Estimated reading time: 13 minutes

Join in the Victoria Day Long Weekend festivities in Canada: a time to honor Queen Victoria’s birthday and enjoy the start of summer.

Today, we’ve devised 15 fun activities to plan for the long weekend in May, so you’re not stuck indoors.

15 Inexpensive Fun Victoria Day Activities

It’s the unofficial start of summer for those living in Canada, kicking off what is known as the Victoria Long Weekend.

This is when pools and beaches are open, garage sales are in full swing, and backyard parties and patios are bustling with fun.

Not from Canada? New to Canada? No worries.

I had to learn about all the different statutory holidays in Canada when I moved here, and it has been great fun exploring my new home.

What is the Victoria Day Long Weekend?

The Victoria Day Long Weekend is a public holiday in Canada celebrated on the last Monday before May 25 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s birthday.

There are many names for this anticipated May holiday, ranging from;

• May Run
• May 2-4 Long Weekend
• Victoria Day Long Weekend
• May Long Weekend
• May Long
• May Two-Four

Although many places are closed for this statutory holiday, some businesses will be open for the Victoria Day Long Weekend that you may want to check out.

The holiday has been observed in Canada since at least 1845, originally falling on the sovereign’s actual birthday, and continues to be celebrated in various fashions across the country on the fixed date; the holiday has always been a distinctly Canadian observance.

It is a federal statutory holiday, as well as a holiday in six of Canada’s ten provinces and all three of its territories. – Wikipedia

What excites me the most is that I finally get two days off this Victoria Day Long Weekend.

I’m so excited that Mrs. CBB and I created a to-do list of things so it didn’t feel like just another day.

With the weather forecast to be in the high 20s all weekend, the last thing we want to do is sit inside with the windows closed.

The sun comes up very early in the morning, and the birds are chirping a beautiful song, which means it’s time to get up and move.

I’m not a big fan of sleeping when I have time off from work because I don’t want my day to end before I get up.

What’s the point?

Although I didn’t stock up on beer for the Victoria Day Long Weekend, our friends did, and since they invited us over Saturday night, this gave Mrs. CBB and me time to complete our plans.`

Victoria Day Long Weekend Fun For Less

For those who have counted down the official start of summer, the Victoria Day Long Weekend can be costly, especially if you plan to attend local festivals, musicals, concerts, restaurants, and bars.

Below are some inexpensive fun ideas you can plan for the Victoria Long Weekend.

1. Mini Road Trip

I’m a huge fan of jumping in the car and driving to different towns and major cities to explore. Sometimes, we research them, and other times, we just go and hope for the best.

It’s so much fun to see what is lurking in places that are in our beautiful country.

One of my favorite road trips with my wife was to Stratford, Ontario, where it was a beautiful day filled with nature, birds, tea and scones, shopping, and lots of flowers.

We would certainly go back again. Park ng was super cheap, too, and the people were friendly.

2. Hiking

There are 16 impressive waterfalls in Ontario, and if you are up for a hike, spend your time touring these spots as we have over the years.

You won’t be disappointed, and it’s excellent exercise.

We need lunch, so make sure to have running shoes on and lots of beverages.

A fun hike is along the escarpment in Hamilton at Websters Falls, a gorgeous place to visit.

Fun for everyone surrounded by nature’s beauty is a day of harmony and peace.

Also, If you’re in the mood, you could travel to Niagara Falls and explore what the city has to offer, along with the breathtaking views of the Falls and a short trip to the Casino if you dare.

3. Photography

If you love taking photos but haven’t had the time due to everyday responsibilities.

The Victoria Day Long Weekend is a great time to get out and explore nature and what’s happening in your local area.

You’ll be surprised to find the best photos are unplanned photos.

Creating memories will last a lifetime.

A friend of mine who had his best friend pass away 20 years ago regrets not taking more photos, so now it’s his mission to take as many as he can of everyone dear to his heart.

4. Garage Sale

It’s the official start to garage sale season, so put on your negotiating hat and stock up on small coins as you scour the streets for plenty of bargains.

Nothing beats getting something for much less than you would have paid for retail. Most times, prices are so insanely cheap that it’s hard to say no.

