Exploring Public Holidays in Canada: A Comprehensive Guide

Canada, a country noted for its rich cultural legacy and diverse people, observes several official holidays that represent its history, customs, and societal values. These Canadian public holidays combine national pride with regional festivals, as well as chances for families and communities to gather. In this comprehensive guide, we'll look at the significance, history, and distinctive customs of public holidays in Canada, so you'll be well-prepared to participate in the celebrations.

Learn more about all of the public holidays in Canada

List of Public Holidays in Canada

The Dominion of Canada has thirteen public holidays in total. In Canada, public holidays, sometimes called statutory holidays or simply "stats," are legally recognized special days. These holidays, which include cultural, patriotic, and religious events, are set by the federal, provincial, and territory governments. While some holidays are honored throughout the country, each province and territory may have extra holidays. Here is the list of the 13 public holidays in Canada, as listed below.

1. New Year's Day (January 1)

Every year, people in Canada celebrate New Year's Eve on December 31st. Canadians frequently gather with friends and family to celebrate the New Year. Many cities celebrate with public celebrations and fireworks displays.

• New Year's Eve celebrations often feature festive décor, music, and dancing.
• Some Canadians attend special events or celebrations at local venues.
• People frequently make New Year's resolutions, setting goals for the upcoming year.
• At midnight, there is a massive countdown to the start of the New Year.
• When the New Year arrives, people frequently toast with champagne and sing "Auld Lang Syne".
• Outdoor sports such as ice skating or snowshoeing are popular in some areas, particularly in colder climates.

New Year's Day is a statutory holiday in all Canadian provinces and territories

2. Good Friday In Canada – (April 18, 2025)

Good Friday is a special day in Canada, observed on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday. It commemorates Jesus Christ's crucifixion and is a major day for Christians.

• Good Friday is a holiday across Canada, therefore many people are off work.
• Christians in Canada are having a serious day, complete with church services and quiet time.
• Some places may have different regulations or close earlier on Good Friday.
• People may attend church, participate in processions, or reflect on Jesus on this day.
• On Good Friday, many families meet for dinner and to spend time together.
• Good Friday is part of Easter, a Christian celebration commemorating Jesus' life and death.
• Good Friday varies every year, based on the moon and the commencement of spring.

3. Easter Monday In Canada – (April 21, 2025)

Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday and is observed as a public holiday in the majority of Canadian provinces and territories. It is a special day off in certain locations, such as Quebec, where many stores and establishments close. Overall, Easter Monday in Canada is about spending time with family and friends, capping up the Easter weekend.

• Easter Monday is not a holiday in other provinces, such as Ontario and British Columbia, although it is nonetheless seen as a day off.
• Easter Monday, after Easter Sunday, is a day for families to relax and spend time together.
• Some individuals utilize Easter Monday to extend their Easter celebrations with additional family meals or enjoyable activities.
• Others could attend church or participate in Easter-themed community events.
• On Easter Monday, several communities observe customs such as egg hunts or parades.
• Many schools and universities close on Easter Monday, giving students and instructors a day off.
• Buses and railroads may operate on altered schedules on Easter Monday, with fewer services in certain areas.

Easter Monday is the last day of celebrations of the holy week before the working week resumes

4. Victoria Day In Canada – (May 19, 2025)

Victoria Day is a public holiday in Canada that falls on the Monday before May 25th. It commemorates the birthday of Queen Victoria, who reigned over the United Kingdom a long time ago. Victoria Day has been celebrated in Canada since 1845, making it one of the nation's oldest holidays.

• Originally, it was commemorated on May 24th, but it is currently observed on the closest Monday to that day.
• Victoria Day symbolizes the start of summer for many Canadians.
• Victoria Day is commonly celebrated with picnics, fireworks, and parades.
• Some people name it the "May Two-Four" weekend because they enjoy drinking a case of beer with 24 bottles throughout the holiday.
• Victoria Day is significant in British Columbia since the province's name derives from Queen Victoria
• The holiday is also observed in certain areas of Scotland and the Cayman Islands.

