British Columbia Parliament Buildings

'May Two-Four'. Victoria Day

Every May, Canadians roll out the red carpet and prep the fireworks for a queen who never set foot here. Victoria Day marks Queen Victoria's birthday—24 May—and has been observed since 1845, celebrated on the Monday preceding that date. Officially recognised as a holiday in the mid-19th century, it's a nod to the country's colonial roots and a reminder of the queen's lasting influence. It's more than just a long weekend; for many, it marks the unofficial start of summer, with parades, picnics and festivities across the country, particularly in British Columbia.

The British Columbia Parliament Buildings in Victoria often play a central role in the celebrations. Designed by architect Francis Rattenbury when he was just 25, the buildings opened in 1898 and still house the Legislative Assembly. Rattenbury's winning design, chosen through a public competition, gave the province's government a more imposing and formal presence. On Victoria Day, the buildings light up—literally—serving as a tribute to the monarch who gave the city its name.