Related: How to score the best deals at a garage sale

5. Park Picnic

If you live close to a beach or park that offers a picnic area or somewhere to park and set up your BBQ and food, take advantage of this Victoria Day Long Weekend.

If you can’t make it camping, spend the day at the park with the family, playing games, eating good food, and chilling out before it’s back to reality on Tuesday.

6. Fireworks

Ring in the summer with a blast of fireworks.

If you’re not in the mood for daytime festivities, head over to just about any city across Canada where fireworks happen in and around 10 pm.

It’s an excellent time for the family.

Bundle up, bring chairs, blankets, sweaters, and beverages, and maybe you’ll be lucky to have entertainment and food booths where you’re at.

7. Camping

Victoria Day Long Weekend is probably one of the busiest weekends for most campgrounds and provincial parks as nature enthusiasts take to the woods to party and enjoy the outdoors.

If you have a trailer or a pop-up tent, the camping excursion is a great way to have fun on the cheap.

8. Gardening

It’s time to get your green thumb out and plant your flowers and seedlings for the garden.

If you haven’t started your seeds yet, now is the time to get them done.

This year, I plan to plant basil and parsley, and, like always, we will have a bountiful harvest of rhubarb over and over again.

We average about 4-5 rhubarb crops every summer.

The photo above shows the current state of our rhubarb, which is massive.

You’re only seeing one portion of the plant.

I wish we loved rhubarb as fast as we could grow it.

It’s a warming feeling when the windows in the house are open and the sounds of lawnmowers, kids playing, and birds chirping.

If you’re sick of the snow, you welcome these sounds with open arms.

Related: How to start your frugal garden from seed

9. Open the Pool

If you don’t own a pool, make friends with a homeowner who does because you’ll want to catch some sun and enjoy the cooling effects after a long day in the sunshine.

I love backyard pools because you don’t have to leave home.

The investment may seem steep to some, but it’s worth risking for those who love having the family pool.

When we buy another house, we will look for a home with an in-ground pool or space to install one.

10. Back-Yard Parties

You’ll find that many people will want to stay home for the Victoria Day Long Weekend, especially if they are ready to party in their backyards.

Neighbours of ours have a party every May 2-4, and it sounds like great fun right into the wee hours of the morning.

Related: How to hold a frugal back-yard BBQ Party this summer

They have little attractions for the kids, such as a BBQ, face painting with friends, photos, and games.

The adults are just as excited to kick back and forget about work for a few days with a cold beverage and good eats on the BBQ.

Maybe we’ll get lucky this year, and they will invite us this time around!!

11. Patio Fun

Restaurants, cafes, bistros, and just about any food and beverage establishment with an outdoor patio are already set up and ready to take on the Victoria Day Long Weekend crowds.

This is the start of patio season, so wear your sandals, shorts, sunglasses, and sunscreen, and get ready to party outdoors with your friends.

12. Online and Cross-Border Shopping

Some Canadian shoppers may head over the border to the USA to go shopping, but staying at home is just as fun as plenty of holiday deals are online.

Remember to sign up for Rakuten if you are online shopping to get cash back on your purchase.

13. Family Time

Not everyone likes heading out for the Victoria Long Weekend, especially if you have little ones in the house.

Sometimes, a quick trip up to the park is fun, along with some snacks, books, and balls.

Keep it simple.

This holiday is a great way to savor the moment and enjoy what the outdoors offers without touching your wallet.

14. Beach Surfing

There are endless beaches in Ontario, so all you need to do is pick one or two, jump in the car, and head out for the day.

Grand Bend, Port Stanley, Ipperwash, Sarnia, and many Toronto beaches are our favorite Ontario beaches.

If you have a boat, this may be the time to get into the water and enjoy the breeze on the Ontario lakes as you sail or jet across the waves.

I’ve been in a few boats over the years,, and it’s certainly something I don’t mind doing.

Other places you can visit:

• Canada’s Wonderland
• Ripley’s Aquarium Canada
• CN Tower

You can visit the CN Tower or,, save 42% of the costs of seeing five local Toronto attractions if you purchase the Toronto City Pass.

