May 14, 2026 | Community

Your Local Guide to Victoria Day Weekend

The sun and warm weather is coming, the lilacs are blooming, and the unofficial start of summer is officially here! Victoria Day long weekend (May 16-18) is one of the best times to experience why we love living in Burlington, Oakville and Hamilton.

From firework celebrations to the best local patios, here is your curated guide to the long weekend, all within a 20 minute drive of home.

Signature Events & Celebrations

1. The Main Event: Dundas Driving Park Fireworks (Hamilton)

The absolute “must-see” for fireworks in our region is at Dundas Driving Park on Sunday, May 17.

• The Schedule: Festivities start at 2:00 PM with live music, over 15 local food trucks, and a massive Kids Zone with bouncy castles.
• The Grand Finale: The sky lights up around 9:30 PM. It’s free to attend, but we recommend arriving early with your lawn chairs to snag a prime spot on the grass!

2. Victorian Springtime at Bronte Creek (Oakville)

Step back in time at Bronte Creek Provincial Park on Saturday, May 16 (10 AM – 4 PM). Their “Spring Time on the Farm” event is a local treasure.

• The Highlights: Old-tyme games, house tours, and heritage farm animals.
• The Special Touch: Don’t miss the Victorian Tea (12:00 PM and 2:00 PM). It’s first-come, first-served and a perfect way to celebrate the holiday’s namesake.

Adventure & Outdoors: Get Moving

Peak Bloom at the Royal Botanical Gardens (Burlington)

Mid-May is the peak bloom season at the RBG Arboretum. It is arguably the most beautiful weekend of the year to walk the trails.

• The Experience: Explore the Rock Garden or take a “Paddling in Paradise” spring canoe tour (select mornings) for a unique view of the Marsh.
• Family Fun: The Escarpment Train Display is running all weekend, a huge hit for the little ones!

Trail Hikes with a View

If you want to skip the crowds, 2026 search trends show families are opting for “Adventure Nooks” over busy parks.

• Mount Nemo (Burlington): Offers some of the best cliffside views of the Escarpment.
• Lion’s Valley Park (Oakville): The bridge and creek-side trails are perfect for a long weekend family hike and a picnic.

Local Flavours: Restaurant & Patio Specials

After a day of exploring, grab a seat at one of our favourite local spots:

• Jacksons Landing (Burlington): Their massive patio is officially open! They are hosting Happy Hour everyday (3-5 PM & 9 PM-Close) with $15 artisanal pizzas and $9 cocktails. Plus, don’t miss their Holiday Monday Brunch served until 3:00 PM.
• Spencer’s at the Waterfront (Burlington): For a more upscale vibe, Spencer’s offers the best lakefront view in the city. Their seasonal May menu features fresh, local Ontario produce that is a “must-try.”
• Downtown Oakville Bistros: Take a stroll down Lakeshore and stop at Corks or Oliver’s. Many local spots are offering “Victoria Day Features” using seasonal asparagus and rhubarb.

Making the Most of Your Weekend

The best part of living in the Golden Horseshoe is the variety. You can spend the morning hiking the Bruce Trail, the afternoon at a Victorian Tea, and the evening at a world-class fireworks show, all without leaving your backyard.

If your long weekend walks have you dreaming of a new view, we’re always here to chat about what’s next for your family. Enjoy the sunshine!

Get The Newsletter

Join our mailing list to get updates from our experts about the Toronto market, the latest listings, and our industry insights.

Sign Up