Canada Public Holidays
Canada Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Canada? All public holidays in Canada are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Canada employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Canada and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Canada is a vast and culturally diverse country with a variety of public holidays that reflect its history, religious traditions, and multicultural heritage. These holidays range from national holidays that celebrate key events in Canadian history to religious holidays observed by the country’s diverse population. Additionally, Canada has a range of commemorative days that highlight the contributions of different cultural groups and the country’s commitment to social justice.
National Public Holidays
National public holidays in Canada commemorate significant historical events and celebrate Canadian culture, unity, and values. These holidays provide an opportunity for Canadians to reflect on their shared history and come together as a nation.
Canada Day (1st July)
According to campingship.com, Canada Day is the most significant national holiday in Canada, celebrated on the 1st of July each year. It marks the anniversary of the Confederation of Canada in 1867, when the British North America Act united the colonies of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia into a single nation.
Celebrations:
- Fireworks and Parades: Across the country, Canada Day is marked by fireworks displays, particularly in major cities such as Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver. Parades, featuring floats, musicians, and dancers, are also common, with Canadians waving flags and wearing the national colors of red and white.
- Official Ceremonies: In Ottawa, the nation’s capital, the main event takes place on Parliament Hill, where government officials, including the Prime Minister, deliver speeches. The day often includes a military display, musical performances, and a flag-raising ceremony.
- Family Gatherings and Barbecues: Many Canadians celebrate Canada Day with family gatherings and barbecues, enjoying the summer weather. Parks and public spaces are filled with people participating in picnics, games, and concerts.
- Cultural Events: Canada Day also features performances that highlight the country’s multicultural heritage, with Indigenous dances, Francophone music, and displays of various immigrant cultures.
Victoria Day (Last Monday before May 25th)
Victoria Day is a public holiday celebrated on the last Monday before May 25th in honor of Queen Victoria’s birthday. It also marks the unofficial start of summer in Canada. Although initially a holiday dedicated to Queen Victoria, it has evolved into a celebration of Canada’s connection to the British monarchy and the start of the summer season.
Traditions:
- Fireworks Displays: In many cities, Victoria Day is marked by fireworks displays. The largest celebrations take place in cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, where families gather to watch the fireworks and enjoy the festivities.
- Garden Parties and Picnics: As Victoria Day typically marks the beginning of warmer weather, Canadians celebrate by hosting garden parties, barbecues, and picnics. Many people spend the day outdoors, enjoying parks, lakes, and nature.
- Parades: Parades are held in some towns and cities, often featuring British symbols, historical costumes, and performances by local musicians and dancers.
Thanksgiving (Second Monday in October)
Thanksgiving in Canada is celebrated on the second Monday in October. It is a day for Canadians to give thanks for the harvest and the blessings of the past year. Although it has its roots in European harvest festivals, Thanksgiving has evolved into a uniquely Canadian holiday.
Celebrations:
- Family Meals: The centerpiece of Canadian Thanksgiving is the family meal, often featuring roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Families gather to share a feast and reflect on what they are thankful for.
- Autumn Festivals: Many communities celebrate Thanksgiving with local harvest festivals, which often include farmers’ markets, craft fairs, and agricultural exhibitions.
- Outdoor Activities: As Thanksgiving falls during autumn, many Canadians spend the day outdoors, enjoying the changing colors of the leaves, hiking, and visiting parks.
Religious Public Holidays
As a multicultural country with a variety of religious traditions, Canada observes several religious public holidays that are important to different faith communities. These holidays are widely respected and celebrated across the country.
Christmas Day (25th December)
Christmas Day, celebrated on the 25th of December, is one of the most widely observed holidays in Canada. While it is a Christian holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, it has also become a cultural celebration for many Canadians, regardless of their religious background.
Traditions:
- Church Services: For Christians, attending church services on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning is a key part of the holiday. These services often feature readings from the Bible, carols, and prayers.
- Gift Giving: Exchanging gifts with family and friends is a central tradition of Christmas in Canada. Presents are often placed under the Christmas tree and opened on Christmas morning.
- Festive Meals: Families come together to enjoy festive meals, typically featuring roast turkey, ham, or other holiday dishes. Desserts like mince pies, fruitcake, and shortbread are also common.
- Decorations: Homes and public spaces are adorned with Christmas decorations, including Christmas trees, lights, wreaths, and nativity scenes. Many cities also host Christmas markets and holiday parades, such as the famous Toronto Santa Claus Parade.
Good Friday (Friday before Easter Sunday)
Good Friday is a Christian holiday observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is a day of solemn reflection for Christians across Canada. In many provinces, it is a public holiday.
Observances:
- Church Services: Christians attend special Good Friday services, which focus on the suffering and death of Jesus. These services are often quiet and reflective, with prayers, hymns, and readings from the Bible.
- Fasting and Abstinence: Many Christians observe Good Friday by fasting or abstaining from meat, particularly in Catholic communities. Simple meals, such as fish or vegetarian dishes, are common.
