Victoria Day weekend is the unofficial kick-off to summer. Traditionally filled with fireworks, friends, and the first long weekend since winter, it’s tempting to pack the car and head out of town. But here’s a gentle nudge to consider staying closer to home this year.
Why? Because right here in the Niagara region, you’ll find everything you need for a memorable, relaxing, and just-the-right-amount-of-festive Victoria Day — without the stress of highway gridlock or booking a last-minute Airbnb.
Whether you're planning a low-key weekend or something a little more lively, here’s a local guide for making the most of your holiday without leaving the neighbourhood.
Why Stay Local This Victoria Day?
Let’s face it — long weekend travel often comes with long lines, traffic jams, and the subtle pressure to do something big. But some of the most meaningful moments come from slowing down, enjoying the place you call home, and reconnecting with your own backyard (literally and figuratively).
Here are a few good reasons to stay local:
Less stress: No packing, no rushing, no worrying about forgotten chargers.
More connection: Time to explore your community, support local events, and meet neighbours you might only wave to in passing.
Hidden gems: Niagara is bursting with charm — from quiet parks and waterfronts to heritage sites and small festivals — many of which are easy to overlook when your sights are set further away.
🧺 Easy Picnic Basket Assembly (Kid-Friendly & Stress-Free)
Picnics don’t have to be complicated — especially when kids are involved. The key is keeping it simple, tasty, and packable. Below is a quick guide for assembling a picnic basket the whole family will enjoy, along with a kid-approved recipe you can make ahead.
✅ What to Pack in Your Picnic Basket
Here’s a simple checklist to cover all the picnic bases:
Essentials:
Picnic blanket or beach towel
Reusable plates and cutlery (or compostable options)
Napkins or wipes (for messy hands)
Reusable water bottles or juice boxes
Small cutting board + kid-safe knife (optional)
Ice packs or frozen water bottles to keep food cool
Trash bag or resealable bag for garbage
Food & Drink Ideas:
Main dish (see the recipe below!)
Fruits: grapes, apple slices (with lemon to prevent browning), berries, or watermelon chunks
Veggies: baby carrots, cucumber rounds, cherry tomatoes with hummus or ranch dip
Snacks: crackers, mini muffins, granola bars, or popcorn
Drinks: water, lemonade, or juice boxes
Treat: homemade cookies or chocolate-covered pretzels
🥪 Easy Picnic Recipe: Rainbow Wrap Pinwheels
These colourful, healthy wraps are perfect for little hands and adult appetites alike. They’re packed with veggies, protein, and flavor — plus they look fun and hold up well in a picnic basket.
Ingredients (makes 4 wraps = 20–24 pinwheels):
4 large whole wheat or spinach wraps
8 tbsp cream cheese (or hummus for a dairy-free option)
1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken or sliced turkey
1 cup shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup baby spinach or shredded lettuce
Optional: grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Spread 2 tbsp cream cheese or hummus evenly over each wrap.
Layer the chicken or turkey, then scatter the carrots, peppers, spinach, and optional cheese on top.
Roll tightly from one side to the other.
Slice into 5–6 pinwheels per wrap using a serrated knife.
Pack in a reusable container or wrap in wax paper for easy grabbing.
Kid Tip: Let the kids help build their own wrap — they’re more likely to eat what they help make!
🧃 Bonus: Easy DIY Lemonade (No Stove Needed)
Ingredients:
Juice of 4 lemons
4 cups cold water
¼ cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
Ice cubes + lemon slices (optional)
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients in a pitcher or large water bottle.
Shake well or stir vigorously.
Chill or pour over ice in reusable cups.
👨👩👧👦 Fun Picnic Activities for Kids
Bubbles or sidewalk chalk
Frisbee or mini soccer ball
Nature scavenger hunt (“find something yellow,” “find a heart-shaped rock”)
Coloring books or travel board games
Story time under a tree
Final Tip
When you’re heading out for a picnic with kids, less is more. A few good snacks, something to sip, and a shady spot to spread out is all it takes for a perfect family outing.
Local Events & Activities in Niagara
Even if you're not into big crowds, there's something satisfying about soaking up the atmosphere of a long weekend event — especially when it’s in your own community. Here are a few local happenings and outdoor spots to consider:
1. Fireworks at Niagara Falls
Date: Monday, May 19th, around 10 PM
Location: Fallsview area
A classic tradition. If you’re up for a bit of a crowd, this is a breathtaking way to end the weekend. For a quieter experience, watch from a nearby vantage point like Queen Victoria Park.
2. Pelham's Victoria Day Celebrations
Pelham usually hosts a day of family-friendly fun, including live music, food vendors, and kids’ activities at Harold Black Park. Great for anyone who enjoys a relaxed community event without the big-city hustle.
3. Port Dalhousie Boardwalk + Carousel
Take a walk by the lake, grab an ice cream from Häagen-Dazs or Lakeside Scoop, and ride the historic carousel for just a nickel. It’s delightfully nostalgic and perfect for families or low-key outings.
4. Local Wineries & Picnicking at the Vineyards
Niagara is known for its wine, but you don’t have to book a formal tour to enjoy the views. Many wineries like 13th Street Winery or Vineland Estates have outdoor areas perfect for sipping or casual snacking.
5. Explore the Bruce Trail
Pick a section of the trail near Balls Falls or Short Hills Provincial Park and enjoy the greenery, wildflowers, and bird sounds. It's a peaceful way to move your body and refresh your mind.
6. Victoria Day at the Pond
Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 4 to 9 p.m (fireworks to follow conclusion of Jackfish game) at the Welland Stadium. Enjoy live music, food vendors, and activities that include; mini golf, axe throwing, pitching tunnel, and balloon twisting.
Ideas for Homebodies and Quiet Time Seekers
Not everyone wants to be out and about all weekend — and that’s more than okay. Here are a few simple ways to enjoy the holiday right at home:
Create a backyard reading nook: String up some lights, lay out a few cushions or a hammock, and catch up on that book you’ve been meaning to finish.
Host a ‘bring-your-own-blanket’ gathering: Keep it simple — just invite a few friends or neighbours over with their own picnic gear and snacks.
Gardening reset: Victoria Day is traditionally one of the best times to plant annuals. Visit a local nursery and spend the day digging, planting, and enjoying the outdoors.
Night-sky watching: If fireworks aren’t your thing, take a blanket outside and do some stargazing instead. The May skies are often crisp and clear.
Making the Most of Where You Live
One of the hidden joys of staying local for long weekends like Victoria Day is that you start to see your surroundings with fresh eyes. The places we pass by every day — the quiet trails, family-run diners, weekend markets — they all come alive a little more when we slow down enough to notice.
Whether you’re new to the Niagara region or have lived here for decades, this community has a quiet magic to offer. Choosing to explore it, even just for a weekend, can help you feel more connected, more grounded, and maybe even a little more grateful for home.
Final Thought
Celebrating doesn’t have to mean going far — sometimes it’s about bringing the spirit of the season to the spaces you already love. Whether you’re spreading out a picnic in your backyard, catching fireworks with neighbours, or strolling through a vineyard, the real magic of Victoria Day is in the moments you create — wherever you are.
Wishing you a peaceful, sunshine-filled long weekend in Niagara.
