Victoria Day 2026

Name: Victoria Day
Start: 2026-05-18
End: 2026-05-18
Location: Canada

Do you get the day off?

Mon · May 18

Yes

Federally regulated jobsBanks, airlines, telecoms, federal offices — off nationwide

NB · NS · PE · QCNot a statutory holiday — many employers still close

The date, and why: Victoria Day 2026 falls on Monday, May 18 — always the last Monday before May 25. This creates a 3-day long weekend (Sat May 16 – Mon May 18).
What kind of holiday: Victoria Day is a federal statutory holiday and a statutory holiday in most provinces. Quebec celebrates National Patriots' Day (Journée nationale des patriotes) on the same date instead.
Where it counts as statutory: Statutory in AB, BC, MB, NT, NU, ON, SK, and YT. Not a statutory holiday in NB, NL, NS, or PE. Quebec observes National Patriots' Day. Federal government employees nationwide get the day off.
Long weekend: May 2026 calendar: Sat May 16 – Sun May 17 – Mon May 18 (Victoria Day). Often called the "May Two-Four" weekend, it traditionally marks the unofficial start of cottage and camping season.
What closes: Federal offices, banks, and schools close in provinces where it's statutory. Provincial liquor stores (LCBO in Ontario) may have adjusted hours. Many cottage areas see heavy traffic on Friday evening.
Where the name comes from: Victoria Day honors Queen Victoria's birthday (May 24, 1819) and serves as the official birthday celebration of the reigning Canadian monarch. Fireworks and community celebrations are common.