- Community Events: In some communities, Good Friday is marked by public processions that reenact the Stations of the Cross, reflecting on the final hours of Jesus’ life.
Easter Monday (Day after Easter Sunday)
Easter Monday is a public holiday in some provinces of Canada, particularly in the Atlantic provinces. It follows Easter Sunday, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and is a day for relaxation and family time.
Traditions:
- Family Outings: Many Canadians use Easter Monday as a day for family outings, visiting parks, museums, or simply enjoying the outdoors after the Easter Sunday celebrations.
- Egg Hunts: Easter egg hunts, where children search for hidden chocolate eggs, are a popular tradition. Some communities host public egg hunts in parks or community centers.
- Religious Reflection: While Easter Monday is less religiously significant than Easter Sunday, some Christians continue to reflect on the spiritual themes of renewal and hope.
Commemorative Days
In addition to national and religious holidays, Canada observes several commemorative days that honor the country’s cultural diversity, historical achievements, and social values. These days provide opportunities for reflection, education, and celebration.
Remembrance Day (11th November)
Remembrance Day, observed on the 11th of November, honors the members of the Canadian Armed Forces who have served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions. It is a solemn day of reflection and gratitude, with a focus on World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.
Observances:
- Two Minutes of Silence: At 11:00 a.m. on Remembrance Day, Canadians observe two minutes of silence to honor the sacrifices of soldiers. This moment of silence is observed at schools, workplaces, and public ceremonies across the country.
- Wearing Poppies: In the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day, Canadians wear red poppies on their clothing as a symbol of remembrance. The poppy was inspired by the famous World War I poem, “In Flanders Fields,” written by Canadian physician Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae.
- Cenotaph Ceremonies: Public ceremonies are held at cenotaphs and war memorials across Canada. The largest ceremony takes place at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, where government officials, veterans, and military personnel gather to lay wreaths and pay tribute to the fallen.
National Indigenous Peoples Day (21st June)
National Indigenous Peoples Day, celebrated on the 21st of June, honors the cultures, contributions, and history of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples of Canada. It is a day for all Canadians to learn about and celebrate the diversity of Indigenous cultures.
Celebrations:
- Cultural Performances: Across Canada, Indigenous communities host cultural events, including traditional music, dance, and storytelling. Powwows, drumming circles, and art exhibitions are common ways of celebrating Indigenous heritage.
- Educational Programs: Schools, universities, and cultural institutions often organize events and lectures to raise awareness about Indigenous history, traditions, and contemporary issues.
- Community Feasts: Some communities hold traditional feasts to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, sharing Indigenous foods and participating in communal gatherings.
Family Day (Varies by Province)
Family Day is a public holiday celebrated in several Canadian provinces, including Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. The date of Family Day varies by province, but it generally falls in February. It is a day dedicated to spending time with loved ones and promoting family values.
Traditions:
- Outdoor Activities: Many Canadians celebrate Family Day by spending time outdoors, taking advantage of winter sports like ice skating, skiing, and snowshoeing. Parks and outdoor skating rinks are popular destinations for family outings.
- Community Events: Municipalities often host special events on Family Day, including festivals, concerts, and family-friendly activities. Museums and cultural institutions may offer free admission or special programming for families.
- Relaxation at Home: For some families, Family Day is a time to relax at home, enjoying a cozy meal, playing games, or watching movies together.
Provincial and Regional Holidays
In addition to national holidays, each Canadian province and territory has its own unique holidays that reflect local culture, history, and traditions. These regional holidays are often deeply rooted in the history and identity of the provinces that observe them.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (24th June)
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, or La Fête de la Saint-Jean, is a public holiday celebrated in the province of Quebec on the 24th of June. It honors Saint John the Baptist, the patron saint of French Canadians, and is a day for celebrating Quebec’s culture and identity.
Traditions:
- Parades and Concerts: In cities across Quebec, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day is marked by parades and public concerts featuring Quebecois music, dance, and poetry. The largest celebration takes place in Montreal, with fireworks, performances, and public speeches.
- Bonfires: Historically, bonfires were lit on Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day to symbolize the warmth and strength of the Quebecois community. In some rural areas, this tradition is still observed.
- Cultural Pride: The day is a celebration of French-Canadian culture, with a focus on language, history, and traditions. Many people wear blue and white, the colors of Quebec’s flag, to show their pride in Quebecois identity.
Newfoundland and Labrador Memorial Day (1st July)
In Newfoundland and Labrador, Memorial Day is observed on the 1st of July, coinciding with Canada Day. Memorial Day honors the soldiers from Newfoundland who fought in World War I, particularly those who perished in the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel during the Somme Offensive in 1916.
Observances:
- Cenotaph Ceremonies: Memorial services are held at cenotaphs across Newfoundland and Labrador to honor the fallen soldiers. These ceremonies often include the laying of wreaths, the playing of “The Last Post,” and readings of historical accounts of the battle.
- Reflection and Gratitude: Memorial Day is a time for Newfoundlanders to reflect on the sacrifices made by their ancestors during the war, and to honor the contributions of the Newfoundland Regiment.
