Does Canada celebrate Memorial Day? No, we don’t. But let me explain a bit more about how things roll up here in the Great White North.
In Canada, we don’t have Memorial Day like our friends in the US. Instead, we have Remembrance Day on November 11th, which is dedicated to honoring our military personnel who died in the line of duty. But if you’re thinking of a long weekend that kicks off summer, look no further than Victoria Day.
Victoria Day, celebrated on the last Monday before May 25th, marks the unofficial start of summer for Canadians. It’s named after Queen Victoria and has been a holiday since 1845. However, the royal connection is often lost in the shuffle of modern celebrations. Across Canada, Victoria Day is a signal to open up cottages, break out the BBQs, and, if you’re brave enough, maybe even take a dip in a still-chilly lake.
In British Columbia, for example, the Victoria Day long weekend means the start of the camping season. It’s a frenzied rush to stock up on camping supplies, food, and propane for BBQs, often leading to chaotic scenes reminiscent of a retail apocalypse. Over in Saskatchewan and other regions, it’s the weekend when gardeners finally plant their veggies, knowing the frost is likely behind them. In Ontario, you might hear it called “May 2-4” – a nod to both the date and the case of beer that’s a staple for many over the long weekend.
Newfoundland and Labrador have a unique twist. While they do observe Victoria Day, July 1st is Memorial Day there, marking the heavy losses the Newfoundland Regiment suffered at the Battle of the Somme during WWI.
Meanwhile, in Quebec, Victoria Day is known as Journée nationale des patriotes, celebrating the struggle for democratic rights and freedoms during the Rebellions of 1837-1838.
So, while we don’t celebrate Memorial Day, our Victoria Day long weekend serves as a major kickoff to summer with a blend of history, regional traditions, and plenty of outdoor fun. Whether it’s called “May Long” or “May 2-4,” it’s a time for Canadians to embrace the warmer weather and start summer in style.