Canada is a diverse and multicultural country that takes great pride in celebrating its rich history and heritage. From coast to coast, Canadians come together to commemorate the country’s most significant events and occasions. Public holidays are a big part of this celebration, and they provide an excellent opportunity for Canadians to connect with their roots, learn about their country’s past, and spend time with loved ones.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, understanding Canada’s public holidays is essential to appreciate the country’s culture and traditions fully. In this post, we’ve compiled a list of Canada’s most important public holidays, their significance, and how they’re celebrated across the country. From Canada Day to Remembrance Day, these holidays are a great way to experience the unique spirit of Canada and its people. So, let’s dive in and explore the rich tapestry of Canadian culture through its public holidays.
National Holidays in Canada
- New Year’s Day: January 1st
- Good Friday: Friday before Easter Sunday
- Easter Sunday: date varies every year (usually in March or April)
- Victoria Day (also known as May Long Weekend): Monday on or before May 24th
- Canada Day: July 1st
- Labour Day: first Monday in September
- Thanksgiving Day: second Monday in October
- Remembrance Day: November 11th
- Christmas Day: December 25th
- Boxing Day: December 26th
Additionally, some provinces and territories may have different holidays (provincial holidays), such as National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21st in the Northwest Territories and Yukon), Nunavut Day (July 9th in Nunavut), etc. Have a look at them here: Provincial holidays in Canada.
New Year’s Day – January 1.
New Year’s Day, observed on January 1st, is one of Canada’s most widely celebrated public holidays. It marks the beginning of a new year and is a time for reflection, renewal, and resolutions. On this day, Canadians come together to bid farewell to the past year and welcome the new one with open arms.
New Year’s Day is a statutory holiday in all Canadian provinces and territories, and most businesses and government offices remain closed. Many Canadians spend the day relaxing with family and friends, indulging in a delicious meal, or watching parades and fireworks. Some people also attend religious services or cultural events to mark the occasion.
While New Year’s Day is a global celebration, each country has unique traditions and customs. In Canada, it’s common to watch the annual polar bear swim, where brave souls jump into freezing cold water to ring in the new year. Some cities also organize ice skating events, festivals, and concerts to mark the occasion.
All in all, New Year’s Day is a time for Canadians to reflect on the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the future with hope and optimism.
Good Friday – varies; March/April.
Good Friday is an important religious holiday that falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday, and the date varies yearly. It usually occurs in March or April and is observed by Christians worldwide to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Good Friday is a statutory holiday in Canada, and most businesses and government offices remain closed. It is a solemn day of remembrance, and many Canadians attend church services, participate in processions or religious rituals, or observe the day in quiet contemplation.
While the meaning and traditions associated with Good Friday remain the same across the country, how it is celebrated can vary depending on the region and community. For example, in some parts of Canada, it’s common to hold outdoor processions or reenactments of the crucifixion. In others, people may gather for communal meals or undertake acts of charity and service.
Regardless of how it is celebrated, Good Friday is a time for Canadians to reflect on the sacrifice and teachings of Jesus Christ and to contemplate the meaning of faith, forgiveness, and redemption. It’s a day that invites people of all backgrounds and beliefs to unite in reverence and contemplation.
Easter Sunday – varies; March/April.
Easter Sunday is one of Canada’s most important religious holidays and falls on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox. It typically occurs in March or April and marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, as celebrated by Christians around the world.
In Canada, Easter Sunday is a statutory holiday, and many businesses and government offices remain closed. It is a joyous occasion, and many Canadians celebrate with church services, family gatherings, and festive meals.
While the way Easter Sunday is celebrated can vary depending on the region and community, certain traditions are common across Canada. For example, it’s customary to decorate Easter eggs, exchange chocolates and sweets, and participate in Easter egg hunts. Some communities also organize parades, fairs, or other cultural events to mark the occasion.
Despite its religious roots, Easter Sunday has become a secular holiday in Canada, and many Canadians celebrate it as a time of renewal, hope, and joy. It’s a day that invites people of all backgrounds and beliefs to come together in celebration and embrace the spirit of spring and new beginnings.