Victoria Day is a unique holiday in Canada that falls on the Monday before May 25th

5. Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day In Canada – (June 24, 2025)

Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day is a public holiday in Quebec observed on June 24th every year in Canada, particularly in Quebec. The feast commemorates Saint John the Baptist, who is significant to French Canadians.

• Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day is an important aspect of Quebecois culture, and it is recognized as Quebec's national holiday.
• It began in the 1800s when French Canadians tried to promote their culture more.
• Parades, fireworks, concerts, and other activities are common highlights of celebrations.
• People frequently display Quebec's flag, which has an emblem representing the province's French heritage.
• Bonfires, known as "feux de joie," are lighted to commemorate the onset of summer and the concept of light overcoming darkness.
• Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day is a holiday in Quebec, hence many businesses and offices are closed.

6. Canada Day In Canada – (July 1, 2025)

Canada Day is a federal statutory holiday in Canada. Every year on July 1st, Canada Day commemorates the country's establishment in 1867. It commemorates when certain British colonies in Canada merged to become one country. It was formerly known as Dominion Day until changing to its current name in 1982.

• Canada Day is a major festival celebrated around the country, with parades, fireworks, concerts, and other activities.
• Ottawa, the capital city, has the largest Canada Day celebration, complete with a massive fireworks display.
• Many individuals display flags and wear red and white clothing, which are the colors of the Canadian flag.
• It is a day for Canadians to express their love for their country, including its history, culture, and achievements.
• Canada Day events frequently involve the official recognition of new citizens as Canadians.
• Along with official occasions, many individuals enjoy family gatherings, picnics, and outdoor activities.
• It's also an opportunity to reflect on how Canada supports variety, inclusivity, and the presence of other cultures.

Canada Day is a federal statutory holiday that is always celebrated on July 1

7. Civic Holiday In Canada – (August 4, 2025)

Every year, on the first Monday of August, Canada celebrates a Civic Holiday. It is not a holiday in which everyone is off work, but it is a day off in many regions.

• The celebration is known by many names in different parts of the country, such as Terry Fox Day in Manitoba, Natal Day in Nova Scotia, and British Columbia Day in BC.
• Civic Holidays commemorate the conclusion of summer and are frequently used for outdoor activities and extended weekends.
• Civic holidays are named after historical events or prominent personalities from various locations.
• Civic Holidays in Ontario are just a day off with no special celebrations.
• In other locations, such as Saskatchewan, the holiday honors those who contributed to the province's development.
• Many companies, workplaces, and schools close for the Civic Holiday so that people may spend time with their families and friends.
• Civic Holiday isn't a holiday anywhere, yet many people take the day off.

8. Labour Day In Canada – (September 1, 2025)

In Canada, Labour Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September each year. It is a public holiday honoring people's hard work and the labor movement. For many Canadians, Labour Day signifies the conclusion of summer and the last day of pleasure before autumn.

• It began when workers battled for better treatment and more equitable working conditions.
• Labour Day became an official holiday in Canada in the late 1800s, owing to workers' rights activists.
• Everybody in Canada celebrates Labour Day.
• On Labour Day, people typically have outdoor parties or gather with family and friends.
• On Labour Day, organizations that support workers' rights conduct marches and festivities.
• Some cities hold marches or meetings on Labour Day to discuss worker rights and problems.
• Labour Day is more than simply a celebration; it is also a reminder that we must continue to ensure workers are treated properly and have adequate working conditions.

Labour Day is a public holiday honoring people's hard work and the labor movement

9. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation In Canada – (September 30, 2025)

Each year on September 30th, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is observed. It is a unique day off in Canada, which will be made official in 2021. This day commemorates the tragic history of Canada's residential schools.

• Residential schools were sites where Indigenous children were separated from their families and pushed to abandon their culture in favor of a new one.
• The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honors those who survived these institutions and acknowledges the sorrow passed down to Indigenous families.
• It's an opportunity for everyone to learn about how colonialism and unequal treatment impacted Indigenous populations.
• This day is marked with activities and discussions throughout Canada to help people understand and remember.
• This day also invites us to consider setting things right and assisting Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in their healing process.

