May Days
Celebrated on the Monday before May 25th, this holiday marks the birthday of a long-reigning British monarch and unofficially kicks off cottage season.
What is Victoria Day?
In 2020, this annual May event honouring Canadian nurses became especially poignant due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is National Nursing Week?
Born on May 6, 1961, this Canadian singer-songwriter from Ontario is known worldwide for hits like “Summer of ’69.”
Who is Bryan Adams?
This iconic red flower, planted throughout Ottawa in May, symbolizes the friendship between Canada and the Netherlands.
What is the tulip?
May I politely request this Canadian snack made of fries, gravy, and cheese curds — and possibly offend someone by calling it “just loaded fries”?
What is poutine?
The NHL playoffs usually heat up in May — and this Canadian team last won the Stanley Cup in 1993.
Who are the Montreal Canadiens?
Canada’s Parliament often reconvenes in May after this spring break in session.
What is the Easter recess?
This iconic Canadian actor, born May 17, 1963, is famous for roles in Deadpool and X-Men.
Who is Ryan Reynolds?
Nova Scotia's official floral emblem, this delicate pink or white May-blooming flower shares its name with a tree.
What is the mayflower (trailing arbutus)?
May I borrow your toonie to buy this double-double at the most Canadian of coffee shops?
What is Tim Hortons?
In Mexico and parts of the U.S., this May 5th holiday commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla.
What is Cinco de Mayo?
Celebrated in early May, this nationwide Canadian event encourages people to bike to work.
What is Bike to Work Week?
This Canadian astronaut, who walked in space during a shuttle mission in May 1997, is the first Canadian to do so.
Who is Chris Hadfield?
This national park in Alberta comes alive with wildflowers each May, including glacier lilies and shooting stars.
What is Banff National Park?
May I have a moment to thank this Canadian singer, known for “Thank U,” “Ironic,” and one of the most iconic '90s albums ever?
Who is Alanis Morissette?
This "Queen City" of Saskatchewan often celebrates its warmer May weather with parades, markets, and festivals.
What is Regina?
The province of Newfoundland and Labrador celebrates Victoria Day, but often adds this local name that hints at the start of fishing and gardening season.
What is St. George’s Day?
This Canadian author, born May 28, 1947, created the beloved fantasy novel The Handmaid’s Tale.
Who is Margaret Atwood?
The floral emblem of Ontario, this white three-petaled flower often blooms in the forests of May.
What is the trillium?
May I remind you — this national summer sport of Canada was played by Indigenous peoples long before Europeans arrived.
What is lacrosse?
This unofficial holiday became widely recognized after fans used the phrase in 1979 to congratulate Margaret Thatcher on becoming Prime Minister.
What is Star Wars Day?
On May 2, 2011, this Canadian political party became the Official Opposition for the first time in its history, riding a wave dubbed the “Orange Crush.”
What is the New Democratic Party (NDP)?
On May 4, 2011, this Canadian music group performed at the NHL Awards in New York, showcasing their signature rock sound.
Who are Rush?
This Canadian poet wrote about flowers in bloom and soldiers' graves in his famous WWI poem.
Who is John McCrae?
May I be honest? This comedian and SCTV alum known for his Ed Grimley character “must say” he’s one of our most beloved exports.
Who is Martin Short?