Public holidays in Canada vary by province and territory, with some being observed nationwide and others specific to certain regions.
These days celebrate historical, cultural, and religious events while providing a much-needed break for workers.
Here’s an overview of public holidays, their significance, and the dates for 2024 and 2025.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
- 2024: Monday, January 1
- 2025: Wednesday, January 1
Nationwide New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the calendar year and is celebrated with parties, resolutions, and moments of reflection. It is a public holiday across all provinces and territories.
Family Day (3rd Monday of February)
- 2024: Monday, February 19
- 2025: Monday, February 17
Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan Family Day is a day dedicated to celebrating family and familial bonds. Introduced in different provinces at different times, this holiday encourages citizens to spend quality time with their loved ones.
Note: This day is not observed nationwide and does not exist in provinces like Quebec or in the northern territories.
Islander Day (3rd Monday of February)
- 2024: Monday, February 19
- 2025: Monday, February 17
Prince Edward Island Similar to Family Day, Islander Day is celebrated in Prince Edward Island to encourage family and community activities.
Louis Riel Day (3rd Monday of February)
- 2024: Monday, February 19
- 2025: Monday, February 17
Manitoba This day commemorates Louis Riel, a Métis leader who played a key role in Manitoba’s history and advocated for Métis and Indigenous rights.
Heritage Day (3rd Monday of February)
- 2024: Monday, February 19
- 2025: Monday, February 17
Nova Scotia Heritage Day celebrates Nova Scotia’s history and culture, with each year focusing on a specific theme or notable figure.
Good Friday (Variable date in March or April)
- 2024: Friday, March 29
- 2025: Friday, April 18
Nationwide, except Quebec Good Friday is a Christian commemoration of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a public holiday in most provinces, except in Quebec where it is not officially observed, although some sectors may still recognize it.
Easter Monday (Variable date in March or April)
- 2024: Monday, April 1
- 2025: Monday, April 21
Certain businesses and institutions only Easter Monday is not an official public holiday in most provinces but is observed in some businesses and institutions, particularly in Quebec.
Victoria Day (Monday preceding May 25)
- 2024: Monday, May 20
- 2025: Monday, May 19
Nationwide, except Quebec Victoria Day celebrates Queen Victoria’s birthday and symbolizes the British monarchy’s sovereignty in Canada. In Quebec, this day is known as National Patriots’ Day.
Canada Day (July 1)
- 2024: Monday, July 1
- 2025: Tuesday, July 1
Nationwide Canada Day marks the anniversary of the Canadian Confederation in 1867. It is celebrated with patriotic events, parades, concerts, and fireworks.
Nunavut Day (July 9)
- 2024: Tuesday, July 9
- 2025: Wednesday, July 9
Nunavut Nunavut Day celebrates the creation of the territory of Nunavut in 1999, a key milestone in recognizing Inuit rights in Canada.
Civic Holiday (1st Monday of August)
- 2024: Monday, August 5
- 2025: Monday, August 4
Nationwide, except Quebec, Yukon, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunavut The Civic Holiday is a municipal holiday with various names and meanings depending on the province or territory (e.g., Simcoe Day in Ontario).
Regatta Day (Variable date in August)
Newfoundland and Labrador Regatta Day is a municipal holiday marking the annual St. John’s Regatta, the oldest organized sporting event in North America.
Labour Day (1st Monday of September)
- 2024: Monday, September 2
- 2025: Monday, September 1
Nationwide Labour Day honors the contributions of workers and the labor movement. It also marks the unofficial end of summer.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30)
- 2024: Monday, September 30
- 2025: Tuesday, September 30
Nationwide The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honors residential school survivors, their families, and communities. It recognizes the lasting impact of residential schools on Indigenous peoples and encourages Canadians to reflect on reconciliation and the country’s shared history.
Thanksgiving (2nd Monday of October)
- 2024: Monday, October 14
- 2025: Monday, October 13
Nationwide, except New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island Thanksgiving is a day to express gratitude for the harvest and the blessings of the past year.
Remembrance Day (November 11)
- 2024: Monday, November 11
- 2025: Tuesday, November 11
Nationwide, except Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec Remembrance Day honors members of the armed forces who served and sacrificed for the country.
Christmas Day (December 25)
- 2024: Wednesday, December 25
- 2025: Thursday, December 25
Nationwide Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is also a significant cultural holiday marked by gift exchanges and family meals.
Boxing Day (December 26)
- 2024: Thursday, December 26
- 2025: Friday, December 26
Nationwide, except Quebec Also known as Boxing Day, this day is dedicated to post-Christmas sales and traditionally to giving to the less fortunate.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Canada reflect a mosaic of cultural, religious, and historical traditions that vary by region. These days offer Canadians a chance to gather, celebrate, and rest while honoring the diverse aspects of history and values that unite the country.
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