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Victoria Day is a statutory holiday in Canada that celebrates the birthday of Queen Victoria. It is celebrated all over Canada but especially in Victoria, British Columbia, which was named for Queen Victoria. It will take place on Monday, May 20, 2024, and this is called by Canadians the May long weekend.
Free musical entertainment can be found in downtown Victoria on the Saturday and Sunday of the May long weekend, especially outside the British Columbia Legislature. A lot of marching bands come to Victoria for the parade from all over British Columbia and from the United States. In addition to marching and playing in the parade, many bands perform free on Saturday and Sunday.
The Victoria Day Parade is one of the biggest and longest parades in all of Canada. There are over 100 colorful floats, dance groups, marching bands, clowns, military vehicles, bands with drums, VIPs in cars and convertibles, bands with bagpipes, emergency vehicles, characters in costumes, community groups and local businesses.
The parade starts at 9 am outside the Mayfair Mall and will make its way down Douglas Street. Tens of thousands of people will line the streets to watch the parade. It lasts for a full three hours. It is an impressive parade and a lot of fun!
After the parade, there will be live music performances in Centennial Square. Food trucks will be there along with artisan vendors. This free event will last until 5 pm.
Visiting Victoria
If you’d like to visit Victoria for the parade and celebration, you should consider the following hotels. They are all offering discounted rates which can save you money on your stay.
- Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA – 27% Discount
- Oak Bay Beach Hotel – 25% Discount
- Victoria Regent Waterfront Hotel & Suites – 25% Discount
- Sandman Hotel Victoria – 20% Discount
- Fairmont Empress – 20% Discount
- Royal Scot Hotel & Suites – 20% Discount
- The Magnolia Hotel & Spa – 20% Discount
- Swans Brewery, Pub & Hotel – 20% Discount
- Belford Regency Hotel – 15% Discount
- Days Inn by Wyndham Victoria On The Harbour – 15% Discount
- Hotel Grand Pacific – 10% Discount
- The Oswego Hotel – 6% Discount
- Solo Studios – 5% Discount
While you’re in Victoria, you should sample the local cuisine which can be described in one word: delicious! Fresh seafood is very popular, especially salmon, crab and halibut. Canada’s national dish, poutine, is also very popular. And nanaimo bars, a no bake dessert, are very much in demand.
You can enjoy Victorian cuisine in the Best 10 Restaurants in Victoria as chosen by the users of TripAdvisor.
- Block Kitchen + Bar
- Legislative Dining Room
- Finn’s Seafood Chops & Cocktails
- Il Terrazzo
- Fishhook
- Blue Fox Cafe
- Cafe Brio
- Jam Cafe
- John’s Place Restaurant
- Nubo Japanese Tapas
If you’re going to be flying to Victoria, you can use a promo code to save money on your flight here.