Canada has 10 federal general holidays in 2026 under the Canada Labour Code. These include New Year's Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
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Canada's holiday system operates at both federal and provincial or territorial levels. The 10 federal general holidays apply to eligible employees in federally regulated workplaces, while provincial and territorial employment standards establish different statutory holiday entitlements. As a result, not every Canadian worker receives the same public holidays.
This guide covers Canada's official federal holiday dates for 2026, provincial differences, Easter Monday, Family Day, long weekends, paid holiday entitlements and substitute holiday rules.
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Next Public Holiday in Canada
| Date | Day | Holiday | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 11, 2026 | Wednesday | Remembrance Day | Confirmed |
Public Holidays in Canada 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | Thursday | New Year's Day | Confirmed |
| February 16, 2026 | Monday | Family Day (British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and other applicable provinces) | Regional |
| February 16, 2026 | Monday | Nova Scotia Heritage Day (Nova Scotia) | Regional |
| April 3, 2026 | Friday | Good Friday | Confirmed |
| May 18, 2026 | Monday | National Patriots' Day (Quebec) | Regional |
| May 18, 2026 | Monday | Victoria Day | Confirmed |
| June 24, 2026 | Wednesday | Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day / Quebec National Holiday (Quebec) | Regional |
| July 1, 2026 | Wednesday | Canada Day | Confirmed |
| August 3, 2026 | Monday | British Columbia Day (British Columbia) | Regional |
| September 7, 2026 | Monday | Labour Day | Confirmed |
| September 30, 2026 | Wednesday | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | Confirmed |
| October 12, 2026 | Monday | Thanksgiving Day | Confirmed |
| November 11, 2026 | Wednesday | Remembrance Day | Confirmed |
| December 25, 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day | Confirmed |
| December 26, 2026 | Saturday | Boxing Day | Confirmed |
Canada's federal employment standards recognize 10 general holidays in 2026. The Canada Revenue Agency also publishes a public holiday calendar for administrative and tax purposes, which contains additional dates not included among the 10 federal general holidays.
The Government of Canada's federal labour standards establish the general holiday entitlements for federally regulated employees.
The main holiday schedule on this page uses the 10 federal general holiday dates as its reference. Provincial and territorial holidays are explained separately because their applicability depends on the relevant jurisdiction.
How Public Holidays Work in Canada
Canada does not have one identical statutory holiday entitlement for every employee throughout the country. The legal framework depends on whether an employee works for a federally regulated employer or falls under provincial or territorial employment legislation.
Federally regulated workplaces are covered by the Canada Labour Code. These include certain banks, telecommunications companies, interprovincial transportation businesses and other federally regulated sectors.
Most employees outside federally regulated industries are covered by the employment standards legislation of the province or territory in which they work.
Federal General Holidays
Part III of the Canada Labour Code establishes 10 general holidays for eligible employees of federally regulated employers.
These employees are generally entitled to a day off with pay for each general holiday, subject to the provisions governing eligibility, work performed on holidays and substitute days.
The federal general holiday list includes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Remembrance Day, even though those dates are not statutory holidays for all provincially regulated workers.
Provincial and Territorial Statutory Holidays
Canada's provinces and territories maintain their own employment standards and public holiday rules.
For example, Family Day is recognized in several provinces, Quebec observes National Patriots' Day and the Quebec National Holiday, and British Columbia recognizes British Columbia Day.
The number of statutory holidays, their names and the rules for holiday pay may therefore differ between provinces and territories.
Major Federal Public Holidays in Canada
New Year's Day
New Year's Day is observed on January 1 and is one of Canada's federal general holidays.
In 2026, New Year's Day falls on Thursday, January 1.
Good Friday
Good Friday is a federal general holiday associated with the Christian observance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
In 2026, Good Friday falls on April 3, creating a three-day weekend for employees who normally do not work on Saturdays and Sundays.
Good Friday is widely recognized in Canada, although some provincial employment standards allow different arrangements involving Easter Monday.
Victoria Day
Victoria Day is observed on the Monday preceding May 25 and commemorates Queen Victoria's birthday.
