Victoria Day, Monday, 21 May 2018, marks Her Majesty The Queen’s official birthday in Canada.  First observed in 1845 to mark Queen Victoria’s actual birthday, the date of 24 May was official declared “Victoria Day” following the death of Queen Victoria in 1901.  

The date of the reigning sovereign’s official birthday was changed through various proclamations and orders-in-council over the years until 1952 when Victoria Day was moved to the Monday before 25 May.   A royal proclamation issued on 5 February 1957 established the Canadian monarch’s birthday to be the Monday immediately before 25 May. 

The occasion will be marked with 21-Gun Salutes at noon local time in Ottawa and the provincial capitals.