Victoria Day in New Brunswick: The May Long Weekend
Every year on the Monday before May 25th, Canadians mark Victoria Day — and today, May 18, 2026, is that day. The holiday celebrates the birthday of Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901, and is Canada’s oldest non-religious holiday. It’s also widely regarded as the unofficial start of summer.
A Holiday with an Asterisk in New Brunswick
New Brunswick has a slightly complicated relationship with Victoria Day. While it is recognized as a federal statutory holiday for federally regulated employees, provincially regulated employers in New Brunswick are not required by law to give employees the day off — though many do. Victoria Day, Thanksgiving, and Boxing Day are among the federal holidays not designated as statutory holidays under provincial rules in New Brunswick. That said, the long weekend is very much alive and celebrated across the province.
How New Brunswickers Celebrate
For most people in the province, the May long weekend is all about getting outside. Communities celebrate with fireworks, outdoor festivals, community barbecues, parades, and live music. Many residents also head to cottages, enjoy the water, or relax in one of New Brunswick’s many scenic locations.
With the forests turning lush and trails drying out by mid-May, it’s a perfect time to hike, camp, or reconnect with nature in one of NB’s beautiful provincial parks — whether that’s Mount Carleton, Mactaquac, or Fundy.
For those looking to explore further, Fundy National Park, Kouchibouguac National Park, and historic sites like Kings Landing and Fort Beauséjour are popular destinations.
On the events side, the weekend has something for everyone. St. Andrews hosts Paddlefest, a four-day celebration blending live music, art, outdoor adventures, and environmental events against a stunning seaside backdrop. Saint John draws music fans to its waterfront for concerts featuring Canadian rock acts.
The “May Two-Four”
The holiday is affectionately called “May Two-Four” in parts of Canada — a name that nods both to the date around which it falls (May 24th) and to the Canadian slang for a case of twenty-four beers, a popular companion to the long weekend. Whether or not beer is involved, the spirit of the weekend is unmistakable: neighbours reconnecting, seasons changing, and summer finally feeling within reach.
