Introduction
On May 19, 2025, Canadians across the country came together to celebrate Victoria Day, a national holiday commemorating Queen Victoria’s birthday and marking the unofficial start of summer. The holiday, which has evolved over the years, is celebrated with a variety of activities, including parades, fireworks, and community gatherings. Victoria Day offers Canadians an opportunity to reflect on their country’s history while celebrating its diverse culture and shared values.
Celebrations Across Canada
Victoria Day celebrations vary from region to region, but some features are common across the country. In Toronto, large crowds gathered for a parade featuring marching bands, floats, and performances. While the city does not hold an official “Victoria Day Parade” every year, celebrations are marked by the city’s renowned fireworks display at the waterfront. Toronto’s Victoria Day fireworks are a long-standing tradition, and local parks and recreation departments typically organize these events, which are highly popular and draw thousands of spectators.
In Vancouver, Victoria Day also signals the start of the summer season, though not with a specific “Victoria Day Multicultural Festival” as previously described. However, Vancouver hosts numerous festivals throughout the year that celebrate the city’s diverse cultural communities. The city’s waterfront area is frequently the venue for various public celebrations, including live music and multicultural performances. Many locals take the opportunity to explore the city’s cultural offerings, such as its array of international cuisine and arts events, which may align with Victoria Day’s themes of community and inclusion.
In Ottawa, the country’s capital, Victoria Day is marked with a ceremonial gathering on Parliament Hill. The Royal Canadian Armed Forces traditionally conducts a 21-gun salute in honor of the holiday, and the Governor General typically attends events on the Hill. The National Arts Centre Orchestra often performs in celebration, but specific performances may vary each year. These events are part of the national festivities that commemorate Queen Victoria’s legacy and the history of Canadian Confederation.
Community Engagement and Traditions
While the official celebrations are key to Victoria Day, many Canadians observe other traditions, including outdoor activities and community service. One well-established custom is “Plant Something Day,” a voluntary activity where Canadians are encouraged to plant flowers, trees, or shrubs as a way to contribute to environmental stewardship. This initiative, while not a nationally coordinated event, has grown in popularity, especially in schools and community organizations. The Canadian Wildlife Federation and similar environmental groups promote such activities, emphasizing the connection between Canadians and their natural surroundings.
Many Canadians also take the holiday as an opportunity to engage in acts of charity. Local charities and organizations often host volunteer-driven events over the long weekend, encouraging citizens to give back to their communities. Whether through food drives, park clean-ups, or assisting local shelters, these efforts reflect the community-oriented spirit of Victoria Day.
For families, the holiday is often a time to relax and enjoy time together. Backyard barbecues, picnics in the park, and outdoor gatherings are common ways to celebrate the occasion. The warm weather and extended daylight hours provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities like hiking, boating, or visiting local attractions. Many Canadians make the most of this unofficial beginning to the summer season by enjoying time in nature or participating in recreational sports.
Reflection on National Identity
Victoria Day has evolved over time from a purely royal observance to a celebration of Canadian identity. Queen Victoria’s role in Canada’s history, particularly in supporting the creation of the Canadian Confederation in 1867, remains a central aspect of the holiday. While she was not directly involved in the day-to-day processes of unification, her endorsement of the British North America Act played a key role in the formation of Canada as a united nation.
Today, Victoria Day symbolizes more than just the monarchy. It serves as a reflection of Canada’s journey toward nationhood and the values that define the country, such as unity, democracy, and cultural diversity. For many Canadians, the holiday is a reminder of the country’s historical roots, while also celebrating the multicultural nation it has become.
Dr. Brian Henderson, a historian at the University of Toronto, notes, “Victoria Day is a moment for Canadians to reflect on their shared history, acknowledging how far the country has come since its Confederation. It’s a holiday that celebrates not only the monarchy but the broader evolution of Canada into a diverse and unified nation.”
Conclusion
Victoria Day 2025 was a vibrant celebration of Canada’s history, culture, and sense of community. Across the country, Canadians engaged in a variety of activities that both honored the legacy of Queen Victoria and showcased the diverse nature of the nation. The holiday offered an opportunity to reflect on the historical importance of the Canadian Confederation while celebrating the achievements and values that have come to define the country. Whether through ceremonial events, family gatherings, or community service, Victoria Day serves as an annual reminder of the unity and shared identity that all Canadians hold dear.
By: Allison Reed
