If you’re new to Canada or you’ve been calling it home for years, understanding the holidays in Canada 2026 is about more than just knowing when work is closed. It’s your roadmap to planning getaways, family calls, road trips, and lazy days off—whatever you want to do with your free time.
For newcomers, holidays take on special meaning. They’re a chance to build new traditions, retain old ones, explore your community, and feel connected to a country that might still feel new. At Remitly, we understand your need for that balance, living between two homes, two time zones, two sets of celebrations. So we’ve created this guide to help you navigate the Canadian holiday calendar.
What exactly are “statutory holidays?”
If you’ve spent any time in Canada, you’ve probably heard people talk about “statutory holidays.” They’re the official public holidays when most workplaces close and employees get a paid day off.
If you do end up working, you’ll usually get extra pay or another day off later, a small but very Canadian way of saying thanks.
Some statutory holidays, like Canada Day and Christmas, bring the whole country together. Others vary by province, which means that while you’re relaxing at home, someone on the other side of the country might be heading to work.
National holidays in Canada 2026
The biggest holidays bring the whole country to a pause. Offices go quiet, roads fill with travellers, and the smell of barbecues, or fresh snow if it’s winter, hangs in the air. These are Canada’s national holidays, shared coast to coast.
The major national holidays
- New Year’s Day (Thursday, January 1): A fresh start, fireworks, and a few hopeful resolutions that may or may not make it past week one.
- Good Friday (Friday, April 3): For many people this is a quiet, reflective day and the start of a long weekend that hopefully signals spring is finally on its way.
- Canada Day (Wednesday, July 1): Red and white everywhere, music in the parks, fireworks lighting up city skies. Even if it’s your first year in the country, you’ll feel the buzz of celebration.
- Labour Day (Monday, September 7): The bittersweet goodbye to summer. For this holiday, many families head to the lake, kids start thinking about returning to school, and patios fill up for one last warm-weather weekend. Hopefully!
- Christmas Day (Friday, December 25): A day for food, laughter, slowing down, and for Christians one of the holiest days of the year. Even if you don’t celebrate Christmas, the quiet streets and twinkling lights make it one of Canada’s coziest days.
Long weekends in Canada 2026
If you ask many Canadians what keeps them going through winter or long work months, the answer can often be “long weekends.” They often seem to show up right when you need them most.
The big ones to watch for in 2026 are:
- Family Day (February 14–16)
- Victoria Day (May 16–18)
- Civic Holiday (August 1–3)
- Labour Day (September 5–7)
- Thanksgiving (October 10–12)
- Christmas (December 25–27)
Some people hit the road for a change of scenery. Others stay in, recharge, and maybe binge-watch a show or two. However you spend them, these weekends are your built-in reminder to slow down, a very Canadian habit we think is worth adopting.
Provincial and territorial holidays in 2026
If national holidays unite the country, provincial holidays show off each region’s own personality, mix of traditions, and stories. Whether it’s a family skate day, a local parade, or a celebration of local cuisine, these events help reaffirm each province’s identity. Let’s have a look at some of them.
Ontario and Quebec
In Ontario, Family Day (February 16) lands right in the middle of winter. Later come Victoria Day (May 18), Civic Holiday (August 3), and Thanksgiving (October 12), perfect for lake trips, backyard barbecues, and that last slice of summer before the leaves change.
Quebec does things with flair. It marks National Patriots’ Day on May 18 to honour its history, and then throws one of the liveliest celebrations of the year: Fête Nationale on June 24. Expect parades, music, fireworks, and a citywide party that lasts well into the night.
Western Canada
Out west, things move at a different pace, but local celebrations still matter. British Columbia kicks things off with Family Day on February 16, a welcome pause in the grey of winter. Then, in August, BC Day celebrates the province’s history, heritage, and culture.
Alberta follows with Heritage Day (August 3), a nod to its multicultural roots and pioneer spirit. Manitoba marks Louis Riel Day (February 16), honouring the Métis leader whose legacy is woven through Canadian history. And Saskatchewan sets aside the first Monday in August for Saskatchewan Day.
Atlantic Canada
Head east and you’ll find that the Maritimes know how to make a holiday special. Nova Scotia’s Heritage Day (February 16), New Brunswick Day (August 3), and Islander Day on Prince Edward Island all centre around family, food, and that signature small-town warmth.
Further north, Newfoundland and Labrador have their own rhythm of remembrance and pride, with St. George’s Day (April 20) and Discovery Day (June 22), which celebrates the arrival of John Cabot.
The Northern territories
Canada’s North celebrates differently, but no less meaningfully. Yukon’s version of Discovery Day (August 17) commemorates the Klondike Gold Rush and celebrates the region’s adventurous roots. Nunavut Day (July 9) honours the creation of Nunavut in 1999, a proud milestone for Inuit self-governance.
In the Northwest Territories, a Civic Holiday on August 3 rounds out the summer season with gatherings that remind everyone how tight-knit these northern communities are.
Important observances and non-statutory holidays
Not every special day comes with a paid day off, but that doesn’t make them less meaningful.
Celebrations that bring warmth
By February, winter has most people craving something cheerful, and Valentine’s Day delivers just that. Sure, it’s a little commercial, but it’s also an excuse to show someone you care, or treat yourself to something sweet.
In April, Easter Monday offers a short breather for many federal workers and students. Then, on June 21, Canadians honour National Indigenous Peoples Day, a time to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Across the country, you’ll find community, musical, and storytelling events that invite everyone to listen and learn.
