Victoria Day isn't a stat holiday everywhere in Canada — Here's who doesn't get the day off
Not everyone gets to crack a cold one on May Two-Four. 🍻🎆
Is Victoria Day a holiday in Canada? The answer isn't so simple.
Victoria Day 2025 in Canada is just around the corner, and for many people, that means a three-day weekend to kick off summer.
The May long weekend is coming up, with the Victoria Day holiday landing on Monday, May 19 this year.
But before you start packing the car for a May 2-4 weekend getaway, it's worth checking if the holiday even applies to you.
While Victoria Day is a statutory holiday in most provinces and territories, not every Canadian gets the day off.
In fact, if you live in certain parts of the country, it might be business as usual — no long weekend, no extra pay.
So, is Victoria Day a holiday where you live? Here's a breakdown of how this Canadian tradition works in 2025, including who gets a break — and who doesn't.
Explore this list 👀
What is Victoria Day?
Victoria Day is a Canadian holiday celebrated on the last Monday before May 25 (typically the second-last Monday in May).
It honours Queen Victoria's birthday — May 24 — and unofficially marks the start of summer across the country. It's also known as the May long weekend or "May Two-Four" (yes, like a case of 24 beers).
Even though it's a federal holiday — meaning it's a day off for all federally regulated workers — not every province recognizes it as a statutory holiday for everyone else.
Is Victoria Day a federal holiday?
Yes, Victoria Day is a federal holiday in Canada.
That means if you work in a federally regulated job — like banking, telecoms, or with the Government of Canada — you're off on May 19, no matter which province or territory you're in.
Where is Victoria Day a statutory holiday?
Victoria Day is a statutory holiday in Alberta, B.C., Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Quebec (though it's officially called National Patriots' Day), Saskatchewan and Yukon.
If you live in any of these regions and don't work in an essential service or retail job, you're probably getting the day off. If you do have to work, you may be entitled to stat holiday pay, depending on your province's rules.
Meanwhile, Victoria Day is not a statutory holiday in the Atlantic provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia or P.E.I. Some of these recognize the day as a holiday for the provincial government, and some businesses may still choose to close, but it's not a statutory holiday and your employer doesn't have to give you the day off.
Is anything open on Victoria Day 2025?
That depends on where you are. In provinces where Victoria Day is a stat holiday, expect most government offices, banks and schools to be closed. Some grocery stores and shopping malls might stay open with reduced hours — especially in larger cities — but it's best to check ahead.
In the Maritimes, more businesses may stay open as usual since the day isn't officially recognized. But federal services like Canada Post and Service Canada offices will still be closed everywhere.
TL;DR: Who gets Victoria Day 2025 off?
- It's a federal holiday across Canada.
- It's a statutory holiday in nine provinces and territories.
- The Atlantic provinces don't recognize it as a stat — so no automatic day off.
- Closures vary, especially for retail and services, so double-check your local hours.
Whether you're getting a long weekend or working through Monday, at least now you know what to expect for Victoria Day 2025. And hey — if you're stuck working, maybe treat yourself to a May Two-Four after your shift.
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