If you’re from Canada, there’s no secret that the May long weekend is possibly the most exciting weekend of the year. Why? Because it means after a long harsh winter, it’s summertime baby!! If you’re looking for some ideas on how to have the best May long weekend this year, let’s dive into some of our favorite activities!
May Long Weekend in Canada
If you’re not from Canada, or more specifically, western Canada, you might not fully grasp the fervor surrounding this iconic weekend that sets the stage for summer. However, if you happen to be in Alberta or British Columbia during Victoria Day, make sure to plan some thrilling outdoor activities. Victoria Day is a federal Canadian public holiday observed on the last Monday before May 25, dedicated to honoring Queen Victoria. Here are some fun adventures to have the best May long weekend this year!
What to do for May Long Weekend
Camping
Now that the weather has reached warmer temperatures, the May long weekend is the perfect time to dust off your tent or camper and hit the road for some s’mores. National parks, provincial parks, or private campgrounds are all fantastic options to pitch your tent for the extended weekend. Camping is the ideal way to disconnect from your busy day-to-day routine, connect with nature, and engage in outdoor activities such as having a bonfire, riding bikes, playing outdoor games like cornhole, and hiking.
Rent a cabin at the lake
Renting a cabin or cottage at the lake or countryside is a highly regarded activity to relax and unwind and have the best May long weekend. While enjoying the natural beauty of the lake or countryside, you can incorporate many outdoor activities like hiking, biking, running, outdoor games and barbecues into the weekend. Some popular places to rent a cabin at the lake are:
- Invermere
- Okanagan Valley
- Shuswap Lake
- Canmore
- Whistler
- Fernie
- Whitefish, MT
Day Activities to have the best May Long weekend
Go for a long bike ride
No better way to get outside and enjoy the fresh spring air than a bike ride. Here are some of the top road biking rides to do in Alberta and British Columbia:
- Kelowna – Myra Canyon Trestle Trail (25.1 km, 554 m, Out & back)
- Invermere – Westside Legacy Trail (24.1 km, 508 m, Out & back)
- Banff – Bow Valley Parkway to Johnson Canyon (35.2 km, 986 m, Out & back)
- Canmore – Canmore-Banff Legacy Trail (20.3 km, 454 m, Out & back)
Take a day trip to the mountains
If you’re not able to make the May long weekend into a full getaway, definitely take advantage of the extra day and head to the mountains for a day trip! Canmore and Banff are popular places to visit from Calgary, as it’s only an hour’s drive (and it’s very scenic)! There are a variety of activities to do in the mountains such as hiking, biking, canoeing, going for lunch, having a picnic, and much more!
Take a look at our guide on activities to do in Banff for the summer!
Play some yard games
May long weekend is the best time to get out all of the yard games. If you’re looking for some inspo, here are some of VentureVida’s favorites:
- Spikeball
- Corn hole
- Bocce ball
- Flag football
- Horseshoes
- Ladder Toss
Go mountain biking
Another option that will allow you to escape the city for the day is to go mountain biking! Mountain biking is a great stress releaser, allows for a great work out and for you to enjoy being in nature and adventuring! Here are some popular trails to hit to have the best May long weekend:
- Bragg Creek – Moose Mountain (Pneuma – 727 – Stone’s Throw)
- Canmore – The Nordic Center
- Invermere – Swansea Mountain
- Kelowna – Crawford Trails
Check out some other popular MTB trails in Invermere, BC!
Go for a hike
Last but not least, May long weekend is the perfect opportunity to kick off the hiking season! The snow has melted, the trails are (hopefully) dry and the days are LONG! Here are some perfect trails to check out to have the best May long weekend:
- Canmore – Ha Ling Peak (7.2 km, 748 m)
- Banff – Sulphur Mountain (10.8 km, 759 m)
- Lake Louise – Devil’s Thumb via Big Bee Hive (12.7 km, 1,046 m)
- Invermere – Pedley Pass to Pedley Ridge (10.5 km, 677 m)
- Kelowna – Lebanon Creek Trail (6.4 km, 387 m)
Other amazing trails to hike in Invermere, BC or our favorite hikes in Banff!
Bonus idea – Have a BBQ!
No summer long weekend is complete without a BBQ! Whether you’re at the lake, in the countryside or the city, be sure to grab your friends and family and enjoy the beautiful weather with an outdoor BBQ!
Adios, Chicos!
Thanks for tuning in! We hope you have the best May long weekend ever! Let us know in the comments what your favorite thing to do to kick-off summer and don’t forget to subscribe!