Back to Canada

Canada Holidays 2025

Complete list of public holidays and observances

130 holidaysUpdated: 11/13/2025

About These Holidays

This list includes national holidays, public holidays, and observances for Canada in 2025. Some holidays may be regional or observed only in specific locations.

Filter by Type:
DateHolidayType
January
Wed
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
New Year's Day
New Year's Day is the first day of a new year according to the Gregorian calendar used in Canada and many other countries.
Statutory Holiday
Thu
Thursday, January 2, 2025
Last day of Hanukkah
The last day of Hanukkah marks the end of the festive Jewish occasion known as Hanukkah, or Chanukah.
Jewish holiday
Mon
Monday, January 6, 2025
Epiphany
Many people in Canada annually observe Epiphany, or Three Kings’ Day, on January 6. It is a Christian observance.
Christian
Tue
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Orthodox Christmas Day
Many Orthodox Christian churches in countries such as Canada observe Christmas Day on or near January 7 in the Gregorian calendar.
Orthodox
Tue
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Orthodox New Year
Many Orthodox Christian churches in countries such as Canada celebrate New Year’s Day on January 14 in the Gregorian calendar.
Orthodox
Tue
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Isra and Mi'raj
Isra and Mi'raj (Isra Me'raj, Israa and Mi'raaj, Laylat Al-Isra wa Al-Miraj, Lailat al Miraj, Night Journey and Ascension to Heaven) marks the night when the Prophet Mohammad traveled from Mecca to Jerusalem, ascended to heaven and returned.
Muslim
Wed
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year marks the first day of the New Year in the Chinese calendar.
Observance
February
Sun
Sunday, February 2, 2025
Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day is celebrated in Canada on February 2 each year.
Observance
Thu
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Tu B'Shevat (Arbor Day)
Tu B’Shevat is known as the “New Year for Trees”, is a Jewish festival that marks the start of a new cycle for the tithe on fruit trees.
Jewish holiday
Fri
Friday, February 14, 2025
Valentine's Day
On Valentine's Day, people pronounce or re-affirm their feelings of romantic love for someone, often by sending cards or giving gifts.
Observance
Sat
Saturday, February 15, 2025
National Flag of Canada Day
Flag Day in Canada commemorates the inauguration of the Canadian national flag, which features a red maple leaf on a red and white background.
Observance
Mon
Monday, February 17, 2025
Louis Riel Day
Louis Riel Day celebrates the achievements and life of Louis Riel, a Canadian politician who was a leader of the Métis people.
Local holiday
Mon
Monday, February 17, 2025
Nova Scotia Heritage Day
Nova Scotia Heritage Day is a day off for Canadians in Nova Scotia. It aims to recognize cultural or historical contributions to the province.
Local holiday
Mon
Monday, February 17, 2025
Islander Day
Islander Day is a day off for many people in the province of Prince Edward Island in Canada.
Local holiday
Mon
Monday, February 17, 2025
Family Day
Family Day is a public holiday in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and New Brunswick.
Local holiday
Mon
Monday, February 17, 2025
Family Day
Family Day is a public holiday in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and New Brunswick.
Local holiday
Fri
Friday, February 21, 2025
Yukon Heritage Day
National Heritage Day, also known as Heritage Day, is usually celebrated in the Yukon in Canada on the last Friday of February.
Local de facto holiday
March
Sat
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Ramadan Start
Many Muslims in Canada welcome Ramadan as period of fasting, self-evaluation and spiritual growth. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar.
Muslim
Sat
Saturday, March 1, 2025
St David's Day
Many Welsh communities in Canada annually celebrate the life St David, who is Wales’ patron saint, on St David’s Day on March 1.
Observance
Tue
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Carnival / Shrove Tuesday / Pancake Day
Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday. It may coincide with the winter carnival season in Canada.
Christian
Wed
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent in for many Christians in Canada.
Christian
Sun
Sunday, March 9, 2025
Daylight Saving Time starts
Daylight Saving Time starts in Canada
Clock change/Daylight Saving Time
Mon
Monday, March 10, 2025
Commonwealth Day
The Commonwealth of Nations, which includes Canada, is commemorated on Commonwealth Day.
Observance
Fri
Friday, March 14, 2025
Purim
Purim commemorates a time when Jewish people were saved from death around the fourth century BCE, according to the Book of Esther.