Days of reflection
On September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation encourages Canadians to reflect on the country’s sometimes painful history.
Later in the year, Remembrance Day (November 11) brings a quiet unity across the country. At 11 am, Canadians across the country stop what they’re doing for a moment of silence. Whether or not it’s a day off in your province, you’ll see red poppies on jackets and ceremonies in parks and town squares, marking respect for those who served and sacrificed.
What to expect from holidays in Canada
If there’s one thing to know about holidays in Canada, it’s that no two celebrations feel the same. Some fill city streets with parties, while others bring neighbours together in small-town fairs or quiet, reflective winter gatherings.
These holidays do have one thing in common, though: across the country, they demonstrate Canada’s diversity, a mix of traditions, cultures, and stories that shape how people celebrate. You might see fireworks over the skyline on Canada Day, colourful lights for Diwali, or Lunar New Year parades in the snow. In the summer, festivals like Caribana in Toronto or local music weekends out west turn whole communities into one big party.
Outside major cities, there’s still plenty of magic. You’ll find maple syrup festivals smelling like pancakes for miles around, fishing derbies, and ice sculptures that make the cold months sparkle.
Explore your province like a tourist
You don’t necessarily have to travel far to find adventure in Canada. Sometimes it’s good to look at your own area through fresh eyes: the best discoveries might be right around the corner.
Local gems and weekend escapes
Wander through the St. Lawrence Market in Toronto, the Granville Island Public Market in Vancouver, or the ByWard Market in Ottawa. They’re all perfect for people-watching and delicious food.
For nature lovers, Banff National Park in Alberta, Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, and the Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia offer trails, lakes, and the kind of scenery that stops you in your tracks.
If you prefer city breaks, try exploring Old Quebec’s cobblestone streets, Montreal’s artsy Plateau neighbourhood, or Winnipeg’s The Forks. Even smaller towns like Tofino, Lunenburg, or Canmore are worth a weekend.
Join local festivals and cultural events
In the summer, catch the spectacular Calgary Stampede or the Vancouver Folk Music Festival. Head east for Halifax Busker Fest or Charlottetown’s PEI International Shellfish Festival.
If you’re more of a winter person, bundle up for Quebec Winter Carnival, Ottawa’s Winterlude, or the Yukon Rendezvous. And throughout the year there’s something going on—you’ll find Lunar New Year parades, Diwali lights, indigenous powwows, and local Pride festivals that fill cities and towns with colour, music, and food.
Turn long weekends into little adventures
If you’ve got a few days off, there are some great ways to maximize your free time. Drive the Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler, follow the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia, or take a ferry from Vancouver to Victoria for ocean views and afternoon tea.
In Ontario, visit Niagara Falls or rent a cabin in Muskoka. Out east, explore Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland and Labrador, or enjoy the red-sand beaches of Prince Edward Island.
If you’re up north, try something different, like experiencing the Northern Lights in Yellowknife or Whitehorse, or join a guided snowshoe hike.
How to make the most of your holidays in 2026
Knowing the dates is a good start, but here are a few tips to get the best out of Canada holidays in 2026.
Plan ahead and make it count
A little planning means you’ll actually enjoy your time off instead of finding sold-out flights. Remember to circle the most important long weekends, and check out transport and accommodation far in advance to catch a good deal.
If travel’s not on your radar, you could still grab brunch with friends, explore a neighbourhood market, or join a nearby festival. Even a weekend at home can feel like a break when you plan it intentionally.
Celebrate your way
You don’t have to follow every Canadian tradition. Consider mixing old and new, cooking a favourite dish from home for Thanksgiving, or sharing stories over a snowy Christmas video call. Canada’s diversity means there’s room for everyone’s version of celebration.
Holidays can also stretch your wallet, so think about budgeting for extra costs. Setting aside a small “holiday fund” throughout the year keeps celebrations joyful, not stressful.
Get involved and stay connected
Holidays are about community as much as rest. Check out your local events calendar for parades, markets, or volunteer drives. They’re fun, welcoming, and a great way to meet people.
Another tip is to sync the 2026 holidays to your smartphone or digital Calendar. This way you won’t miss a long weekend, and you’ll have more time to enjoy the ones that matter most.
Finding home in every celebration
Building a life in a new country means holidays can feel both joyful and nostalgic. You might miss old traditions but discover new ones, like your first snowy Christmas or Canada Day fireworks. These moments are a chance to blend the best of your past with your new life in Canada.
Planning for holidays in Canada is about creating memories, exploring new places, and celebrating in your own way. And remember: whenever you want to share a holiday gift across borders by sending money to a loved one, Remitly has you covered.
FAQs
What are the main statutory holidays in Canada?
The nationwide holidays include New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Canada Day, Labour Day, and Christmas Day. These are observed across all provinces and territories.
Which provinces have Family Day in 2026?
Family Day is celebrated in Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and British Columbia, though not always on the same date.
Is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a paid holiday?
It’s a federal statutory holiday, but not all provinces currently recognize it as a paid day off. Some host public events and school programs instead.
Do all provinces celebrate Remembrance Day as a statutory holiday?
No. It’s a statutory holiday in some provinces, like Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, but only observed in others, like Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, and British Columbia.
Are stores and public transit open on holidays?
Most stores, banks, and government offices close on national holidays, though some grocery stores and restaurants remain open. Public transit often runs on a holiday schedule; check your local city’s website for updates.
What’s the best holiday for travel within Canada?
Victoria Day and Labour Day weekends are ideal for exploring; the weather’s great, and most regions host outdoor events, markets, and festivals.