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Statutory Holidays in Canada | Guide for Newcomers
Written By
Corinna Frattini
Jan 2, 2025
•Life in Canada
Statutory holidays in Canada give people an extra paid day off from work. These public holidays also known as “stat holidays” give people time to rest, spend time with family, and provide an extra long weekend in Canada! Knowing the holiday calendar allows newcomers to plan for exciting activities and events! Discover national and provincial holidays to celebrate in 2025!
What is a Statutory Holiday in Canada?
Canadians observe many national, religious, and cultural holidays. Some are national holidays, and some are specific to certain provinces. Most employees receive a day off from work on a ‘stat holiday’ and still receive their regular pay. During stat holidays government institutions, banks, and stores close. There is also no mail service.
In most provinces, when a statutory holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the vacation day will fall on the following workday. This allows people to plan for a long weekend!
National Statutory Holidays in Canada
| STATUTORY HOLIDAY | DATE |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day: Celebrates the first day of the calendar year | January 1 |
| Good Friday: Commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus | April 18 (Occurs on the Friday before Easter and usually falls between March 23 and April 26) |
| Canada Day: Celebrates the day Canada formed as a country in 1867 and its birthday | July 1 |
| Labour Day: Recognizes the economic and social gains of workers | September 1 (Occurs on the first Monday in September) |
| Christmas Day: Celebrates the birth of Jesus | December 25 |
Provincial Statutory Holidays
In addition to the national holidays, there are other provincial statutory holidays. Most provinces recognize these holidays, but not all.
| PROVINCIAL STATUTORY HOLIDAYS | DATE |
|---|---|
| Family Day: Promotes spending time with family Observed in: Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan This holiday is called: Louis Riel Day in Manitoba Islander Day in Prince Edward Island Heritage Day in Nova Scotia | February 17 (Occurs on the third Monday in February) |
| Easter Monday: Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Provinces that observe this holiday: Alberta, New Brunswick, Quebec, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut | April 21 (Occurs on the Monday after Easter and Usually falls between March 23 and April 26) |
| Victoria Day: Celebrates the birthday of Queen Victoria Nova Scotia is the only province that does not observe this holiday | May 19 |
| Civic Monday: Celebrates local culture, history and achievement | August 4 (Occurs on the first Monday in August) |
| National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Honours the survivors of Canada’s residential school system (holiday is observed in British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, the Northwest Territories, the Yukon, and Nunavut). | September 30 |
| Thanksgiving | October 13 (Occurs on the second Monday in October) |
| Remembrance Day: Honours veterans who served during World War I and II | November 11 |
| Boxing Day: This is a holiday unique to Canada. Some refer to it as the second day of Christmas or St. Stephen’s Day | December 26 |
Long Weekends in Canada
Statutory holidays such as Family Day, Victoria Day, Canada Day, and Thanksgiving mean long weekends when people plan special activities. For Family Day in February, many people plan weekend getaways to ski resorts or enjoy other outdoor activities such as skating or tobogganing. Family Day is a great time to attend a winter festival in Canada.
Victoria Day, honours Queen Victoria, and Canadians celebrate this holiday in May. This statutory holiday hints at the unofficial arrival of summer in Canada. The official start of summer is June 21. People look forward to barbeques, watching fireworks displays, or heading to a cottage or campground during this long weekend in Canada.
Canadians celebrate Canada Day on July 1. So this statutory holiday can fall on any day of the week. For example, if July 1 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, people will take the proceeding Friday or the following Monday as the holiday. Or, if July 1 falls on a Thursday, many people will take another vacation day on Friday to enjoy a four-day long weekend! Canadians look forward to big parties, parades, concerts, fireworks, and more across Canada!
Labour Day is another long weekend in Canada. This holiday is bittersweet for Canadians. It marks the unofficial end of summer and the return to school for kids. During this “stat” holiday in Canada, people will take in fall festivals, cycle or hike along nature trails, or sneak in one last visit to the beach!
Learn More about Public Holidays in:
Related Posts:
Saint Patrick’s Day: When Canada Goes Green
March Break in Canada: Planning Your Perfect Holiday
Statutory holidays in Canada are a great time to plan for exciting activities and events in Canada. With many national and provincial holidays throughout the year, you can take advantage of long weekends and paid days off work!
WRITTEN BY
Corinna Frattini
Senior Editor, Prepare for Canada
Corinna Frattini is the Senior Editor and Content Director for Prepare for Canada. She contributes articles to help newcomers achieve their goals in key areas related to living, working, and settling in Canada. With an extensive background in human resources and leadership development, her articles focus on what Canadian employers seek and how newcomers can continue their careers in Canada.
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