The birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and the weather is warming up just in time to celebrate the Victoria Day long weekend! Many of us Canadian’s call the first long weekend of the summer May 2-4, but the actual origin of the kick off to summer is celebrating Queen Victoria’s birthday! To keep the history alive, for the Queen’s birthday, we have put together some fun historical activities to participate with family and friends.
It may be Queen Victoria’s birthday this long weekend, but many of us will be watching the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle! The couple will be married on Saturday, May 19th at 7:00am ET. David Mirvish is hosting a MASSIVE viewing party at the Princess of Wales Theatre from 5:30am to 8:30am. It’s expected as many as 2,000 people will pack the venue for the sold out event!
Toronto: Victoria Day at Fort York
Looking for a fun educational outing with family during the long weekend? Check out Fort York National Historic Site and join a guided tour, take part in soldier’s drills, or watch historic cooking demonstrations in one of the oldest kitchens in Toronto! The Victoria Day event runs from 10:00am to 5:00pm, regular admission applies.
Toronto: Artfest
Enjoy Artfest Toronto from May 19th to the 21st in the Distillery Historic District in downtown Toronto. Free admission for this outdoor art and craft show festivities. Celebrate the long weekend with painting, photography, sculpture, fine craft, live music and more! There will be free art workshops all weekend for the kids to enjoy.
Hamilton: Fightingest Ship
Canada’s most “Fightingest Ship” opens for the season on May 17th. After serving at sea for decades HMCS Haida is now proudly docked at Hamilton’s Pier 9. As 2018 marks the National Historic Site’s 75th anniversary, there are lots of special events planned. Explore its historic decks with family and friends.
Travel back in time to Victoria Canada at Westfield Heritage Village! Discover over 35 heritage buildings and learn about the etiquette, fashions, foods and customs of Queen Victoria’s era. Experience living like the Queen on Sunday, May 20th and Monday, May 21st from 12:30pm to 4:00 p.m.
Waterloo: Waterloo Central Railway Train
Enjoy a leisurely ride with family and friends with Waterloo Central Railway, as they ride through historic Mennonite country. This historic train will be pulling you with its nearly 100 year old steam engine on Monday, May 21st at 2:00pm in the St. Jacobs Market Platform. To guarantee your spot, please make sure you arrive 15 minutes in advance with your printed ticket. All ages pass is $29.99, and children under the age of two, may ride free! Purchase your tickets here.
Whatever you decide to do this long weekend, please stay safe and enjoy your time with family and friends. To learn more about social activities in the GTHA area this long weekend, check out LIUNA Garden’s blog post.
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From all of us at LIUNA Station, thank you for following along!