Victoria Day Holiday 2025 Marks the Start of Many Summer Activities

Victoria Day 2025 will be observed on Monday, May 19, marking a yearly seasonal shift for Canadians. The Victoria Day holiday signifies the arrival of a completely different season when people brace themselves to explore the great outdoors of the country, connect with nature, and explore different activities outdoors. Heading into this exciting outdoor season, you need some equipment that will make your outdoor journey highly convenient. One of these devices is a portable solar generator that allows you to enjoy the activity of your choice at the time and place of your choosing without worrying about the availability of electricity. Jackery brings time-tested electric solar generators that are being widely used by outdoor enthusiasts for their energy needs.

Let’s see what the different events are scheduled for the Victoria Day holiday 2025 and how you can prepare yourself to head into a season that promises great outdoor opportunities.

the parade features over 100 entries, including community groups, marching bands, and colourful floats making their way down Douglas Street. It remains one of the largest and longest-running parades in the country.

In Ottawa, Victoria Day celebrations align with the final weekend of the Canadian Tulip Festival. Thousands of residents and visitors gather near Dow’s Lake for the closing fireworks and drone show on May 18. While Toronto does not host a formal parade, the city celebrates the Victoria Day events in its own way. Crowds gather at Ashbridges Bay Park for a large-scale fireworks display, typically beginning at 10 p.m., with the lakeside setting offering a memorable experience for families and groups.

Significance and Holiday Status

Victoria Day is widely seen as the unofficial start of summer in Canada. By mid-May, temperatures begin to rise, and the long weekend offers a natural break that encourages people to shift their routines outdoors.

It is recognized as a public holiday in most provinces and territories of the country. Federal employees and many corporate organizations get a day off, and businesses usually close or reduce hours. In Quebec, the day is observed as National Patriots Day. However, in provinces such as Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador, Victoria Day is not a statutory holiday.

Despite the variation in formal recognition, the broader meaning of Victoria Day is clear, as it marks the point where Canadians begin to embrace the exciting season ahead.

Overview of Popular Leisure Activities on Victoria Day Holiday

While the Victoria Day holiday marks the beginning of summer activities, an overwhelming number of Canadians also hit the outdoors on the Victoria Day holiday itself.

Traditional Activities and Celebration Methods

Fireworks displays remain a central part of the Victoria Day holiday. In Toronto, Ashbridges Bay Park hosts a large-scale show each year, drawing thousands of people to the lakeshore for a night of celebration. Ottawa also concludes the Victoria Day weekend with a public fireworks event, often linked to ongoing spring festivals.

Public spaces like High Park in Toronto and Stanley Park in Vancouver see a steady stream of visitors who spend the day enjoying grilled meals, games, and time outdoors.

Camping and cottage visits increase significantly over the Victoria Day holiday. For many Canadians, this is the first real opportunity to open seasonal properties or spend a night outdoors. Provincial parks such as Algonquin and Jasper report high activity during this time, as travellers take advantage of the long weekend to hit the destinations they have always dreamt of.

Many people also spend their time gardening on Victoria Day. It is generally considered a safe point in the season to begin planting, especially in regions where frost risk has passed. Home gardeners use the extra day to prepare soil, set up garden beds, and begin planting flowers or vegetables.

More Popular Activities

Some of the other famous Victoria Day activities include:

• Hiking and nature walks in parks and forested areas
• Boating, kayaking, and recreational fishing on lakes and rivers
• Visiting amusement parks, including Canada’s Wonderland near Toronto
• Attending community parades, local festivals, and live outdoor music
• Taking part in fun runs, cycling events, or local sports matches
• Shopping weekend sales at retail stores and garden centers
• There are also many more activities to do at home, such as family dining, backyard barbecues, playing esports, fruit parties, watching movies, etc.

The range of activities reflects how people use this weekend and prepare themselves for the long summer ahead.

Best Solar Portable Power Stations for Outdoor Activities During the Holiday

Outdoor activities are a central part of how Canadians enjoy the Victoria Day holiday. From lakeside picnics to off-grid camping trips, most plans involve long hours away from standard power sources, which makes carrying a portable power source necessary.

Jackery, a trusted name in off-grid power solutions, offers two highly suitable models for outdoor use during the Victoria Day holiday and beyond. These power solutions include the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station and the Jackery Explorer 600 Plus Portable Power Station. Let’s have a look at both of them one by one:

• Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station

With a 1070Wh battery and a 1500W output capacity, the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station provides enough power to support larger appliances like microwaves, coffee makers, or portable coolers as well as smaller appliances like mobile phones, navigational devices, lighting, fans, drones, and much more. This power station features dual USB-C ports that allow modern devices to charge fast. Apart from that, the power station also has AC outlets and USB-A ports, which further increases its versatility.

You can recharge this portable power station using solar energy in just 3.8 hours using two 200W solar panels. If you use only one such panel, the charging time increases to 7.5 hours. Even with high power output, the unit remains highly compact and portable, and can easily be carried for outdoor pursuits.