In 2026, Victoria Day falls on Monday, May 18.
The holiday creates a three-day weekend for many employees and is commonly associated with the beginning of the summer recreation season in parts of Canada.
Quebec observes National Patriots' Day on the same Monday under its provincial statutory holiday system.
Canada Day
Canada Day is celebrated on July 1 and commemorates the establishment of the Canadian Confederation in 1867.
In 2026, Canada Day falls on Wednesday, July 1.
It is one of the country's principal national celebrations, commonly associated with public events, community gatherings and official ceremonies.
Labour Day
Labour Day is observed on the first Monday in September and recognizes workers and the labour movement.
In 2026, Labour Day falls on Monday, September 7.
The holiday creates a three-day weekend for many employees and traditionally marks the end of the summer vacation period.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is observed on September 30 each year.
The holiday honours children who never returned home from residential schools, survivors of residential schools and their families and communities.
September 30 is also associated with Orange Shirt Day, which encourages education and reflection on the history and continuing impacts of Canada's residential school system.
In 2026, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation falls on Wednesday, September 30.
It is a federal general holiday, but its statutory status for provincially regulated workers varies by jurisdiction.
Thanksgiving Day
Canadian Thanksgiving is observed on the second Monday in October.
In 2026, Thanksgiving falls on Monday, October 12.
The holiday is commonly associated with family gatherings and seasonal celebrations. It is a federal general holiday, although provincial statutory entitlements differ.
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day is observed on November 11 to commemorate members of the armed forces who died in military service and to recognize those who have served.
In 2026, Remembrance Day falls on Wednesday, November 11.
It is a federal general holiday, but its status as a paid statutory holiday varies among provinces and territories.
For example, Quebec's general employment standards do not recognize Remembrance Day as a provincial statutory holiday, although eligible federally regulated employees in Quebec are covered by the federal provisions.
Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Christmas Day is observed on December 25 and Boxing Day on December 26.
Both dates are federal general holidays under the Canada Labour Code.
In 2026, Christmas Day falls on Friday, December 25, while Boxing Day falls on Saturday, December 26.
When Boxing Day falls on a Saturday that is not an employee's scheduled working day, federal substitute holiday provisions may apply.
Provincial and Territorial Public Holidays in Canada
Provincial and territorial holiday legislation creates important differences across Canada. Some holidays are widely observed but do not have identical statutory status in every jurisdiction.
Family Day – February 16, 2026
Family Day falls on Monday, February 16, 2026, and is a statutory holiday in several provinces, including Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.
The date is the third Monday of February.
Family Day is not one of the 10 federal general holidays established under the Canada Labour Code.
Different provinces and territories may observe other holidays on the same date.
Nova Scotia Heritage Day
Nova Scotia Heritage Day falls on Monday, February 16, 2026.
The holiday is observed on the third Monday in February and recognizes significant people and events in Nova Scotia's heritage.
It is a provincial holiday rather than a nationwide federal general holiday.
National Patriots' Day in Quebec
Quebec observes National Patriots' Day on the Monday preceding May 25.
In 2026, the holiday falls on Monday, May 18, the same date as Victoria Day in the federal calendar.
National Patriots' Day is recognized under Quebec's statutory holiday framework.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day and Quebec National Holiday
Quebec's National Holiday, commonly associated with Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, is observed on June 24 each year.
In 2026, June 24 falls on Wednesday.
Quebec's employment legislation provides special protections for the National Holiday, including rules governing holiday pay and compensatory leave.
The Quebec CNESST statutory holiday guidance explains these requirements.
British Columbia Day
British Columbia Day is observed on the first Monday in August.
In 2026, the holiday falls on Monday, August 3.
It is recognized as a provincial statutory holiday in British Columbia.
The same date is associated with civic holidays in several other Canadian jurisdictions, but their legal treatment may differ.
Is Easter Monday a Public Holiday in Canada?
Easter Monday falls on April 6, 2026, and appears on the Canada Revenue Agency's official public holiday calendar.
