Victoria Day

persi & alley · May 2, 2007

I was a day late turning my calendar. I just glanced at it and noticed that May 21 was Victoria Day. I excitedly called DW and said, "quick, bring our vacation schedule here" which she did. I then saw that we will be in Victoria on that very day (including the day before and after). I know there are plenty of Canadians on here and quite a few from B.C. so I was wondering if you could tell me what I can expect on that day. One thing I know is that we have not reserved our hotel yet, so we may be in trouble?

natalie_ca · May 2, 2007

In Winnipeg, Manitoba Victoria Day is mostly referred to as "May Long Weekend". It's the day when most Provincial Parks open for the summer camping season, so many take advantage of this first weekend out camping. However, May is unpredictable and it's a coin toss as to whether the weather will be nice, or cool and raining or even snowing.

Some cities, and I believe Victoria, BC is one, have a parade and fireworks. In Winnipeg we don't have a parade. However, I think we (Winnipeg) have a cannon salute at noon at our Legislative Building.

Victoria Day is actually a day to honour the Queen's Birthday (Queen Victoria and the current reigning Queen).

Other than finding out the stores are closed, I don't think you can really expect much. Canada Day (July 1st) is a much more celebrated holiday in Canada, but not nearly as celebrated at the USA's 4th of July which seems to have celebrations for days and weeks before and after.

So far as hotels go, it's always best to reserve as far in advance as you can. I can't see a hotel being booked up because of "Victoria Day" in particular, but some companies may schedule conventions etc on a long weekend which may cause problems. So you might want to make your reservation soon.

catloverin_ks · May 2, 2007

May 21 is my sons 13th bday!

I havent ever heard of Victoria Day though....

catlover19 · May 2, 2007

Victoria Day is the weekend of May 2-4 which means lots and lots of drinking. At least in Ontario it does. Most people go away to the beach for the entire weekend and drink. I never have though.

That weekend is the weekend that my grandpa died so I am never in a party mood.

leto86 · May 2, 2007

Yup! May 2-4 weekend is a biiig drinking weekend. Fireworks.. the whole deal.

Alot of people go camping or fishing as well. Also drinking is done at these events..

tierre0 · May 2, 2007

Yes May 2-4 as we call it is a big cottage, camping weekend, most people head out of city as opposed to into the city but I would do the hotel reservations as soon as possible anyway.
Lots of fireworks, drinking and celebrating...here in ontario, mainly due to the influx of tourist to feed to the blackflies so they leave us local yocal's alone, they seem to prefer imported to domestic

catloverin_ks · May 2, 2007

Ok, this sounds kinda like Memorial Day....it seems like here its a big time to party(drink camp etc)

mirinae · May 2, 2007

Originally Posted by catloverin_ks

Ok, this sounds kinda like Memorial Day....it seems like here its a big time to party(drink camp etc)

That's pretty much it. Most folks I know call it May 2-4, as in a" 2-4 of beer." Edited to add: "Eh?"

I'm actually kind of dreading it this year, because it'll be the first anniversary of J's grandmother's death, and he's had a hard time coping. I imagine his entire family will have a bad weekend.

trouts mom · May 2, 2007

What they all said

Fireworks, beer, camping...etc... Its a good time..

My baby neices 2nd birthday is on the 22nd, so I will be too busy spoiling her

dragoriana · May 2, 2007

Originally Posted by Persi & Alley

I was a day late turning my calendar. I just glanced at it and noticed that May 21 was Victoria Day. I excitedly called DW and said, "quick, bring our vacation schedule here" which she did. I then saw that we will be in Victoria on that very day (including the day before and after). I know there are plenty of Canadians on here and quite a few from B.C. so I was wondering if you could tell me what I can expect on that day. One thing I know is that we have not reserved our hotel yet, so we may be in trouble?

Sorry i just skipped the whole thing and went straight to the HOW ON EARTH DO YOU HAVE 36000 POINTS?!!?!?

