Public Holidays in Canada

If you plan to travel or immigrate to Canada, understanding the events and holidays on the Canadian calendar can be both important and interesting, aiding in your work, travel, study, or daily life planning in this diverse country. Public holidays vary across countries based on their unique cultures and histories.

In Canada, the Gregorian calendar is observed, with the year consisting of 365 days, organized into 52 weeks and 12 months.

Public holidays in Canada fall into two categories:
1. Legal and national holidays
2. Provincial holidays

Holidays in Canada can differ based on the province or even the specific company or workplace.

Statutory holidays are universally recognized across all Canadian provinces, with employers typically granting time off on these days. In some professions, employees required to work on statutory holidays may receive additional pay or compensatory time off during the week. On these legal holidays, schools, government offices, banks, post offices, and most commercial enterprises are closed. However, many tourist attractions, restaurants, and supermarkets remain open.

Join us in this article prepared by our colleagues at Shaya Immigration Services to explore and learn more about Canadian holidays.

Christian New Year

January 1st marks the beginning of the year in all countries following the Gregorian calendar, including Canada. Celebrated as the most widespread public holiday globally, Canada observes this day with fireworks and lively parties. From the evening of December 31st, people usher in the New Year with gatherings at homes and cafes. In the event that New Year’s Day falls on a weekend, the official holiday is moved to the following Monday. Various ceremonies and celebrations related to New Year may occur on different dates, either before or after the official holiday.

Easter

Easter, a significant Christian celebration, takes place each year in late March or early April. Christians attend special church services from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday. Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, is recognized as a legal holiday. Additionally, Eid-Pak Monday is observed as a day off for all government levels, many commercial companies, and organizations.

Victoria Day

Victoria Day is a public holiday in Canada, established to commemorate Queen Victoria. Celebrations, including parades and fireworks, take place in various locations, with British Columbia often leading the festivities. On Victoria Day, schools, government offices, and municipal services are closed.

Canada Day

Canada Day, celebrated on July 1st, marks the day Canada became a federation in 1867. Initially known as Dominion Day, the country adopted the name “Canada Day” in 1983. This national holiday is observed in all provinces with festivities such as fireworks, carnivals, and festivals. Citizenship ceremonies for new citizens are a notable tradition, and patriotic spirit prevails throughout the celebrations.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day has been an official holiday in Canada since 1957, except in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland. Recognized for good harvests and blessings, Thanksgiving Day features closed schools, organizations, and businesses, with limited public transportation services. Many people take the opportunity to visit relatives, go on picnics, or enjoy fall trips.

Labor Day

Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday of September, honors working men and women.

Memorial Day

On November 11th, Canadians observe Memorial Day to honor and pay tribute to members of the armed forces, remembering past soldiers. The date marks the anniversary of the official end of World War I in 1918.

Christmas

Christmas, celebrated on December 25th, is one of the most prominent public holidays in Canada. Similar to many countries, Christmas in Canada involves traditions such as Christmas tree decorations and viewings. Public transport may operate on a limited basis, and some stores remain open.

Boxing Day

While Boxing Day is only a legal holiday in Ontario, federal employees and banks are closed nationwide on December 26th. This day is often associated with post-Christmas shopping and ice hockey. While many businesses and organizations close on Boxing Day, the closure is not uniform across all provinces.

Family Day

Family Day, observed in several provinces, is a time for family-oriented celebrations and activities. In Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nunavut, this day is an official Canadian holiday, featuring cake preparation and distribution, sports activities, cultural festivals, and fireworks.

Louis Riel Day

In the province of Manitoba, the third Monday of February is recognized as an official Canadian holiday. Celebrated in honor of Louis Riel, a significant figure in Canadian history, this day features various events and celebrations.

Indigenous People’s Day

In the Northwest Territory of Canada, Indigenous People’s Day is an official Canadian holiday. While ceremonies occur nationwide, it may not be recognized as an official holiday everywhere. Activities include music, traditional celebrations, and information sharing about the values, culture, and customs of Indigenous peoples.

Saint Patrick

St. Patrick’s Day is an official holiday in the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador. Occurring on the closest Monday to March 17th, this day commemorates Saint Patrick, a religious missionary who played a vital role in spreading Christianity in the fifth century AD. Although some businesses, schools, and organizations continue to operate, public transport remains fully functional.

Canadian Public Holiday for Residents of Prince Edward Island

The third Monday of February is celebrated as Islander’s Day in Prince Edward Island. A community-oriented holiday, Islander’s Day encourages family celebrations, with many families gathering and spending time together.

St. John the Baptist

June 24th is an official holiday in Quebec, and certain French regions of Canada also celebrate this day. Public celebrations, concerts, sports competitions, and fireworks are among the activities held on St. John the Baptist Day.