However, Easter Monday is not one of the 10 federal general holidays established under the Canada Labour Code.
The distinction matters because the CRA calendar serves administrative purposes and does not establish the statutory holiday entitlements of every Canadian worker.
Easter Monday may be observed by certain government offices, public institutions or workplaces according to their employment arrangements.
In Quebec, employers covered by the applicable provincial employment standards may choose Good Friday or Easter Monday as the statutory holiday.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Across Canada
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation became a federal statutory holiday in 2021.
It is observed annually on September 30 and is one of the 10 federal general holidays.
However, provincial and territorial governments determine how the holiday applies under their own employment standards.
Some jurisdictions recognize September 30 as a statutory holiday for provincially regulated workers, while others do not.
Quebec, for example, does not classify September 30 as a general provincial statutory holiday under its employment standards, although the federal holiday applies to eligible federally regulated employees working in Quebec.
Substitute and Observed Public Holidays in Canada
Substitute holiday rules are important when a statutory holiday falls on a Saturday, Sunday or another day that an employee does not normally work.
Under the Canada Labour Code, certain federal general holidays that fall on a non-working Saturday or Sunday must be replaced with a paid holiday on the scheduled working day immediately before or after the original holiday.
These include New Year's Day, Canada Day, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Boxing Day 2026 Substitute Holiday
Boxing Day falls on Saturday, December 26, 2026.
For a federally regulated employee who does not normally work on Saturday, the Canada Labour Code provides for a paid holiday on an applicable scheduled working day immediately before or after Boxing Day.
For many conventional Monday-to-Friday schedules, this may result in a substitute day on Monday, December 28.
However, December 28 is not automatically the substitute holiday for every employee. The actual arrangement depends on the employee's scheduled working days and applicable holiday substitution provisions.
Provincial and territorial substitute holiday rules may differ from federal requirements.
Long Weekends in Canada in 2026
Several federal general holidays fall on Fridays or Mondays in 2026, creating three-day weekends for employees whose regular working schedule is Monday through Friday.
Federal Three-Day Holiday Weekends
- April 3–5: Good Friday weekend.
- May 16–18: Victoria Day weekend.
- September 5–7: Labour Day weekend.
- October 10–12: Thanksgiving weekend.
- December 25–27: Christmas weekend, with possible additional Boxing Day substitute arrangements.
Additional provincial long weekends may occur around Family Day in February, British Columbia Day in August and other regional holidays.
Employees should confirm which holidays apply to their workplace before making travel or annual leave plans.
Planning Annual Leave Around Holidays
Employees may be able to extend a holiday weekend by using approved annual vacation days.
For example, taking leave around a Wednesday holiday can create a longer break when combined with ordinary weekend days.
Additional annual leave is separate from statutory general holiday entitlements and depends on the employee's available vacation time and workplace arrangements.
Are Public Holidays Paid in Canada?
Eligible federally regulated employees are entitled to general holiday pay under the Canada Labour Code.
The federal framework provides 10 general holidays, with holiday pay calculated according to statutory rules.
For many federally regulated employees, general holiday pay is based on one-twentieth of eligible wages earned during the four-week period immediately before the week containing the holiday.
Different calculation methods may apply to employees paid by commission or working under other specified arrangements.
Provincial and territorial employment standards contain their own eligibility requirements and holiday pay calculations.
What Happens If an Employee Works on a Federal General Holiday?
The Canada Labour Code permits certain employees to work on general holidays, subject to additional compensation and other legal protections.
For many eligible employees required to work on a general holiday, the federal rules provide general holiday pay plus at least 1.5 times the regular rate of wages for the hours worked.
Separate provisions can apply to managers, professionals and employees working in continuous operations.
Employers should consult the relevant federal general holiday guidance or provincial employment standards before calculating holiday compensation.
Are Banks and Government Offices Closed on Public Holidays?
Many government offices and conventional bank branches suspend or modify public-facing services during recognized holidays.
However, operating schedules may vary between federal offices, provincial government departments, municipal services and financial institutions.