Jewish holiday
Mon
Monday, March 17, 2025
St. Patrick's Day
St Patrick's Day commemorates the life and work of St Patrick, a Christian missionary who lived in the fourth and fifth centuries.
Observance
Mon
Monday, March 17, 2025
St. Patrick's Day
St Patrick's Day commemorates the life and work of St Patrick, a Christian missionary who lived in the fourth and fifth centuries.
Local holiday
Thu
Thursday, March 20, 2025
March Equinox
March Equinox in Canada (Ottawa)
Season
Wed
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Lailat al-Qadr
Laylat al-Qadr is most likely to be held on one of the last 10 days of month of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar.
Muslim
Sun
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Eid ul Fitr
Eid al-Fitr, which is on the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal, marks the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan.
Muslim
Mon
Monday, March 31, 2025
Eid ul Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is a holiday to mark the end of the Islamic month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast during the hours of daylight.
Muslim
April
Sun
Sunday, April 6, 2025
Tartan Day
Tartan Day is a special day for Canadians to celebrate their national, provincial, territorial or personal tartans.
Observance
Wed
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Vimy Ridge Day
Vimy Ridge Day commemorates the Canadian soldier’s battle and victory at Vimy Ridge in France during the First World War.
Observance
Sun
Sunday, April 13, 2025
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday in Canada celebrates Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem. It is also the Sunday before Easter Sunday.
Christian
Sun
Sunday, April 13, 2025
First day of Passover
Passover marks the Israelites' liberation from slavery and their exodus from Egypt around 3000 years ago.
Jewish holiday
Thu
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Maundy Thursday
Many Christians in the Canada celebrate Maundy Thursday on the Thursday before Good Friday.
Christian
Fri
Friday, April 18, 2025
Orthodox Good Friday
Many Orthodox Christians in Canada remember the events leading up to Jesus Christ's crucifixion on Great Friday.
Orthodox
Fri
Friday, April 18, 2025
Good Friday
On Good Friday, Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and it is a statutory holiday in many parts of Canada.
Statutory Holiday
Sat
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday is the day before Easter Sunday in Canada.
Christian
Sat
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Orthodox Holy Saturday
Many Orthodox Christians in Canada remember Jesus Christ’s burial and his descent into Hades on Holy Saturday.
Orthodox
Sun
Sunday, April 20, 2025
Last day of Passover
The last day of Passover marks the end of the Passover period, which lasts for seven or eight days.
Jewish holiday
Sun
Sunday, April 20, 2025
Orthodox Easter
Orthodox Christians in Canada celebrate Jesus Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday, also known as Pascha.
Orthodox
Sun
Sunday, April 20, 2025
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday is the most important day in the Christian church calendar in Canada. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion, according to Christian belief.
Shops Closing Day
Sun
Sunday, April 20, 2025
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday is the most important day in the Christian church calendar in Canada. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion, according to Christian belief.
Designated Retail Closing Day
Sun
Sunday, April 20, 2025
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday is the most important day in the Christian church calendar in Canada. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion, according to Christian belief.
Christian
Mon
Monday, April 21, 2025
Orthodox Easter Monday
Many Orthodox churches in Canada observe Easter Monday on the day after the Orthodox Easter Sunday date.
Orthodox
Mon
Monday, April 21, 2025
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday and a holiday for many Canadians.
Statutory Holiday
Mon
Monday, April 21, 2025
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday and a holiday for many Canadians.
Local de facto holiday
Mon
Monday, April 21, 2025
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday and a holiday for many Canadians.
Statutory Holiday
Mon
Monday, April 21, 2025
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday and a holiday for many Canadians.
Optional Holiday
Mon
Monday, April 21, 2025
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday and a holiday for many Canadians.
Statutory Holiday
Mon
Monday, April 21, 2025
St. George's Day