10. Thanksgiving Day In Canada – (October 13, 2025)

Every year, on the second Monday in October, Canada celebrates Thanksgiving Day. It is a national holiday celebrated in all provinces and regions. The celebration originated with European harvest festivities and has been observed in Canada since the sixteenth century.

• Thanksgiving Day is a time for Canadians to express gratitude for the positive things that have occurred in the previous year.
• Roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie are typical Thanksgiving menu items.
• Families and friends gather to enjoy a special dinner and spend time together.
• During Thanksgiving, many Canadians perform kind acts to aid those in need.
• Some localities hold parades and festivals that include floats, music, and enjoyable activities.
• Thanksgiving Day is also a time for outdoor activities such as hiking, apple picking, and enjoying the fall foliage.

11. Remembrance Day In Canada – (November 11, 2025)

Every year on November 11th, Canadians mark Remembrance Day to honor those who fought and died in wars and conflicts. It commemorates the armistice, which ended hostilities in World War I on November 11, 1918. 

• The day was originally known as Armistice Day, but it was renamed Remembrance Day in 1931 to honor those who served and perished in the conflict.
• Canadians observe a minute of silence at 11 a.m., the time the armistice was signed.
• The red poppy is a symbol of Remembrance Day in Canada, inspired by "In Flanders Fields," a poem penned by Canadian soldier John McCrae.
• Veterans, military members, government officials, and members of the general public attend activities at memorials, cenotaphs, and military cemeteries around Canada. 
• Remembrance Day events are also held in schools, companies, and communities to raise awareness of the day's significance and promote peace.

12. Christmas Day In Canada – (December 25, 2024)

Every year on December 25th, Canadians celebrate Christmas Day. Most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed today since it is a national holiday. Canadians frequently celebrate Christmas by exchanging presents with family and friends.

• Many households decorate for Christmas, both inside and outdoors.
• In Canada, traditional Christmas feasts often consist of roasted turkey or ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, and veggies.
• Some individuals attend church services on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, particularly those who are Christians.
• Many cities and villages have Christmas parades and festivals with floats, music, and visits from Santa Claus.
• Families may also enjoy ice skating, sledding, or visiting winter markets.
• Christmas traditions might differ based on where you live and your cultural background, including influences from Indigenous traditions, French customs, British ancestry, and other immigrant populations.

Christmas Day is a day of celebration when many Canadians exchange gifts and enjoy festive meals

13. Boxing Day In Canada – (December 26, 2024)

Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26th, the day after Christmas, and is a day off for Canadians. It originated in the United Kingdom as a day to offer presents to those who assist us, such as tradespeople and service workers. Boxing Day has become a popular shopping day in Canada, similar to Black Friday in the United States, with retailers providing significant discounts.

• People sometimes utilize Boxing Day to acquire items they wanted but did not receive as gifts at Christmas.
• Many people utilize Boxing Day to return or exchange unwanted or excess presents.
• People also spend Boxing Day resting with family and friends, dining together, and participating in enjoyable activities.
• Lots of Canadians watch or attend hockey games on Boxing Day.
• Some people like outdoor activities such as ice skating, skiing, and walking in the snow.
• Charities and community groups frequently hold activities or raise funds on Boxing Day to assist those in need.

Conclusion

Applying for a Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) permits you to fully participate in the country's public holiday celebrations. With the Canada ETA, you may enjoy the vivid events and embrace Canada's cultural variety. Join the passionate masses on July 1st for Canada Day, which celebrates the nation's birthday with stunning fireworks, parades, and concerts. Celebrate the holiday mood on Thanksgiving in October, when families gather to express thanks and share a plentiful feast. Witness the bright displays and exciting processions on Victoria Day in May, which commemorates Queen Victoria's birthday. Don't miss out on the exciting ethnic events that take place throughout the year. By obtaining a Canada ETA, you may secure a smooth entry into the nation and completely embrace the joyful ambiance of Canada's public holidays, generating cherished experiences that will last a lifetime.