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After a long winter, people eagerly await the arrival of Spring and, along with it, the Easter holiday in Canada! While many Canadians celebrate the Christian religious roots of Easter, they also celebrate with family and friends during this holiday. For newcomers from non-Christian countries, Easter also offers celebrations and traditions, like parades and Easter egg hunts. Discover what to expect for Easter in 2025!
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The dates for Easter change every year depending on the Paschal Full Moon. The Pashcal Moon is the first full moon that immediately follows the spring equinox. It determines the dates for Easter each year.
The most important days of Easter in 2025 are:
Easter is a multi-day holiday, but only Good Friday is a statutory holiday, meaning it’s a paid day off for federally regulated workplaces and private companies.
Easter Monday is a work day in most provinces and territories across Canada. Quebec is the only province where Easter Monday is a statutory holiday. However, it is a statutory holiday for federal employees across Canada, regardless of the province.
Some Alberta employers may recognize Easter Monday as an optional general holiday. If you live in Alberta, check with your employer to see if they observe the holiday.
While Easter is a religious holiday, it has become one that all Canadians from diverse backgrounds celebrate. Easter in Canada is a time of joy and celebration that brings families and communities together.
While Christians attend church on Easter, it has become more than a religious holiday. Easter in Canada has become an integral part of the culture. Some common Easter traditions include spending time with family, eating special food, and Easter egg hunts.
Families gather to share a traditional meal during the Easter holiday in Canada. They might have a big feast with dishes like ham or turkey. It’s a special occasion, like Thanksgiving or Christmas, to celebrate and spend time with loved ones.
Decorating hard-boiled eggs with cold dye is another fun Easter tradition for the whole family. The eggs represent new life and the rebirth of nature after winter. Easter egg hunts are a fun tradition where people, especially kids, search for hidden eggs that are generally filled with sweets.
When the hunt begins, kids add the eggs to an Easter basket. The goal is to find as many eggs as possible! After the hunt, people often enjoy treats and spend time together. It’s a fun way to celebrate Easter in Canada and enjoy springtime with friends and family!
Exchanging gifts on Easter is a special tradition in Canada. It’s a way for people to show love and appreciation. Families and friends often give each other small gifts like chocolates, candies, or small toys. Sometimes, people give Easter-themed items like decorated eggs or cute bunny-shaped items to celebrate the holiday and spread happiness. Or the Easter Bunny brings a basket full of goodies for Easter.
No matter where you live, you can be sure that an Easter celebration is happening near you. These are just some of the Easter events taking place in Canada.
April 20, 2025
The Toronto Beaches Easter Parade is a beloved tradition in the city, drawing thousands of spectators. It’s also the largest and longest Easter Parade in the world! The parade showcases the creativity and community spirit of businesses and organizations within the area.
This go-to event features eye-catching floats, marching bands, and performances, symbolizing local pride and unity. While the parade is the main attraction, other events include the exciting Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt for the kids!
April 19, 2025
The Big Easter Run happens every year at Jericho Beach Park in Vancouver. It’s a fun event where people dress up in festive costumes and run along Vancouver’s scenic waterfront. Anyone can join, no matter their age or fitness level. You can even bring your dog on a leash or push a stroller.
There are many fun things to do at the Big Easter Run. The event includes races, Easter egg hunts, and prizes for all participants. It’s a great way to celebrate Easter with friends and family!
April 18 – 21, 2025
If you’re in Calgary, get to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo for the annual Easter Eggstravaganza! This event features family-friendly games and activities while exploring and learning about zoo animals and the world. The Easter Eggstravaganza is free with admission to the Calgary Zoo.
While Easter is a religious holiday, it’s one that people from all backgrounds can celebrate. The Easter holiday in Canada is a time of joy and celebration that brings families and communities together.