Victoria Day Long Weekend

Victoria Day Trip Ideas to Celebrate May Long Weekend

08/05/2019

Hey, Canada! It’s coming close to the official kickoff of summer, but most people don’t realize we are celebrating the birthday of a grand dame, Queen Victoria herself. Instead of celebrating on her actual birthday, Canada decided to celebrate on the Monday in May that's closest to Queen Victoria’s birthday. This year, it's May 20th. So, get ready to shake off the winter blues and plan a quick and easy getaway from May 17th to the 20th. Here are some great Western Canada events and ideas to get your vacation mindset revving.

Vancouver/Lower Mainland

Here's an overview of just a few things to do in the Vancouver area during this May long weekend:

Vancouver All British Field Meet (ABFM)

When: Events throughout the weekend beginning May 17th at 5:30 p.m. until Sunday afternoon.

Classic car enthusiasts won’t need a translation for what an All British Field Meet is, but if you’re interested in cars at all, this is the place to be. Get a look at the most charming motor cars of the UK with classic beauties from Astons to Triumphs. Sixty-one classes of cars and tons of food trucks make this an ideal spot to spend at least one of your three long-weekend days. old British cars at show
Photo Courtesy of Mike, All British Field Meet 2014

Royal Canadian Family Circus

When & where: Richmond – Lansdowne Centre, May 9th – 20th
When & where: Tsawwassen – Tsawwassen Mills, May 24th – 26th

Watch these magnificent men on their flying trapeze at the Royal Canadian Family Circus. This event boasts thrills from the circus era with live entertainment, high-flying acrobats, and original death-defying acts. Feats of strength, unbelievable and unfathomable contortionists, and towers of balanced bodies will keep you holding your breath until the clowns make you laugh again.

The Burnaby Village Museum

When & where: Burnaby – May 20th 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Take a trip back in time to the roaring 20s, when the Union Jack still flew over the country. Celebrate Victoria Day in the style of the day with an old-school parade, dancers, a marching band, and an appearance by Queen Victoria herself. outside streets of Burnaby Museum
Photo Courtesy of Mike, Burnaby Village Museum #5

Day Out with Thomas

When & where: Squamish – May 18th – 20th with showtimes at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.

Chugga-chugga choo-choo! Attention all Thomas the Tank Engine fans. Get ready for a trip with every kid’s favourite train. Spend 25 minutes on a fun-filled train ride and then enjoy the day with Sir Topham Hat, live entertainment, and tons of food. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, including crafts, Thomas train tables, a bouncy castle and sand castles. thomas the train in canada
Photo Courtesy of Tourism Squamish | David Thomson

Fort Langley May Day Parade

When & where: Langley – May 20th at 11:00 a.m.

Watch the annual May Day Parade in Fort Langley and then enjoy the festivities to follow, including the Lions famous BBQ Chicken, kids’ rides, mini golf, and more. This is the place you want to be to join in the fun and celebrate being Canadian.

Escape to Vancouver Island to Celebrate Victoria Day

If you want to escape the mainland, hop on a ferry and enjoy the weekend on Vancouver Island. Here’s just a small selection of what you can do:

121st Island Farms Victoria Day Parade

When: May 20th at 9:00 a.m.

This major parade is a multicultural celebration with one of the most impressive lineups of Canadian and American marching bands you’ll ever see. You can also admire the creative community and commercial floats, take in some cultural performances and experience the products and services of local businesses. With the Canadian Forces as your host, it’s a free event ideal for wholesome family fun. marching band 156th Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival

When: events taking place Saturday and Sunday

This is one of the oldest festivals in all of North America. Lasting 10 days, it begins with the Annual Victoria Tartan Parade on Saturday, May 11th, 2019 at Centennial Square at 11 a.m. Taking place in Topaz Park, the festivities honour Celtic and Scottish heritage with traditional music and sports. Victoria Day Highland Games men marching in tartan kilts

Nanaimo Heritage Festival Parade

When & where: Nanaimo – May 19th at 1:00 p.m.

Starting at Victoria Crescent in downtown Nanaimo, this parade is a celebration of the diverse culture and heritage of Nanaimo. The proud story covers everything from transportation by rail and sea to the contributions of First Nations people and beyond. Nanaimo Heritage Festival2019
Photo Courtesy of Nanaimo Heritage Festival

Long Weekend Adventures in Kamloops

There’s always something happening in Kamloops! During this long weekend you might want to try:

BrewLoops Festival

When: May 25 and 26

Kickoff the summer season at Brewloops featuring the best beer, food, live entertainment. There will be block party and FireFit Championships, which is a competition based on fire fighting tasks. Celebrate Kamloops’ culture at this multi-day event and experience the best beer, food and the beautiful scenery. beerloops festival signs
Photo Courtesy of Tourism Kamloops | Candace Lewis

The KYSA Slurpee Cup

When: May 18th – May 20th

Trivia fact: Kamloops is the tournament capital of Canada. This Victoria Day weekend, it’s all about the KYSA Slurpee Cup at McArthur Island Park. Soccer fans unite and enjoy “non-competitive” soccer, plus you just might spot some hidden talent. McArthur Island Park during sunny day
Photo Courtesy of Tourism Kamloops | Mary Putnam

Make It a Wine Country Getaway

Summer, long weekend, and wine—perfection. Here’s where to find it:

Rutland May Day

When & where: Kelowna – May 17th – May 19th

If the kids are in tow, enjoy some time at Rutland May Day for a local fair that they’ll love. Carnival food, rides, games, and live music will make for a family-friendly day filled with memories, cotton candy, and prizes. person spinning cotton candy

Half Corked Marathon

When & where: Oliver-Osoyoos – May 24th – 26th This event takes place the following weekend. Take to BC’s beautiful wine country. It’s not so much about the race as it is about the world-class wine and cuisine of Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country. While this event is sold out to competitors, spectating is tons of fun and requires no advance marathon training! Oliver Half Corked Marathon
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Tourism Association

A Long Weekend in Edmonton

Edmonton has its fair share of long weekend events, too, including:

Celebration of Spring

When: May 20th 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Visit the historical Ukrainian Village, where you’ll experience traditional Ukrainian celebrations from dance to art. Enjoy a Ukrainian dance concert, authentic Ukrainian cuisine, and a glimpse at the living history of the village. ukranian dancer jumps in the air
Photo Courtesy of EEDC

Opening Weekend at Fort Edmonton Park

When: May 19th – 21st

Celebrate at Fort Edmonton Park with festivities and activities steeped in history and culture. From the raising of a migkawahp tent to an afternoon tea and from the life of a Canadian Mountie to an iconic steam engine, this is where memories are made. Fort Edmonton Park
Photo Courtesy of EEDC

Why Stay at Coast Hotels?

This Victoria Day weekend, you should depend on Coast Hotels for warm hospitality and unforgettable experiences. With their high standards your comfort and satisfaction is ensured.

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Triple-sheeting and comfortable accommodations
  • Well-appointed rooms
  • Incredible locations in your favourite cities

Get the most out of your Victoria long weekend, and book a Coast Hotels stay today.