If you’re new to Canada, consider this your field guide to one of our most optimistic weekends: we don’t casually drift into summer, we declare it. And that declaration comes in the form of Victoria Day Weekend, better known as “May Two-Four.”

Yes, it technically honours Queen Victoria. But practically? It’s about cold drinks, cautious optimism about the weather, and a city-wide decision to start living outdoors again, whether it’s ready or not.

Here in London, Ontario, it's where summer begins with equal parts enthusiasm and denial.

The First BBQ: Optimism on a Plate

This is the weekend the barbecue emerges from hibernation. It may still be a bit dusty. The propane tank might betray you. Someone will absolutely undercook or overcook something.

None of this matters.

If you want to do things like a proper local, skip the big-box grocery run and head somewhere like the Western Fair District Farmers’ Market or Western Meats for your BBQ essentials. Between local butchers, fresh cuts, and market finds, you’ll suddenly feel like the kind of person who sources their grill menu; rather than panic-buys it 20 minutes before guests arrive.

Burgers and sausages are the classics, but honestly, anything grilled outside suddenly tastes like a life upgrade.

Pro tip: dress for July, pack for October.

Gardening: A Leap of Faith (With Soil)

Victoria Day Weekend is widely accepted as the “safe-ish” time to start planting. Frost is probably behind us. Probably.

Garden centres become unexpectedly joyful places this time of year. A few local favourites worth wandering:

Heeman’s: equal parts garden centre and treat-yourself destination

Van Luyk's Garden Centre: a local favourite for plants, hanging baskets, and that “I should probably buy one more thing” feeling

Parkway Garden Centre: friendly, approachable, and well-stocked

Canadale Nurseries (St Thomas): worth the short drive when you’re feeling inspired

Even if you don’t have a yard, a few herbs in pots will do. Gardening here isn’t about perfection; it’s about participating in the season.

Camping: Nature, But Make It Manageable

This is when many Londoners decide they are, in fact, outdoorsy people. Nearby options make it easy to ease in:

Fanshawe Conservation Area: close, convenient, and beginner-friendly

Pinery Provincial Park: sandy beaches, tall pines, and genuinely beautiful sunsets

Wildwood Conservation Area: quieter, scenic, and a little less crowded

Or, if packing feels like too much commitment, backyard camping absolutely counts. String lights, a fire pit, and snacks can go a long way.

Parks, Patios, and People Watching

If camping isn’t your thing, London’s parks and green spaces come alive this weekend:

Victoria Park: Right downtown, great for wandering, picnicking, and casually judging other people’s picnic setups.

Springbank Park: Ideal for longer walks, river views, and spotting cyclists who are taking things very seriously.

Pinafore Park in St. Thomas: Worth the short drive for storybook bridges, duck-spotting opportunities, and the strong possibility you’ll stay longer than planned because it’s just that pleasant.

Patios start filling up too, and there’s a shared sense that everyone is just happy to be outside again. If you’re new, this is your cue to linger, order something cold, split a few shareables, and stay longer than you intended.

Family Time (Keep It Simple)

Victoria Day Weekend works well for easy, low-pressure outings, especially for families looking for something a bit more structured without overplanning.

Storybook Gardens opens for the May long weekend, marking one of the first big kid-friendly attractions of the season.

Fanshawe Pioneer Village kicks off its opening weekend around this time, offering a step back into early settler life with demonstrations, music, and hands-on history.

Calthumpian Days in nearby Thamesford brings small-town fair energy just outside London, with rides, food, and community celebrations

There are plenty of organized options nearby, but most families still find the best part is simply slowing down together in between.

Fireworks & Flickers

As night falls, fireworks begin to pop up across the city, sometimes organized, sometimes delightfully spontaneous.

They’re not always grand or perfectly timed, but that’s part of the charm. You’ll hear a crackle, look up, and share a moment with whoever happens to be nearby.

Please just be aware of the local bylaws. Fireworks are only permitted on certain days and times. With safety rules in place, it’s worth checking before lighting anything yourself.

The Unofficial Rule: Keep It Light

The secret to enjoying May Two-Four in London is to resist the urge to over-plan. The weather might turn. The grill might misbehave. The kids might get muddy. The plants might struggle.

And yet, this is the weekend where everything shifts.

You eat your first meal outside. You stay out a little longer. You start to believe, again, in warm evenings and open windows.

It’s not about doing summer perfectly. It’s about beginning it.

And Then, Summer

By the time Victoria Day Weekend winds down, something subtle has already shifted in London. Patio doors stay open a little longer. The evenings feel less like something to rush through and more like something to linger in. Even the air seems to loosen its shoulders.

That’s really what the May Two-Four Weekend marks here; it’s not just the unofficial start of summer, but the moment London collectively decides to step back outside and stay there a while.

And once that decision is made, the season has already begun.

Your May Two-Four Weekend Field Guide