Victoria Day Is it a big deal?
 

I'll be flying to Vancouver on the 19th of May (Saturday) and then leaving on Sunday. I have since learned that this is the Victoria Day weekend. Will I notice anything different? Just curious and thanks.

No-it's the first holiday of the summer season so many people head to the outdoors but life in the city is unchanged-perhaps a tad quieter.

Maybe that hotel rates/flight fares are higher but other than that, you won't notice anything different. If you were going to be there Monday, May 21 ( the holiday ) then yes but you'll be gone by then!

Have a great trip, Dukey! Don't forget to bring some loonies & toonies to tip the valet parking guy! ((H))

OB1

Thanks for the responses. One of the reasons I asked is because I was looking at the possibility of changing hotels and one of the possibilities I looked at (Hampton Inn downtown) is already sold out.

Yes, I will bring lots of money and get some change for tips the minute I check in.

That's often the start of the cruise ship season, and cruise ship passengers often book a lot of nearby hotel rooms.

The hotels selling out could also be the sign of several large conferences happening, although I'd have to look up to see if that's the case.

Effectively, that long weekend is the kick off to summer. Nothing special happens, but people like to go away that weekend.

Also, isn't the Victoria Day long weekend the same as the American Columbus Day long weekend? That could also explain the increase in people coming to Vancouver.

No, BC_Robyn. Memorial Day weekend is the weekend following Victoria Day. Columbus Day is the same long weekend as Canadian Thanksgiving.

FWIW, I found space in a LOT of other Vancouver hotels for that weekend so it may be some special event near or even in the Hampton Inn.

I appreciate the additional replies. At least I got a decent airfare.

Dukey1, we've found that Vancouver is one of the best cities for getting a good Priceline deal. Bid for a 4* downtown hotel and any win is good.

nahh Victoria Day isn't anything too special in Canada especially when compared to Canada Day or something, but there are some important things about Victoria day to point out. A lot of people consider Victoria day as the first day of the gardening season because usually in most of Canada, the weather warms up significantly around that weekend. Also many people go on trips and go outside with their family during that day because the weather is usually nice and you have a nice long weekend to spend going out. There are sometimes fireworks in the evening too. Nothing but your average long weekend crowd and large traffic on highways for day trips. I think it is very similar to Memorial Day in the U.S. and it's basically the same thing. But for me, I find Victoria Day to still be an enjoyable holiday and kinda fun.

I'll be in Victoria for Victoria Day - anything going on there?