The Victoria Day long weekend, or the May 24 long weekend, is the unofficial kick-off of summer activities! Whether you’re in the mood to relax, see family and friends, or take in a great light show, isure has you covered. Here’s our top list of things to do during the long weekend of Victoria Day in Ontario.
Enjoy Food and Drinks During the Victoria Day Long Weekend
Go on a wine tour
Prince Edward County is recognized worldwide as unique, if not for the wine, but for the hospitality. The County’s winemakers will make you feel right at home. Self-guided wine tours or chauffeured options are available. Another excellent alternative is Niagara-on-the-Lake! Additionally, Prince Edward County is not the only region in Ontario that is known for its wine. If you want to know more about some of the best wine regions in Ontario, read our article here.
Pack a picnic of local food.
On Saturday, go to a farmers’ market and pack a picnic lunch of local food, such as bread, cheeses, honey, fruit, and vegetables. Kingston’s Springer Market Square is home to the province’s oldest open-air market. Belleville, Cornwall, Gananoque, and Brockville all have markets within walking distance of parks where you can sit down and enjoy the sunshine. Or, if you are not looking to spend too much, whip up some food from home and bring it with you to your local park for a picnic!
Street Eats Festival
Celebrate the Victoria Day long weekend with your family and friends in Toronto at the 2026 Street Eats Festival. Located in Mississauga at the Erin Mills Town Centre, it’s one of the largest ongoing food and drink festivals. Taste over 150 menu items from local street food vendors and take in live performances and games. This festival is an excellent choice for those seeking unique dishes from local vendors.
Throw a BBQ
Hosting a BBQ is a great way to bring friends and family together for good food and relaxed outdoor fun. Whether you’re grilling up burgers, ribs, or veggie skewers, the key is to keep the vibes casual and the grill hot. Add some music, cold drinks, and lawn games, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a summer gathering everyone will enjoy.
Serve with Peace of Mind
Get a free restaurant insurance quote today and protect your business from unexpected risks.
Outdoor activities to enjoy during the Victoria Day long weekend
Victoria Day Boat Festival
Is there anything better than relaxing on the water? Celebrate the long weekend at Toronto’s Official Long Weekend boat party! Take in the beautiful views of the Toronto skyline and listen to some of the best DJS in the city, all while relaxing on a luxury yacht. Tickets go quickly, so make sure to pick them up soon!
Go Camping
From car camping to backcountry and everything in between. Reservations at Sandbanks Provincial Park and the Parks of the St. Lawrence boast hundreds of campsites. This includes gorgeous waterfront sites. Hardy campers will appreciate the peaceful backcountry at rugged Frontenac Provincial Park. If you’re curious where to look, check out our article on the best camping sites in Ontario!
Have a beach day
Looking for a way to celebrate the unofficial start of the summer properly? Why not grab your friends and family, your favourite shades and head to the beach! A great choice to visit is Sandbanks Provincial Park. It’s the world’s largest baymouth barrier dune formation with three expansive sandy beaches, some say, which are among the best in Canada. Plus, if you are looking for some beaches to visit, read our article on the best beaches in Ontario.
Go fishing this Victoria Day long weekend.
Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, getting outdoors in nature this Victoria Day weekend is a great option. Plus, this time of year, fish species like Northern pike and walleye start to show up during the second weekend of May. This means you can try catching a “big one”. But it is crucial to remember to follow all fishing regulations, including having a valid Outdoors Card.
Family-friendly activities to enjoy during the Victoria Day long weekend
Do you have some little ones who will be tagging along with you this weekend? If that’s the case, check out our list of family-friendly activities for the long weekend!
The Castrol Victoria Day SpeedFest
The Canadian Tire Motorsport Park’s 2026 primary event season kicks off this weekend. With the NASCAR Pinty’s Series featured on the track and fireworks lighting up the sky, this holiday weekend classic shouldn’t be missed. From the 15th to the 17th, the schedule includes races in the Sports Car Championship Canada, presented by Michelin. There’s also the Emzone Radical Cup Canada by Michelin and the Super Production Challenge. A special highlight is their traditional Victoria Day fireworks display Saturday night. Launched at dusk from Corner 1, the fireworks show is a spectacular celebration for your first long weekend of the summer.
Play a couple of rounds of golf (or minigolf)
A great way to spend some time outdoors this Victoria Day long weekend is by taking to the golf courses. Belle Park in Kingston is a great option if you are looking for an urban nine-hole course, or something more sophisticated like a lush and sophisticated fairway, like Black Bear Ridge in Corbyville. Suffice it to say, there is a golf course for you. No matter your skill level, Ontario offers courses for beginners and more advanced players. Book your tee time now to avoid disappointment!
Or, if you are looking for something more fun and family-friendly, head to a minigolf place like Dinosaur Adventure Golf. As one of the nation’s largest miniature golf courses, Dinosaur Adventure Golf features two 18-hole courses. Both the “Raptor” and “T-Rex” courses (A Total of 36 Holes) have three distinct decorative ponds with fast-moving rapids and bubblers. In addition, it has a 50-foot-high “active” steam-erupting volcano! All of this is spread out over a massive 70,000-square-foot playing surface. Finally, the courses feature 50 astonishingly realistic, life-sized dinosaurs, many of which tower over 30 feet tall. A digital sound system complements the scene by pumping out jungle and nature sound effects. These will surely make even the most skeptical golfers wonder if they’ve been transported back in time hundreds of millions of years.
Visit the Toronto Zoo during the Victoria Day long weekend
Visit the Toronto Zoo this May Long Weekend. If you have children under 12, they offer self-guided activities to let them explore and learn. Take the time to explore and learn about animals and our ecosystem while having a ton of fun this long weekend. No live animals are permitted, but service animals are welcome!
Fireworks shows during the Victoria Day long weekend
Ashbridges Bay Fireworks
This fireworks show will occur on Monday, May 18th, beginning at 10 PM. You can see the fireworks anywhere along the beach from Ashbridges Bay Park to the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant. Enjoy the end of the first long summer weekend at Ashbridges Bay Park. Celebrate Victoria Day with a dazzling pyrotechnics display that will impress.
Nobleton Victoria Day Celebration
Presented by Tim Horton’s, the annual Nobleton Victoria Day celebration is an event you do not want to miss. On May 18th, the event features a fair, live entertainment, a dog show, midway rides, games, inflatables, various food and retail vendors, and, for the first time this year, a battle of the bands! It is guaranteed fun for the whole family. Join them for their Signature Fireworks Show, which begins at dusk. The Nobleton Victoria Day fireworks have been credited as Ontario’s best fireworks display!
Drive with Confidence
Request your free car insurance quote now and get the coverage you deserve.
Canada’s Wonderland fireworks for the Victoria Day long weekend
On select dates, Canada’s Wonderland will present its spectacular fireworks display when the park closes at 10:00 PM, weather permitting. Spend your weekend enjoying over 200 attractions and then settle in for an explosive fireworks display. Visit this link for a complete list of fireworks shows in Ontario. Looking ahead to the next long weekend? Read our blog on Canada Day events across the province.
Before you hit the road, make sure you’re covered. Whether you’re heading to a wine tour, camping adventure, or family day trip, having the right travel and auto insurance in place gives you peace of mind to enjoy every moment. Get a free quote today and ensure your long weekend is protected from start to finish.
Ontario offers some of the best weekend getaway spots in Read more
Fireworks can be fun for the whole family, but safety Read more
It is celebrated with parades, flag displays, singing of the Read more