Additional features of this power station include a robust safety system with 62 protective shields that keep your electronics safe from common electrical hazards.

• Jackery Explorer 600 Plus Portable Power Station

If you just want a short trip or have small energy needs, the Jackery Explorer 600 Plus Portable Power Station is a practical choice. It offers an 800W output and a 632Wh capacity, which is more than enough for powering essential appliances like camping lights, fans, projectors, drones, and even a small refrigerator.

At just over 16 pounds, this power station is easy to carry and store, with a foldable handle for added convenience.

The rugged build of this power station further sets it apart from other products of its class. This power station is built for outdoor use and features shock resistance, fireproof construction, and an embedded LED light for nighttime visibility. The lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery lasts through thousands of cycles, and the unit includes top-notch safety features, which makes it a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a highly durable, low-maintenance solution for anyone who values portability without sacrificing performance.

More products positioned as electric generators for home use (larger capacities and suitable for multiple users) can be further explored on their official website. Purchasing from their official website will automatically grant a 2-year extended warranty (3-year standard warranty + 2-year extended warranty).

What Places Are Open on Victoria Day 2025?

Victoria Day 2025 will be observed on Monday, May 19. While the holiday is recognized across most provinces and territories, not all services or businesses follow the same operating schedule. Many public offices and banks will be closed, but a wide range of attractions, essential services, and retail destinations will remain open.

Here are some places that remain open on the Victoria Day holiday.

• Attractions and Museums

Several major attractions will be open to the public with regular or modified hours. In Toronto, the Toronto Zoo, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, and the CN Tower will welcome visitors throughout the day. Cultural institutions such as the Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and Casa Loma will also operate, offering exhibitions and tours. For families, destinations like Centreville Amusement Park and Riverdale Farm will also remain open for seasonal activities.

• Shopping Centres

While many smaller retailers close for the holiday, large shopping centres typically remain open on reduced hours. The Eaton Centre, Vaughan Mills, and Toronto Premium Outlets are expected to operate between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. However, it is always advisable to confirm the exact operating hours of any place before visiting to avoid any last-minute inconvenience.

• Grocery Stores and Food Markets

Major grocery chains such as Metro, Loblaws, and No Frills are generally closed on Victoria Day, with only a few exceptions where some stores may open. However, several locations of Rabba Fine Foods, Galleria Supermarket, and T&T Supermarket typically remain open.

• Liquor and Beer Stores

LCBO stores will be closed across Ontario. Some Beer Store locations may remain open with limited hours. Wine Rack outlets, especially those inside grocery stores, may be open, but schedules vary by location.

• Public Transit

Transit services will follow holiday schedules. In Toronto, the TTC will operate reduced service, and GO Transit will run on a weekend timetable. Riders should review updates in advance, as routes and service levels usually differ from regular weekday operations.

• Restaurants and Cafés

Dining establishments in tourist areas and along major streets will generally remain open. Patio dining is popular during the holiday, and many restaurants prepare for higher foot traffic. Reservations are recommended, as seating may be limited and wait times are longer than usual.

How to Plan Your Summer Outdoor Trips on Victoria Day Holiday

Victoria Day holiday offers an ideal opportunity to begin the summer season with a well-planned outdoor trip. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for the summer outdoor trip this Victoria Day holiday:

• Select Your Destination: Decide what kind of outing you want. This could be a day trip, an overnight stay, or a full weekend getaway at your favourite attraction. Popular places such as national parks, lakes, and campgrounds tend to fill up quickly during the holiday, so it is recommended to plan early.

• Check the Weather: Monitor the weather forecast for your chosen location. This will give you an idea not only about your destination but also the type of gear you need to pack.

• Book in Advance: Reserve campsites, ferry tickets, or event entries ahead of time to avoid unnecessary hassle at the eleventh hour.

• Plan Meals and Supplies: Create a checklist for food, drinks, and any cooking equipment if you are picnicking or camping. Shop in advance to avoid last-minute store closures or product shortages.

• Prepare Essential Gear: Pack all necessary items the night before. This includes outdoor gear, sunscreen, insect repellent, a first-aid kit, and a portable power source that will keep your electronics operational throughout the trip.

• Confirm What’s Open: Verify the operating hours of parks, attractions, or stores you intend to visit.

• Start Early: High traffic and crowds are common on the Victoria Day holiday, so leaving early can help you secure parking, enjoy more time at your destination, and avoid delays.

Conclusion

Victoria Day marks the beginning of a lively and activity-filled summer across Canada. It is a time when people step outside, visit parks, attend parades, and enjoy long-awaited getaways with friends and family. To make the most of these outdoor moments, a dependable power source becomes essential. Jackery’s portable electric solar generators, including the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station and Jackery Explorer 600 Plus Portable Power Station, offer the convenience and reliability needed to keep devices running smoothly during trips. Their ease of use and robust features make them an ideal companion for a carefree and energized Victoria Day holiday.