The May long weekend is an important seasonal moment across Canada. Many people see it as the unofficial start of summer activities. Warmer temperatures begin appearing in many provinces during this time. As a result, Canadians start preparing their homes, patios, and outdoor spaces. Stores across the country often see higher sales in the weeks leading up to this weekend. People buy items needed for gardening, barbecues, and outdoor gatherings. Cottage trips and camping plans also begin during this period. Families often visit hardware stores, garden centres, and supermarkets before the holiday. These purchases help prepare homes and recreational spaces for the warmer months ahead. Many of these buying habits repeat every year. Canadians look forward to refreshing their outdoor routines after winter. Here are 13 things Canadians buy before May long every single year.
Barbecue Grills and BBQ Accessories
Barbecuing is a major part of Canadian summer traditions. Before the May long weekend, many people prepare their grilling equipment. Some households buy new barbecue grills when their old ones need to be replaced. Others focus on accessories such as grill brushes, tongs, and thermometers. Propane tanks are also commonly purchased or refilled. Grocery stores often promote grilling ingredients during this period. Burgers, sausages, and vegetables become popular choices for outdoor meals. Canadians enjoy cooking outdoors while spending time with friends and family. Preparing grilling equipment early helps avoid last-minute problems. Many homeowners also clean their grills during this time. Barbecue gatherings often happen throughout the long weekend. Because grilling is strongly connected to warm-weather activities, barbecue supplies remain one of the most common purchases before May long each year.
Patio Furniture and Outdoor Seating Sets
Outdoor seating becomes important as Canadians begin spending more time outside. Many people buy new patio furniture before the May long weekend. Tables, chairs, and outdoor sofas appear in stores during spring sales. Some homeowners replace old furniture that has worn out over the winter. Others expand their seating areas to host guests. Materials such as metal, wicker, and treated wood are common choices. Cushions and outdoor pillows also become popular purchases. Comfortable seating encourages people to relax on patios and decks. Families often gather outside during warm evenings. Patio furniture allows meals and conversations to move outdoors. Preparing seating areas early helps homeowners enjoy the long weekend comfortably. Because outdoor gatherings increase during this time, patio furniture sales rise every year before May long.
Gardening Tools and Planting Supplies
Spring gardening begins across Canada during the weeks before May long. Gardeners visit stores to buy tools and planting supplies. Items such as shovels, gloves, and watering cans are common purchases. Soil, compost, and fertilizer are also essential for preparing garden beds. Many homeowners refresh their gardens after winter weather. Garden centres often display new gardening equipment during this period. These supplies help people plant flowers, herbs, and vegetables. Gardening activities also provide relaxing outdoor work. Families sometimes garden together during the long weekend. Preparing tools early makes planting easier once temperatures rise. Because gardening season begins around this time, planting supplies remain among the most frequently purchased items before May long each year.
Flower and Vegetable Plants from Garden Centres
Garden centres become very busy before the May long weekend. Canadians often buy young plants to place in gardens or containers. Popular flowers include petunias, geraniums, and marigolds. Vegetable plants such as tomatoes and peppers are also widely purchased. These plants allow gardeners to start growing food at home. Many homeowners plant them in backyard beds or balcony containers. Garden centres across Canada prepare large displays of seasonal plants. Customers choose plants based on sunlight and climate conditions. Buying plants early helps them establish roots before summer heat. Gardening also improves the appearance of outdoor spaces. Colourful flowers bring life back to yards after winter. Because planting season begins around this time, Canadians consistently buy plants before May long.
Outdoor String Lights and Patio Lighting
Lighting helps outdoor spaces remain usable after sunset. Many Canadians install patio lighting before the May long weekend. String lights are especially popular because they are easy to set up. Homeowners hang them along railings, fences, or pergolas. Soft lighting creates a comfortable evening atmosphere. Some lights run on electricity while others use solar power. Lighting also improves safety when walking around patios or decks at night. Stores often promote outdoor lighting products during spring. Canadians enjoy relaxing outside during warm evenings. Good lighting allows gatherings to continue after dark. Preparing these lights before the holiday ensures they work properly. Because evening outdoor activities increase in summer, patio lighting remains a common purchase before May long each year.
Lawn Care Equipment and Grass Seed
After winter, many lawns require attention and repair. Canadians often buy lawn care equipment before the May long weekend. Grass seed is commonly purchased to repair thin or damaged areas. Lawn mowers may also be serviced or replaced during this time. Fertilizer and weed control products are widely sold in the spring. Homeowners want their lawns to look healthy as summer begins. Garden stores promote lawn care products heavily during this period. Families often spend time outside once the weather improves. A well-maintained lawn creates a pleasant outdoor environment. Many people begin lawn care tasks during the long weekend itself. Because grass grows quickly in spring, lawn supplies remain essential purchases before May long every year.