St George’s Day is a holiday in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Local holiday
Wed
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Yom HaShoah
Yom Hashoah commemorates the lives of about six million Jewish people who died during World War II. This observance is annually held on the 27th day of the month of Nisan.
Jewish commemoration
May
Thu
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Yom HaAtzmaut
Many Jewish communities in Canada celebrate Yom Ha’Atzmaut, which is Israel’s Independence Day, on the fifth day of the month of Iyar in the Jewish calendar.
Jewish holiday
Sun
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Mothers' Day
Mother’s Day is celebrated in Canada on the second Sunday of May each year.
Observance
Fri
Friday, May 16, 2025
Lag B'Omer
Many Jewish people in Canada observe Lag B’Omer on the 18th day of the month of Iyar in the Jewish calendar.
Jewish holiday
Mon
Monday, May 19, 2025
National Patriots' Day
National Patriots’ Day is an annual holiday in Québec, Canada, on the Monday before May 25.
Local holiday
Mon
Monday, May 19, 2025
Victoria Day
Victoria Day is celebrated in honor of the birthdays of both Queen Victoria and the current monarch of Canada.
Statutory Holiday
Thu
Thursday, May 29, 2025
Ascension Day
Ascension Day is the 40th day of Easter and commemorates Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven, according to Christian belief.
Christian
June
Mon
Monday, June 2, 2025
Shavuot
Shavuot, also known as the Festival of Weeks, is one of three major Jewish festivals celebrated among many Jewish Canadians.
Jewish holiday
Sat
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Eid al-Adha
Many Muslims in Canada celebrate Eid al-Adha around the 10th to the 13th days of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah.
Muslim
Sun
Sunday, June 8, 2025
Pentecost
Many Christians in Canada observe Pentecost, also known as Whitsunday or Whit Sunday.
Christian
Mon
Monday, June 9, 2025
Whit Monday
Whit Monday is a Christian observance also known as Pentecost Monday. It is the day after Pentecost, or Whitsunday.
Christian
Sun
Sunday, June 15, 2025
Trinity Sunday
Trinity Sunday is the first Sunday after Pentecost and is celebrated by many Christians in Canada.
Christian
Sun
Sunday, June 15, 2025
Fathers' Day
Father’s Day celebrates the contribution that fathers and father figures make to their children’s lives.
Observance
Thu
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is a Christian observance that honors the Holy Eucharist.
Christian
Sat
Saturday, June 21, 2025
National Indigenous Peoples Day
National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrates Canada’s Indigenous culture and the achievements made by the country’s indigenous peoples.
Observance
Sat
Saturday, June 21, 2025
National Indigenous Peoples Day
National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrates Canada’s Indigenous culture and the achievements made by the country’s indigenous peoples.
Local holiday
Sat
Saturday, June 21, 2025
June Solstice
June Solstice in Canada (Ottawa)
Season
Mon
Monday, June 23, 2025
June Holiday
Newfoundland and Labrador’s June holiday commemorates John Cabot’s arrival at the province on June 24, 1497.
Local holiday
Tue
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
St. Jean Baptiste Day
Saint Jean Baptiste Day (Fête nationale du Québec, Quebec National Holiday, la Saint-Jean, St. John the Baptist Day) is the national holiday of the Canadian province of Quebec.
Local holiday
Fri
Friday, June 27, 2025
Muharram/Islamic New Year
The first day of Muharram, which is the first month in the Islamic calendar, marks the start of the Islamic New Year.
Muslim
July
Tue
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is observed in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, on July 1 each year.
Local holiday
Tue
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Canada Day
Canada Day is a federal holiday on July 1 to mark the anniversary of the date that Canada became a self-governing country.
Statutory Holiday
Sun
Sunday, July 6, 2025
Ashura
Ashura is a Muslim in Canada
Muslim
Wed
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Nunavut Day
Nunavut Day is an annual holiday in Canada's Nunavut Territory.
Local holiday
Mon
Monday, July 14, 2025
Orangemen's Day
Orangemen's Day is a provincial holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada. It commemorates the Battle of the Boyne, which took place in 1690 outside Drogheda, now in the Republic of Ireland.
Local holiday
August
Sun
Sunday, August 3, 2025
Tisha B'Av
Tisha B’Av is on the ninth day of the month of Av in the Jewish calendar.
Jewish holiday
Mon
Monday, August 4, 2025
Civic/Provincial Day
Many Canadian provinces and territories have a civic holiday to celebrate some aspect of their culture or history on the first Monday of August.
