In Calgary Victoria Day is often called "The May long weekend". Traditionally it marks the start of the summer camping season and usually the weekend to get plants into the ground. By the May long weekend the danger of overnight frost is usually past but not guaranteed as there have been May long weekends featuring snow.

Aside from the numerous RV's that have been "escaping" the city all week long building up to the long weekend, the hot topic in 2006 is the numerous fire bans throughout the area.