Whether you stay home for the Victoria Day Long Weekend or take to the roads to search out adventures in your area, remember that this holiday is a time to welcome summer, so enjoy it and smile.

Have a good one, everyone!!

Discussion: Where are some of your favorite places during the Victoria Day Long Weekend?

Mr.CBB –

CBB At Home

I finally finished the driveway this week as I was sure it wouldn’t rain, well, as the forecast said.

While I was rolling the drive, the paper boy decided to walk across it through a wet patch and up the path.

I had to shake my head.

He’s lucky he didn’t get it all on my path to the front door.

We had a somewhat dull week this week as I’m trying to catch up on things that need to get done.

I’m in work for another 3 weeks before I officially get some days off again.

We planned to go to the UK, but that has been canceled now, so we’re looking at road trips around Ontario.

Any suggestions on where to go that differ from what I listed above are welcome.

Let me know.

On a good note, our neighbor from across the way, who has grown kids, now gave us lots of free Little Tykes play equipment for our son.

I’ll spend some time cleaning the stuff up this weekend and get them set up in the back garden for him. It’s nice to have great neighbors!

That’s all the excitement for this week.

Have a fun Victoria’s Day Long Weekend, everyone!! Part Hard!

Mr.CBB

Posts Published This Week

Right now, CBB is posting on Tuesday (Grocery Game Challenge), Thursday (Personal Finance Post), Saturday (Personal Finance and Weekly Wrap-Up and a Frugal Recipe on Sunday!

Top performing CBB Post this week: How Much Should My Grocery Budget Be?

• Stop Blaming The Government For All Of Your Debt
• How to Chop Your Grocery Costs in Half
• Five Alive Carrot Cake

Budget Brags

You got WHAT for HOW Much?

Submit your Deal or Brag:

Saving money while grocery shopping is essential in the CBB family, and that’s why we share our grocery shop experience every week in The Grocery Game Challenge.

Join the Budget Brag Challenge 2016 and WIN!!!

Email me at canadianbudgetbinder@yahoo. (ca) < remove brackets) or fill out my contact form by Friday each week to have your brag considered for the Saturday post.

Hi Mr.CBB and Fans!

Jen Peacock here with my weekly garage sale scores to share with all of you.
Here are today’s garage sale deals:

• Blue step 2 car and Melissa & Doug wooden pizza set $20 (they were asking $25 – the car is in like new condition and retails for around $45)
• Life jacket – free!
• Blue cooler bag $1 (like new)
• Harry Potter Scene It game $2 (for my sister)
• The Heft (snow shovel attachment) $2
• Penguin ornament – free!
• Cars themed bubbles $.50
• Toy ambulance $.50 (my dad paid for it)

I also got another blue Step 2 car like pictured above but not in as good condition for $1 (to keep at my parent’s house)
Total spent: $26.50

-Jen Peacock

Google Search Terms

Thousands of people visit Canadian Budget Binder every week because they have searched my blog online.

The spelling errors below are because I shared that they typed their search engine query to land on my blog. Some of them are serious, and others are meant to laugh.

• How to find love– Well, you won’t find it here, but I may blog about it one day since it’s one topic of expertise for me!
• How to get rid of OSAP Debt– Pay it off. I’m amazed at how many people search for this topic when it’s pretty clear… you have a debt; you owe money.
• Is the Almond butter at Bulk Barn Safe? Um, I’m pretty sure it’s as tasty as store-bought and cheaper.
• Pee on a stick Dollar Store– That’s just another name for a pregnancy test.

That’s all the fun for this week; thanks for dropping by.

See Ya!

-Mr.CBB

Don’t forget to Follow me on Social Media by clicking any of the Icons below!

• The Saturday Weekend Review #169: How We Let House Prices Influence Our Real Estate Budget
• The Saturday Weekend Review #170: 5 Housing Options To Consider As We Age
• The Saturday Weekend Review #171: I’m Not Spending a Dime On My Wife For Mother’s Day
• The Saturday Weekend Review #172: Bidding Wars Net Homeowner $60,000 over asking

Subscribe to the blog by entering your email address on the blog’s home page. Once you’ve subscribed, you MUST activate your subscription via the email from Canadian Budget Binder. Open that email and click YES. Subscribe to me.