Local observance
Mon
Monday, August 4, 2025
Civic/Provincial Day
Many Canadian provinces and territories have a civic holiday to celebrate some aspect of their culture or history on the first Monday of August.
Statutory Holiday
Mon
Monday, August 4, 2025
Saskatchewan Day
Saskatchewan Day is a local holiday in Canada
Local holiday
Mon
Monday, August 4, 2025
Terry Fox Day
Terry Fox Day is a local observance in Canada
Local observance
Mon
Monday, August 4, 2025
New Brunswick Day
New Brunswick Day is an opportunity for Canadians from the province of New Brunswick to celebrate their history and culture. It is celebrated on the first Monday of August.
Prescribed Day of Rest
Mon
Monday, August 4, 2025
British Columbia Day
British Columbia Day is a statutory holiday in the Canadian province of British Columbia.
Local holiday
Mon
Monday, August 4, 2025
Natal Day
Natal Day is a civic holiday to celebrate the “birthday” of the Nova Scotia province. It is held on the first Monday of August.
Local holiday
Mon
Monday, August 4, 2025
Heritage Day
Heritage Day is celebrated in Alberta on the first Monday of August. Although it is not a statutory holiday, it may used as an optional holiday to celebrate Canadian heritage in the province.
Optional Holiday
Wed
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
The Royal St John's Regatta (Regatta Day)
Regatta Day is on the first Wednesday of August and it is a local holiday in the Canadian province Newfoundland and Labrador.
Local holiday
Fri
Friday, August 15, 2025
Assumption of Mary
The Feast of the Assumption of Mary in Canada is observed as a Holy Day of Obligation - a day when some Christian denominations are obliged to attend mass, on August 15 each year.
Christian
Fri
Friday, August 15, 2025
Gold Cup Parade
The Gold Cup Parade is Atlantic Canada’s largest parade and the largest parade east of Montreal. It is held annually in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada on the third Friday of August.
Local holiday
Mon
Monday, August 18, 2025
Discovery Day
Discovery Day is a public holiday in the Canadian territory of Yukon on the third Monday of August. It commemorates the anniversary of the discovery of gold in Bonanza Creek in the 19th century.
Local holiday
September
Mon
Monday, September 1, 2025
Labour Day
Labour Day in Canada is a holiday to campaign for workers' rights. It celebrates the achievements of these rights.
Statutory Holiday
Fri
Friday, September 5, 2025
Milad un Nabi (Mawlid)
Eid Milad ul-Nabi marks the anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad's birth and death.
Muslim
Mon
Monday, September 22, 2025
September Equinox
September Equinox in Canada (Ottawa)
Season
Tue
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Rosh Hashana
Rosh Hashana, also spelled Rosh Hashanah, is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. The event begins on the first day of Tishrei (or Tishri), which is the seventh month in the Jewish calendar.
Jewish holiday
Tue
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a statutory holiday in Canada
Statutory Holiday
Tue
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a federal employees holiday in Canada
Federal Employees Holiday
October
Thu
Thursday, October 2, 2025
Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur is an important Jewish holiday that falls on the 10th day of the month of Tishrei in the Jewish calendar.
Jewish holiday
Sat
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Feast of St Francis of Assisi
Many churches in Canada celebrate the Feast of St Francis of Assisi to honor St Francis, the patron saint of animals and the environment, on October 4 each year.
Christian
Tue
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
First day of Sukkot
The first day of Sukkot marks the start of the Sukkot festival for Jewish communities in many countries, including Canada.
Jewish holiday
Mon
Monday, October 13, 2025
Hoshana Rabbah
Many Jewish communities in countries such as Canada observe the last day of Sukkot, which marks the end of the Sukkot festival.
Jewish holiday
Mon
Monday, October 13, 2025
Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Day is a holiday to give thanks for the blessings in one's life, particularly the harvest. It is a day off work for many Canadians.
Statutory Holiday
Mon
Monday, October 13, 2025
Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Day is a holiday to give thanks for the blessings in one's life, particularly the harvest. It is a day off work for many Canadians.
Designated Retail Closing Day
Mon
Monday, October 13, 2025
Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Day is a holiday to give thanks for the blessings in one's life, particularly the harvest. It is a day off work for many Canadians.