The Canada Revenue Agency recognizes several holidays for administrative deadline purposes.
According to the CRA public holiday guidance, when certain filing or payment deadlines fall on a weekend or a holiday recognized by the agency, submissions may be considered on time if received by the next business day, subject to the applicable rules.
People arranging official appointments, banking transactions or time-sensitive submissions should check the relevant institution's calendar.
Are Schools and Businesses Open on Public Holidays?
Public holidays can affect schools, shops, restaurants, government offices and other services across Canada.
School calendars are established by the relevant provincial or territorial education authorities and school boards. Academic breaks and professional development days are not necessarily statutory public holidays.
Retail and restaurant operations may also differ by province, municipality and business category.
Some establishments remain open on statutory holidays, while others reduce their operating hours or close.
Visitors should confirm business opening hours and institutional schedules rather than relying solely on the federal holiday calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the next public holiday in Canada?
The next public holiday depends on the current date. The Next Public Holiday in Canada section near the top of this page displays the upcoming holiday using the VisaBoards public holiday database. Provincial or territorial holidays may differ from the federal schedule.
What is Canada's country code?
Canada's ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code is CA. This code is used in international identification systems and structured public holiday databases.
How many public holidays are there in Canada in 2026?
Canada has 10 federal general holidays in 2026 under the Canada Labour Code. These apply to eligible federally regulated employees. Provinces and territories maintain separate statutory holiday schedules, so there is no single identical entitlement for all Canadian workers.
Is Family Day a federal holiday in Canada?
No. Family Day is not one of the 10 federal general holidays under the Canada Labour Code. It is a statutory holiday in several provinces, including Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. In 2026, Family Day falls on February 16.
Is Easter Monday a statutory holiday in Canada?
Easter Monday falls on April 6, 2026, and appears on the Canada Revenue Agency's holiday calendar. However, it is not one of the 10 federal general holidays under the Canada Labour Code. Its recognition depends on the jurisdiction or workplace arrangement.
When is Canada Day in 2026?
Canada Day falls on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. It commemorates Canadian Confederation in 1867 and is one of the country's federal general holidays.
When is Thanksgiving in Canada in 2026?
Canadian Thanksgiving falls on Monday, October 12, 2026. It is observed on the second Monday in October and is a federal general holiday.
Is September 30 a statutory holiday across Canada?
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and is a federal general holiday. Its status under provincial and territorial employment standards varies. It is not a general provincial statutory holiday under Quebec's employment standards.
Is Boxing Day a public holiday in Canada in 2026?
Yes. Boxing Day is a federal general holiday and falls on Saturday, December 26, 2026. Eligible federally regulated employees who do not normally work that Saturday are entitled to a paid holiday on an applicable scheduled working day immediately before or after it.
Are public holidays paid in Canada?
Eligible federally regulated employees receive general holiday pay under the Canada Labour Code. Provincial and territorial employees may also qualify for statutory holiday pay under their respective employment standards, subject to applicable requirements.
Official Sources for Public Holidays in Canada
Canada's public holiday framework is established through federal legislation and provincial or territorial employment standards. The following government sources provide the legal basis for the 2026 federal holiday schedule and selected provincial differences.
- Government of Canada – Federal General Holidays and Annual Vacations: Establishes the 10 federal general holidays, employee entitlements, general holiday pay and substitute holiday rules.
- Canada Revenue Agency – Public Holidays 2026: Confirms the 2026 calendar dates and explains the treatment of holidays for CRA administrative deadlines.
- Government of Ontario – Employment Standards Public Holidays: Explains provincial public holiday entitlements and eligibility under Ontario employment standards.
- Government of British Columbia – Statutory Holidays: Provides British Columbia's statutory holiday list and employee holiday pay requirements.
- Quebec CNESST – Statutory Holidays: Explains Quebec's statutory holiday framework, National Patriots' Day, Quebec National Holiday and relevant employee rights.
- Nova Scotia Government – Holiday Schedule: Provides information about Nova Scotia's holiday observances, including Heritage Day.
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