Coolers and Picnic Gear for Outdoor Trips
Outdoor travel increases during the May long weekend. Many Canadians buy coolers and picnic gear before the holiday. Coolers keep food and drinks cold during day trips. Families often use them for parks, beaches, or cottage visits. Picnic blankets and portable chairs are also common purchases. These items help people enjoy outdoor meals comfortably. Some shoppers also buy reusable containers and drink bottles. Preparing picnic equipment early makes outdoor outings easier. The long weekend often includes road trips or nature visits. Having proper gear allows families to pack food safely. Because outdoor recreation is popular in Canada, coolers and picnic supplies are purchased regularly before May long each year.
Camping Equipment for Weekend Getaways
Camping season begins for many Canadians during the May long weekend. People often buy or check camping equipment beforehand. Tents, sleeping bags, and lanterns are common purchases. Some campers replace worn equipment before the first trip. Portable stoves and cooking kits are also widely sold in the spring. Camping allows people to enjoy forests, lakes, and national parks. Stores often promote camping gear heavily during April and May. Families prepare their equipment to avoid problems during the trip. Many Canadians reserve campsites months in advance. The May long weekend is one of the first opportunities to use them. Because camping is a popular activity across the country, camping equipment sales increase every year before the May long weekend.
Outdoor Fire Pits and Firewood
Fire pits are popular features in many Canadian backyards. Before the May long weekend, many homeowners prepare outdoor fire areas. Some buy new fire pits if they do not already have one. Others purchase firewood for the upcoming summer evenings. Fire pits provide warmth during cooler spring nights. Families often gather around the fire for conversation and relaxation. Roasting marshmallows is also a common activity. Hardware stores usually sell fire pits and wood bundles during spring promotions. Preparing the fire area early helps people enjoy outdoor evenings comfortably. Fire pits also create a natural gathering space in the yard. Because outdoor fires are part of many summer traditions, these items remain common purchases before May long each year.
Sunscreen and Summer Outdoor Essentials
As outdoor activities increase, Canadians begin buying sun protection products. Sunscreen becomes an important purchase before the May long weekend. Spending more time outdoors increases exposure to sunlight. Sunscreen helps protect skin during long days outside. Sunglasses and hats are also common purchases during this period. These items are useful for gardening, hiking, or relaxing outside. Many stores place sun care products near checkout areas in the spring. Families often prepare these supplies before the holiday begins. Outdoor safety becomes especially important as temperatures rise. Having proper protection allows people to enjoy outdoor activities comfortably. Because Canadians spend more time outside after winter, sunscreen and similar essentials are regularly purchased before May long.
Insect Repellent for Cottage and Backyard Use
Mosquitoes and other insects appear as temperatures rise in many parts of Canada. Insect repellent becomes a necessary purchase before the May long weekend. Families often pack repellent when visiting cottages or parks. These products help reduce insect bites during outdoor activities. Repellent sprays, lotions, and candles are widely available in stores. Some people also buy citronella candles for patios. These items help create a more comfortable outdoor environment. Garden centres and supermarkets promote insect control products during spring. Canadians often prepare these supplies before the first warm evenings outdoors. Insect repellent becomes especially important near lakes or wooded areas. Because insects are common during summer, repellent products remain regular purchases before May long each year.
Pool Supplies and Inflatable Water Gear
Some Canadian households prepare backyard pools before the May long weekend. Pool owners often buy cleaning supplies and water treatment products. Chlorine, pool nets, and testing kits are common purchases. Inflatable water toys and floating loungers also appear in stores during spring. Families enjoy relaxing in pools once temperatures rise. Children especially enjoy inflatable toys during summer days. Pool owners often inspect equipment during the weeks before May long. Preparing early allows pools to open when the weather becomes warmer. Pool supplies also help maintain water cleanliness and safety. Stores often create seasonal displays featuring pool equipment. Because backyard pools become popular gathering places in summer, pool-related items are frequently purchased before May long.
Canadian Flags and Outdoor Decorations
The May long weekend often includes national pride and outdoor celebrations. Some Canadians decorate their homes with Canadian flags during this period. Flags are placed on porches, decks, or cottage properties. Outdoor decorations also include banners or small garden flags. These decorations create a festive atmosphere for gatherings. Some homeowners display flags throughout the summer season. Stores across Canada sell flags and patriotic items during the spring months. Cottage owners especially enjoy decorating their properties. These decorations help mark the beginning of the outdoor living season. Guests often notice these details during visits. Because national symbols are meaningful to many Canadians, flags and outdoor decorations remain common purchases before May long each year.
19 Things Canadians Don’t Realize the CRA Can See About Their Online Income
Earning money online feels simple and informal for many Canadians. Freelancing, selling products, and digital services often start as side projects. The problem appears at tax time. Many people underestimate how much information the CRA can access. Online platforms, banks, and payment processors create detailed records automatically. These records do not disappear once money hits an account. Small gaps in reporting add up quickly.
Here are 19 things Canadians don’t realize the CRA can see about their online income.