Observance
Tue
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Shemini Atzeret
Shemini Atzeret (or Shmini Atzeret) is a Jewish holiday dedicated to the love of God, while Simchat Torah (Simchas Torah or Simhat Torah) marks the end of Sukkot and celebrates the completion of the annual reading of the Torah.
Jewish holiday
Wed
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Simchat Torah
Simchat Torah (Simchas Torah or Simhat Torah) is a Jewish holiday that marks the end of Sukkot and celebrates the completion of the annual reading of the Torah.
Jewish holiday
Sat
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Healthcare Aide Day
Healthcare Aide Day is a local observance in Canada
Local observance
Mon
Monday, October 20, 2025
Diwali/Deepavali
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year.
Observance
Fri
Friday, October 31, 2025
Halloween
Halloween in Canada stems from Celtic origins and marks a time when people believed spirits and the dead crossed over into the world of the living for one night.
Observance
November
Sat
Saturday, November 1, 2025
All Saints' Day
Many churches honor all their saints on All Saints' Day, also known as All Hallows' Day.
Christian
Sun
Sunday, November 2, 2025
All Souls' Day
All Souls’ Day falls on November 2 each year. It is a day of alms giving and prayers for the dead.
Christian
Sun
Sunday, November 2, 2025
Daylight Saving Time ends
Daylight Saving Time ends in Canada
Clock change/Daylight Saving Time
Sat
Saturday, November 8, 2025
National Aboriginal Veterans Day
National Aboriginal Veterans Day is a observance in Canada
Observance
Tue
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day commemorates civilians and military personnel who lost their lives in armed conflicts.
Observance
Tue
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day commemorates civilians and military personnel who lost their lives in armed conflicts.
Designated Retail Closing Day
Tue
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day commemorates civilians and military personnel who lost their lives in armed conflicts.
Statutory Holiday
Sun
Sunday, November 30, 2025
First Sunday of Advent
Many Christians in Canada celebrate the first Sunday of Advent in the lead up to Christmas.
Observance
December
Mon
Monday, December 8, 2025
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a Christian observance on December 8 each year.
Christian
Thu
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster
The Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster is annually held in Canada on December 11.
Observance
Mon
Monday, December 15, 2025
First Day of Hanukkah
The first day of Hanukkah is the start of the Hanukkah period, which lasts for 8 days, from the 25th day of the month of Kislev to the second day of Tevet in the Hebrew calendar.
Jewish holiday
Sun
Sunday, December 21, 2025
December Solstice
December Solstice in Canada (Ottawa)
Season
Mon
Monday, December 22, 2025
Last day of Hanukkah
The last day of Hanukkah marks the end of the festive Jewish occasion known as Hanukkah, or Chanukah.
Jewish holiday
Wed
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve in Canada is the day before Christmas Day and always falls on December 24 according to the Gregorian calendar.
Statutory Half Day
Wed
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve in Canada is the day before Christmas Day and always falls on December 24 according to the Gregorian calendar.
Observance
Thu
Thursday, December 25, 2025
Christmas Day
Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day in Canada.
Statutory Holiday
Fri
Friday, December 26, 2025
Kwanzaa (first day)
Kwanzaa is a week-long holiday honoring the culture and traditions of African people and their descendants worldwide.
Observance
Fri
Friday, December 26, 2025
Boxing Day
The day after Christmas Day is known as Boxing Day and is a holiday in many parts of Canada.
Statutory Holiday
Fri
Friday, December 26, 2025
Boxing Day
The day after Christmas Day is known as Boxing Day and is a holiday in many parts of Canada.
Designated Retail Closing Day
Fri
Friday, December 26, 2025
Boxing Day
The day after Christmas Day is known as Boxing Day and is a holiday in many parts of Canada.
Optional Holiday
Fri
Friday, December 26, 2025
Boxing Day
The day after Christmas Day is known as Boxing Day and is a holiday in many parts of Canada.
Provincial Public Sector Holiday
Fri
Friday, December 26, 2025
Boxing Day
The day after Christmas Day is known as Boxing Day and is a holiday in many parts of Canada.
Local de facto holiday
Wed
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve is the last day of the year and the day before New Year's Day. New Year's Eve in Canada always falls on December 31 according to the Gregorian calendar.
Observance

