Victoria Day Canada
Queen Victoria, 1871 Giclee Print -- Sully, Thomas --
A Tale of Two Queens and a Princess
Queen Victoria of Great Britain and Ireland, ruler of the British Empire, is commemorated in the Commonwealth country of Canada with a public holiday on the Monday before her birthday of 24 May.
Prior to 1952, Queen Victoria's actual birthdate was the official holiday, except where falling on a Sunday. Since 1952, the holiday takes place on a Monday, regardless of the actual date, in order to create a long weekend for Canadians. The holiday is also a celebration of the birthday of the current monarch of Canada and head of the Commonwealth of Nations, Queen Elizabeth II. The actual birthdate of Queen Elizabeth II is 21 April 1926.
Queen Elizabeth II has been the constitutional monarch of Canada since 1952. The Queen has made regular tours of Canada throughout her reign.
Queen Victoria never visited Canada. However, her son, King Edward VII, visited while still the heir to the throne, and his sister Princess Louise married the Marquess of Lorne who was subsequently appointed Governor General of Canada. The couple took up residence in Rideau Hall in Ottawa, making Quebec their summer home. Her name was given to Lake Louise.
Her Majesty Elizabeth II by jah1usa
Celebrating Victoria Day
Canada celebrates Victoria Day and the long weekend that accompanies it with various festivals and parades. Although there are local fireworks shows and events throughout Canada, the main Victoria Day event is the Victoria Day Parade in downtown Victoria, British Columbia. In Toronto, a fireworks display is held on the beach at Ashridges Bay, or you can take a special cruise with Jubilee Queen Cruises.
For many people, though, the weekend is simply about spending some time with the family and perhaps making a weekend escape into the countryside (often accompanied with plenty of beer or other beverages).
16a Landseer's Windsor Castle by VintagePets
Ideas for a Victoria Day Celebration at Home
Why not bake some Maple Leaf cookies? Or you can make some muffins or cakes with delicious maple syrup as an ingredient. Brew yourself a cup of Tim Hortons coffee to go with them!
For a more royal theme, get comfy in front of a movie. The Young Victoria with Emily Blunt is the perfect choice for discovering about the girl who became queen, or Mrs Brown starring Judi Dench chronicles the later part of the Queen's life and her retreat to the Scottish Highlands.
Vintage British Penny Black Postage Stamp by StampShop