Easter Monday – varies; March/April (widely observed, but not an official public holiday).
Easter Monday is the day following Easter Sunday and is widely observed in Canada, although it’s not an official public holiday. It typically occurs in March or April and is a time for Canadians to continue celebrating Easter and spending time with family and friends.
While many businesses and government offices remain open on Easter Monday, some schools, universities, and other institutions may close or operate on reduced hours. In some provinces, it’s also a day off for certain workers, such as federal government employees.
Traditionally, Easter Monday has been a time for Canadians to participate in outdoor activities and sports, such as egg-rolling, kite-flying, or playing games like hockey or baseball. Some communities also organize parades, fairs, or cultural events to mark the occasion.
Although Easter Monday is not an official public holiday in Canada, it remains an integral part of the Easter celebration and a time for Canadians to come together in celebration and joy. It’s a day that invites people of all backgrounds and beliefs to embrace the spirit of spring and new beginnings and to appreciate the blessings of family, friends, and community.
Victoria Day – the third Monday in May.
Victoria Day is a federal statutory holiday in Canada, celebrated on the third Monday in May each year. The holiday was established in honor of Queen Victoria, who reigned over the British Empire from 1837 to 1901.
In Canada, Victoria Day is a time for Canadians to celebrate the monarchy and the country’s history and heritage. It’s also seen as the unofficial start of the summer season and a time for outdoor activities, such as camping, barbecues, and fireworks displays.
Traditionally, Victoria Day has been marked by national parades, concerts, and other cultural events. Some cities also organize firework shows to commemorate the holiday.
While the meaning and traditions associated with Victoria’s Day have evolved over time, it remains an essential part of Canadian culture and identity. It’s a day that invites Canadians to celebrate their country’s history and heritage and to enjoy the blessings of family, friends, and community.
Canada Day – July 1.
Canada Day is a national holiday celebrated every year on July 1st. It commemorates the anniversary of the July 1, 1867, enactment of the Constitution Act, which established Canada as a self-governing Dominion within the British Empire.
In Canada, Canada Day is a time for Canadians to come together to celebrate their country and its rich history and culture. It’s a day of patriotism and national pride, marked by parades, concerts, and other cultural events across the country.
Some of the most popular traditions associated with Canada Day include wearing red and white, the colors of the Canadian flag, and participating in outdoor activities, such as picnics, barbecues, and fireworks displays. Many Canadians also take the opportunity to reflect on the country’s accomplishments and to appreciate the blessings of living in a peaceful and prosperous society.
While the way Canada Day is celebrated can vary depending on the region and community, it remains an essential part of Canadian culture and identity. It’s a day that invites Canadians of all backgrounds and beliefs to come together in celebration and embrace the spirit of unity, diversity, and inclusion.
Labour Day – first Monday in September.
Labour Day is a federal statutory holiday in Canada celebrated on the first Monday in September each year. It honors workers’ contributions to Canadian society and the labor movement that helped secure their rights and protections.
In Canada, Labour Day is a time to celebrate the hard work and dedication of workers across the country. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights and social justice.
Traditionally, Labour Day has been marked by parades, marches, and rallies organized by labor unions and other workers’ organizations. It’s a time for workers to unite, show solidarity, and advocate for fair wages, safe working conditions, and other vital issues.
While the way Labour Day is celebrated can vary depending on the region and community, it remains an essential part of Canadian culture and identity. It’s a day that invites Canadians to reflect on the value and dignity of work and to appreciate workers’ contributions to the country’s economy and social fabric.
Thanksgiving – second Monday in October.
Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated in Canada on the second Monday in October each year. It’s a time for Canadians to give thanks for the year’s blessings and spend time with family and friends.
In Canada, Thanksgiving is traditionally associated with the harvest season and the gathering of crops. It’s a time to celebrate the land’s bounty and express gratitude for the food, shelter, and other necessities of life.
The way Thanksgiving is celebrated can vary depending on the region and community. Still, some common traditions include preparing and sharing a special meal, such as roasting turkey with all the trimmings and attending church services or other religious ceremonies.