Understanding Canada Holidays 2025

Holiday Culture in Canada

Canada celebrates a bilingual mix of British Commonwealth traditions, French Catholic heritage, and unique Canadian celebrations across six time zones. The federal structure means holidays vary by province, with Quebec observing distinct days reflecting its French Catholic identity. The country's indigenous reconciliation includes new holidays honoring First Nations.

Major Holidays & Celebrations

Canada Day(July 1)

Significance: Commemorates Canadian Confederation in 1867 when British colonies united. Less aggressive nationalism than US Independence Day, more celebration of multicultural identity and natural beauty. Falls during perfect summer weather.

Traditions: Parliament Hill celebrations in Ottawa, fireworks, red and white decorations (national colors), barbecues, outdoor concerts, Canadian flags displayed, singing O Canada, and community gatherings in parks.

Traditional Foods: Barbecue (steaks, burgers, hot dogs), poutine (Quebec's fries with gravy and cheese curds), butter tarts, Nanaimo bars, maple anything, Caesar cocktails, and multicultural foods reflecting diverse population.

Business Impact: Federal holiday across all provinces. Everything closes except tourism sector which thrives. Long weekend creates cottage country exodus.

Thanksgiving (Action de Grâce)(Second Monday in October)

Significance: Harvest celebration, earlier than American Thanksgiving due to earlier Canadian harvest. Less commercialized than US version, more about family and gratitude. Not tied to Pilgrim mythology.

Traditions: Turkey dinner with family, stuffing, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, giving thanks, family gatherings, and enjoying autumn colors. Similar to American version but more low-key.

Traditional Foods: Roast turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, vegetables, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, butter tarts, and tourtière (meat pie) in French Canada.

Business Impact: Federal holiday creating 3-day weekend. Major travel weekend as families gather. Retail stays open but offices close.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation(September 30)

Significance: New federal holiday (2021) honoring Indigenous children who died in residential schools and survivors of this dark chapter. Part of reconciliation with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. Also called Orange Shirt Day.

Traditions: Wearing orange shirts, attending ceremonies, learning about residential school history, Indigenous cultural events, moments of silence, and reflection on reconciliation.

Traditional Foods: Not celebration-focused. Some communities share traditional Indigenous foods (bannock, wild game, berries) but emphasis is on education and reflection.

Business Impact: Federal holiday but provincial observance varies. Banks and federal offices close. Private sector adoption growing. Solemn tone rather than celebratory.

Christmas Day(December 25)

Significance: Christian celebration of Jesus's birth, but in Canada blended with winter wonderland imagery. Multicultural Canada means varied traditions - Ukrainian Christmas, Chinese Lion Dances, etc.

Traditions: Christmas trees, gift exchanges, Christmas Eve services, Santa Claus, winter activities (skating, skiing), Christmas lights, caroling, and family gatherings. Very cold unlike tropical countries.

Traditional Foods: Turkey or ham dinner, tourtière (French-Canadian meat pie), butter tarts, Nanaimo bars, eggnog, shortbread cookies, and ethnic dishes reflecting multicultural population (pierogi, spring rolls, etc.).

Business Impact: December 25-26 (Boxing Day) are federal holidays. Many businesses close December 24-26. Holiday shopping season peaks. Boxing Day sales are major retail event.

Holiday Pattern & Statistics

Canada observes 8-13 holidays depending on province. Federal holidays (Canada Day, Christmas, etc.) are nationwide, but provinces add their own - Quebec has Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (June 24), BC has Family Day in February, etc. The bilingual nature means holidays have English and French names.

Business Travel & Coordination

Winter (December-February) is harsh with snow disrupting travel. March Break sees family travel. Summer (July-August) is prime vacation time. Best business periods: April-June and September-November. Note time zone complexity - coordinating Vancouver-Toronto-St. John's meetings spans 4.5 hours. Canadian business culture values politeness, consensus, and work-life balance. Be on time.

Cultural Traditions & Insights

Canadian culture emphasizes politeness ('sorry' is constant), multiculturalism (mosaic vs melting pot), and apologetic nationalism. Hockey is religion - playoffs disrupt schedules. Tim Hortons coffee is cultural institution. The French-English divide is real - Quebec operates distinctly with French language laws. Weather dominates conversation. Cottage country (vacation properties) is summer ritual. Indigenous reconciliation is ongoing national conversation. Health care pride vs US system is point of identity.

Timezone Coordination Tips

Canada spans 6 time zones from UTC-3:30 (Newfoundland) to UTC-8 (Pacific), plus minor zones. The unique Newfoundland half-hour offset complicates scheduling. DST observed except Saskatchewan. When coordinating across Canada, specify NST/AST/EST/CST/MST/PST clearly. Business hours typically 9 AM-5 PM but vary by sector. French Canada (Quebec) may have different business norms - more European-style long lunches. Remote work is common, especially post-pandemic.

Why Check Canada Public Holidays?

  • Plan business meetings and avoid scheduling conflicts during bank closures
  • Coordinate with remote teams and international colleagues across time zones
  • Book travel and accommodations around peak holiday periods for better rates
  • Respect cultural and religious observances important to local communities
  • Optimize project timelines and deadlines accounting for reduced business days
  • Anticipate supply chain and logistics disruptions during major holidays

Frequently Asked Questions

Stay Perfectly Synchronized

Our holiday calendar for Canada is regularly updated to ensure accuracy. Use this information alongside our Canada timezone tools and meeting planner to coordinate seamlessly with Canada and stay perfectly synchronized with local schedules.