Hey im in Victoria too!

persi & alley · May 2, 2007

Originally Posted by Natalie_ca

In Winnipeg, Manitoba Victoria Day is mostly referred to as "May Long Weekend". It's the day when most Provincial Parks open for the summer camping season, so many take advantage of this first weekend out camping. However, May is unpredictable and it's a coin toss as to whether the weather will be nice, or cool and raining or even snowing.

Some cities, and I believe Victoria, BC is one, have a parade and fireworks. In Winnipeg we don't have a parade. However, I think we (Winnipeg) have a cannon salute at noon at our Legislative Building.

Victoria Day is actually a day to honour the Queen's Birthday (Queen Victoria and the current reigning Queen).

Other than finding out the stores are closed, I don't think you can really expect much. Canada Day (July 1st) is a much more celebrated holiday in Canada, but not nearly as celebrated at the USA's 4th of July which seems to have celebrations for days and weeks before and after.

So far as hotels go, it's always best to reserve as far in advance as you can. I can't see a hotel being booked up because of "Victoria Day" in particular, but some companies may schedule conventions etc on a long weekend which may cause problems. So you might want to make your reservation soon.

Thank you for your very informative reply! I have booked a hotel so I am set. I also stopped by a library and picked up a travel guide to Victoria and Vancouver (which I am also going to.) I was amazed at what I found out:

1. Victoria is the number one travel destination in Canada.

2. Victoria is the sixth highest travel destination in the entire world.

neetanddave · May 2, 2007

Originally Posted by tierre0

Lots of fireworks, drinking and celebrating...here in ontario, mainly due to the influx of tourist to feed to the blackflies so they leave us local yocal's alone, they seem to prefer imported to domestic

The part about the blackflies is HILARIOUS!!!

Maybe some of you Canucks could come down and help with our "skeeter" issues....

swampwitch · May 2, 2007

I'm in Victoria, B.C.

I've never noticed Victoria Day being a really big deal here... it's a long weekend with fireworks (don't like parades).

It's very beautiful here, but bring your money because it's also very expensive. We don't have blackflies or mosquitos.

swampwitch · May 2, 2007

p.s. Swan's Hotel is a good place to stay; it's right in the middle of everything.

persi & alley · May 2, 2007

Originally Posted by Dragoriana

Sorry i just skipped the whole thing and went straight to the

HOW ON EARTH DO YOU HAVE 36000 POINTS

Click to expand...

?!!?!?

Hey im in Victoria too!

Click the KatKwiz link below and read "Where do the points come from" and you will have your answer.

persi & alley · May 3, 2007

Originally Posted by SwampWitch

p.s. Swan's Hotel is a good place to stay; it's right in the middle of everything.

Is this the one you are referring to? It seems like there are two by the same name, one is swan and the other is swans.

http://www.swanshotel.com/hotel/suites_rates.php

I assume this is it, this really looks great. Maybe we can binge a little...

lokismum · May 3, 2007

Big gardening weekend around here - all the nurseries open on the holiday, although nothing else. Huge camping weekend for those that camp, and big party weekend for a lot. Yes, we call it May 2-4! The official start of summer!

swampwitch · May 3, 2007

Originally Posted by Persi & Alley

Is this the one you are referring to? It seems like there are two by the same name, one is swan and the other is swans.

http://www.swanshotel.com/hotel/suites_rates.php

I assume this is it, this really looks great. Maybe we can binge a little...

That's the one. There's a brew pub downstairs, and a bistro. The rooms/suites are huge, and have a full kitchen so you don't have to eat out every meal. Ask for a room above the pub and you might get a better rate!

BTW, not affliated with Swan's; just seems everyone who visits stays there.

adymarie · May 4, 2007

I like Victoria day. If you can get to a historic site (In Ontario a place like Old Fort York) you would have a great time. Here is a link to a claendar of events! http://www.tourismvictoria.com/Conte...r=2007&day=21&

The last one is a parade.

Victoria Day

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