Thanksgiving is also a time for Canadians to give back to their communities by volunteering or making charitable donations. Some communities organize food drives or other events to help those in need during the holiday season.
While the meaning and traditions associated with Thanksgiving have evolved over time, it remains an integral part of Canadian culture and identity. It’s a day that invites Canadians to reflect on the importance of gratitude, community, and giving and to appreciate the blessings of family, friends, and the natural world.
Remembrance Day – November 11 (only a partial holiday; government offices and banks are closed, but most businesses are open).
Remembrance Day is a solemn day of commemoration observed in Canada on November 11th each year. It’s a time for Canadians to honor and remember the sacrifices of those who have served and continue to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces.
While Remembrance Day is not a full public holiday in Canada, government offices and banks are typically closed. Many Canadians observe silence at 11:00 am to honor the fallen.
The day is traditionally marked by parades and ceremonies held at war memorials and cenotaphs across the country. The Royal Canadian Legion plays a significant role in organizing these events and supporting veterans and their families.
On Remembrance Day, Canadians wear poppies as a symbol of remembrance and respect for those who have served in the Armed Forces. The poppy became a symbol of remembrance in Canada after World War I, inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields” by Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae.
While Remembrance Day can be a somber occasion, it’s also an opportunity for Canadians to unite in solidarity and gratitude. It’s a day that invites Canadians to honor the bravery and sacrifice of those who have served their country and to reflect on the importance of peace, freedom, and justice.
Christmas Day – December 25.
Christmas Day is a federal statutory holiday in Canada celebrated on December 25th each year. It’s a time for Canadians to come together with family and friends to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and exchange gifts and good wishes.
In Canada, Christmas is traditionally associated with several customs and traditions, including decorating Christmas trees, hanging stockings, and singing carols. Many Canadians attend church services on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day as part of their holiday celebrations.
One of the most beloved Canadian Christmas traditions is the annual lighting of the Christmas tree on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, attended by thousands of people and broadcast on national television.
While the way Christmas is celebrated can vary depending on the region and community, it remains an integral part of Canadian culture and identity. It’s a day that invites Canadians to come together in warmth and goodwill and to appreciate the joy and blessings of the holiday season.
Boxing Day – December 26.
Boxing Day is a federal statutory holiday in Canada celebrated on December 26th each year. It’s a time for Canadians to relax and spend time with family and friends after the hustle and bustle of Christmas Day.
The origins of Boxing Day are somewhat unclear. Still, it’s generally believed to have originated in Britain in the 19th century as a day when wealthy households would give their servants gifts or “Christmas boxes” filled with money or other small tokens of appreciation.
In Canada, Boxing Day is associated with several customs and traditions, including shopping and sports. Many retailers offer significant discounts and sales on Boxing Day, and it’s become one of the year’s busiest shopping days.
Boxing Day is also a time for Canadians to enjoy sports, particularly hockey. The day is traditionally associated with the start of the World Junior Hockey Championship, a highly anticipated international tournament featuring some of the world’s best young hockey players.
While Boxing Day’s celebration can vary depending on the region and community, it remains an important part of Canadian culture and identity. It’s a day that invites Canadians to relax, enjoy time with loved ones, and participate in the various customs and traditions associated with the holiday season.
Follow this link for the Provincial Holidays in Canada.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Canada celebrates several public holidays throughout the year, each with its unique customs, traditions, and meanings. From New Year’s Day to Christmas Day, these holidays offer Canadians an opportunity to come together with family and friends, reflect on the blessings of the year, and celebrate the values important to them.
Whether it’s giving thanks on Thanksgiving, honoring the sacrifices of veterans on Remembrance Day, or enjoying the festivities of Christmas and Boxing Day, these holidays are an essential part of Canadian culture and identity. They reflect the diversity and richness of Canadian society and provide a time for Canadians to connect their communities and the natural world.
As we look forward to the future, it’s important to continue to celebrate and honor these holidays and use them to reflect on the importance of gratitude, community, and giving. Doing so can strengthen our bonds with each other and the world around us and continue building a brighter future for Canadians.