Monday May 18th is Victoria Day. Victoria Day is celebrated each year on the Monday before May 25th in every province and territory in Canada. We celebrate Victoria Day to honour Queen Victoria’s birthday, May 24, 1819.
For many people, the Victoria Day long weekend marks the unofficial start to summer and for some, cottage season. Many cottagers will head to their cottage on the May long weekend to open it up and get it ready for the season.
If you don’t have any plans this weekend you may be looking for something to do with the kids. Whether you want to stay at home, stay within your community, or take a road trip, we’ve got some suggestions the whole family will enjoy.
- See a Fireworks Display: During long weekends there are usually multiple firework displays going on in and around communities. Check this site for just a few of the firework displays happening across Canada this Victoria Day long weekend https://tinyurl.com/mdop4z4
- Take a Trip to Niagara Falls: Whether it’s a day trip or overnight there is so much to see and do in Niagara Falls https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/
- Plan a Picnic: Work together as a family to choose a destination, pack a delicious picnic lunch and hit the road.
- Canada’s Wonderland: Canada’s Wonderland is now officially open for the season and there is something fun for all ages www.canadaswonderland.com
- Garden: The May long weekend usually marks the end of frosty weather so gardeners can go ahead and plant their less hardy flowers and plants.
- Have a BBQ: Invite some friends and family over and BBQ lunch or dinner and enjoy the weather.
- Visit the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre: There is so much to see, do and learn. Children can learn and experience nature, wildlife and the environment. There is lots happening at the Wye Marsh over the long weekend https://www.wyemarsh.com/events-calendar
- Go to the Movies: Summer months usually bring the biggest blockbusters, find a movie you can all agree on that is family appropriate and spend an afternoon at the movies.
- Ottawa Tulip Festival: Visit the Capitol of Canada and enjoy their annual Tulip festival that runs until May 18th https://tulipfestival.ca/about/
- Visit a farmers Market: Farmers Markets are open for the season! Visit a Farmers Market for the chance to shop and buy farm fresh products directly from the producer. Find a Farmers market near you www.farmersmarketsontario.com
- Take a Boat Cruise: There are so many cruise types to choose from; sightseeing cruise, lunch cruise, dinner cruise or a sunset cruise. The nice thing is you can find boat cruises all across Ontario, so they may not be too far from home.
- Waterfalls of Hamilton: Head to the Hamilton area and explore some of many waterfalls in the area https://www.waterfalls.hamilton.ca/#_=_
- Visit the Toronto Zoo (Toronto): Walking around the zoo is not only great exercise but also educational. Children can learn all about animals from around the world. Splash Island opens this weekend so be sure to bring swimwear to cool off. The zoo is open daily from 9am – 7pm check the link for more information https://www.torontozoo.com/
For more ideas and destinations to explore in Ontario visit https://www.ontariotravel.net/en/play