I know that Victoria Day is a holiday in Canada<BR><BR>What exactly is it?

In 2002, Victoria Day is May 20 - it's a week before Memorial Day in the States.

I think that most businesses will be open on Victoria Day across Canada, if not for the whole day then at least for the afternoon. I believe it originated as celebrating the Queen's birthday, but now it's just the first long weekend of summer.

Hello Jo:<BR>As the name of the day implies it is to honour Victoria, who was Queen when Canada became a nation in 1867. Most provinces use the day as a celebration of our past. it has lost most of it's significance but it is as the previous poster mentioned the beginning of summer. Most people open up their cottages on this weekend,(it's always the Monday closest to the 24th of May, Queen Victoria's birthday), and most national and provincial sites closed during the winter reopen. Firework displays are held in most cities and towns and it's a chance to put on a parade and enjoy the prospect of summer.<BR>Hope this helps.<BR>regards,<BR>Lynn

thanks for the replies