Victoria Day Weekend in Niagara Falls
May 16, 2012
Come to Niagara Falls for Victoria Day Weekend in 2012
Victoria Day: The kick off to summer, shake off the soggy spring and get out and enjoy beautiful Niagara Falls!
A Little History Behind the Holiday
Victoria Day is a federal Canadian public holiday celebrated on the last Monday before May 25, in honour of Queen Victoria’s birthday. The date is also, simultaneously, that on which the current reigning Canadian sovereign’s official birthday is recognized. It is sometimes informally considered as marking the beginning of the summer season in Canada.
The holiday has been observed since before Canada was formed, originally falling on the sovereign’s actual birthday, and continues to be celebrated in various fashions across the country on the fixed date. In Quebec, the same day was, since the Quiet Revolution, unofficially known as Fête de Dollard until 2003, when provincial legislation officially named the same date as Victoria Day the National Patriots’ Day. It is a statutory holiday federally, as well as in six of Canada’s ten provinces and three of its territories.
Planning Your Trip
You may be packing up the car, but if you are letting someone else do the driving for you there is a great service called the GO train running from Toronto and Niagara Falls, with special hours for Victoria Day long weekend. For their schedule click here .
If you are driving Monday is Family Day in Ontario and Family Day Weekend has become one of the busier cross-border weekends in the Niagara–Fort Erie Region, with the busiest day being Family Day Monday. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) anticipates higher than average volumes this year. Travellers cross-border shopping or taking advantage of the many cross-border destinations and activities on Family Day should consider some of the following border crossing tips to facilitate their return to Canada.
Ensure that you have proper identifications for yourself and everyone in the vehicle readily available when crossing the border. In compliance with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, all travellers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, need to present an approved travel document to enter the United States by land and sea such as a valid passport, U.S. Passport Card, a NEXUS card or an Enhanced Driver’s License. These are also acceptable documents for entry into Canada.
Niagara Parks Annual Fireworks Display
Just like previous years you can count on the annual array of colourful explosions in the sky above the falls.
The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) is pleased to announce a number of exciting events taking place over the Victoria Day Long Weekend as well. The first long weekend of the summer marks the return of Canada’s longest-running fireworks series. The fireworks will take place on Friday, May 18, Sunday, May 20, and Monday, May 21 at 10 p.m., and will continue every Friday, Sunday, and holiday throughout the summer until September 2. The best views are in Queen Victoria Park overlooking Niagara Falls. Please note: all dates are subject to change and dependent upon weather and wind conditions.
Long Weekend Coca Cola Concert Series Lineup
Free concerts take place at 8 p.m. at the Illumination Tower Stage, located in Queen Victoria Park at the bottom of Murray Hill, next to Victoria Place. Come out early and you can listen to some live entertainment before the fireworks countdown at 10 p.m.
Friday, May 18 – The Athertones
Sunday, May 20 – Lowdown
Monday, May 21 – Rich and the Poorboys
Clifton Hill The World Famous Street of Fun by the Falls
Clifton Hill is the one vacation destination where you’ll find incredible experiences for the whole family to enjoy on your long weekend! Plan your day from the Niagara SkyWheel and be amazed by the spectacular views. Also be sure to explore Clifton Hill’s newest attraction the XD Theatre. Your vacation starts at Clifton Hill, where “FUN” happens everyday! Between restaurants, gift shops, and the nightlife how can you possibly get bored. Enjoy discounts on attractions as well when you pick up the Fun Pass when you buy on-line you get an extra spin on the SkyWheel.
Marineland
This famous tourist destination offers a rare glimpse into the enchanting underwater world of marine life. It’s also has a theme parks fit for the little ones, and those of you needing a bit more of a thrill!
Opens May 17, 2012 and runs to October 7, 2012
OPERATING SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Victoria Day weekend is when Niagara Falls and the streets of Clifton Hill really begin to come to life for the summer, this is a great time to stay overnight and enjoy Niagara’s best offerings. To simplify your Niagara vacation plans; the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill offers some great packages to get you started on your trip.
Whatever your plans may be we hope you have a happy and safe holiday!
Go Train Service Starts!