.
For many Canadians, the holiday also symbolizes the arrival of warmer weather. Parks, campgrounds, marinas and seasonal businesses often reopen during the long weekend, while families gather for barbecues, fireworks displays and travel.
Provinces and Territories That Observe Victoria Day
Victoria Day is observed as a statutory holiday in several parts of Canada, including:
- British Columbia
- Alberta
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
- Ontario
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Yukon
- Northwest Territories
- Nunavut
In Quebec, the same day is celebrated as National Patriots’ Day, which commemorates the Patriotes movement of the 19th century.
Meanwhile, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia have different holiday rules and business regulations that may affect closures and employee entitlements.
Federal Government Offices and Services
Most federal government offices across Canada will be closed on Victoria Day. This includes Service Canada locations, passport offices and many federal administrative buildings.
People planning to renew passports, access federal documents or visit government service counters should expect closures throughout the holiday Monday.
Many online federal services, however, will remain accessible.
Service Canada and Passport Offices
Service Canada centres and passport offices generally shut down during statutory holidays. Canadians needing urgent travel documents are encouraged to make arrangements before the long weekend.
Processing timelines may also be slightly delayed due to the holiday closure.
Provincial and Territorial Offices
Provincial and territorial government offices in areas observing Victoria Day will also be closed.
This includes:
- Licensing centres
- Provincial courts
- Administrative offices
- Public service counters
Some provinces may maintain limited essential services, but most in-person government operations pause for the holiday.
Canada Post Operations on Victoria Day
Mail delivery and collection services through Canada Post will not operate on Victoria Day.
Residential and commercial deliveries will pause for the day, and regular service will resume afterward. Canada Post also notes that many post office locations inside retail stores may operate independently with limited holiday hours.
Those expecting packages or important documents should prepare for delivery delays around the long weekend period.
Retail Stores and Shopping Malls
Retail operations vary widely across the country on Victoria Day.
Many shopping malls and large retailers either close completely or reduce operating hours during the holiday. However, laws differ from province to province, allowing some stores to remain open depending on local regulations.
Ontario’s New Retail Rules
Ontario shoppers may notice more businesses staying open this year following changes to the province’s Retail Business Holidays Act. Retailers are now permitted to decide independently whether to operate on Victoria Day.
This means some malls, grocery chains and large retailers may open with holiday schedules rather than closing entirely.
Convenience Stores and Essential Businesses
Essential businesses often remain open during statutory holidays, including:
- Convenience stores
- Gas stations
- Pharmacies
- Small independent retailers
Hours may still vary depending on location and staffing availability.
Grocery Stores and Pharmacies
Many Canadians rush to grocery stores before the Victoria Day weekend, but some chains continue operating with adjusted schedules.
Several grocery and pharmacy chains are expected to open selected locations on the holiday Monday, often with shorter operating hours.
Major Chains That May Open
Some locations belonging to companies such as:
- Loblaws
- Shoppers Drug Mart
- Rexall
may remain open during Victoria Day.
However, not every branch follows the same schedule. Customers are encouraged to check local store hours before travelling.
Banks and Financial Services
Branches for most major Canadian banks will close on Monday for Victoria Day.
This includes in-person services at many financial institutions nationwide. However, customers can still access:
- Online banking
- Mobile banking apps
- ATMs
- Telephone banking services
Transactions processed during the holiday may not appear until the following business day.
Public Transit and Transportation Services
Transit agencies in cities observing Victoria Day will generally operate on holiday schedules.
Bus, subway and commuter train services may:
- Run less frequently
- Start later in the morning
- End earlier at night
Travellers should verify schedules before leaving home, especially during the busy long weekend.
Increased Highway Travel Expected
Victoria Day weekend is traditionally one of Canada’s busiest travel periods. Highways leading to cottage regions, campgrounds and tourist destinations often experience heavy traffic volumes.
Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, monitor weather conditions and allow extra travel time.
Schools and Educational Institutions
Elementary and secondary schools in provinces observing Victoria Day will be closed on Monday.
Many colleges and universities also suspend classes and administrative operations for the holiday.
Students and families often use the long weekend for travel, recreation and outdoor activities as spring transitions into summer.
Movie Theatres and Entertainment Venues
Unlike many public institutions, movie theatres commonly remain open during Victoria Day.
Cinemas may even experience larger crowds as families and groups seek entertainment during the long weekend. Other attractions such as amusement centres, museums and tourist sites may also operate with modified schedules.
Checking ahead remains important, as hours can differ by city and venue.
Municipal Services and Local Government Closures
City-run administrative offices are typically closed on Victoria Day.
This can include:
- City halls
- Licensing offices
- Permit centres
- Community service offices
Some municipalities continue operating recreation centres, pools or tourist attractions with adjusted holiday schedules.
Garbage and Recycling Collection
Garbage pickup and recycling collection schedules are frequently affected during statutory holidays.
Many municipalities delay collection by one day following Victoria Day, while others temporarily suspend service altogether.
Residents should review local municipal schedules to avoid missed collection days.
Libraries and Community Centres
Public libraries are usually closed on Victoria Day, though some community facilities may remain open for holiday programming or events.
Emergency services such as police, fire and paramedics continue normal operations throughout the holiday.
Fireworks, Parks and Outdoor Celebrations
Victoria Day is also widely associated with fireworks celebrations across Canada.
Cities and towns often organize public displays during the weekend, while many families gather outdoors for camping, picnics and backyard events.
National parks, provincial parks and campgrounds are expected to see increased activity as Canadians embrace warmer weather after a long winter season.
Safety Reminders for the Long Weekend
Officials often remind Canadians to prioritize safety during the busy holiday weekend by:
- Following local fire regulations
- Using fireworks responsibly
- Preparing for changing weather conditions
- Staying cautious on roads and highways
- Practicing water safety during boating and cottage trips
A Longstanding Canadian Tradition
Victoria Day remains one of Canada’s most recognizable holidays, blending historical tradition with the excitement of the country’s first major long weekend of the warmer season.
While closures and reduced hours may affect government offices, banks and some businesses, many attractions, retailers and entertainment venues will continue serving Canadians throughout the holiday.
For millions across the country, the long weekend marks the true beginning of summer activities, travel and outdoor celebrations.
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