The public holidays in Canada for 2026 follow the federal calendar, with a handful of dates that vary by province — a quirk that catches many people out. This guide lists the federal general holidays (when federally regulated workplaces, banks and federal offices close), with clear notes on the provincial differences around Easter Monday, Victoria Day and Boxing Day.
All federal public holidays in Canada, 2026
- Thursday, 1 January — New Year’s Day
- Friday, 3 April — Good Friday
- Monday, 6 April — Easter Monday (federal public service; not a general holiday in all provinces)
- Monday, 18 May — Victoria Day
- Wednesday, 1 July — Canada Day
- Monday, 7 September — Labour Day
- Wednesday, 30 September — National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- Monday, 12 October — Thanksgiving Day
- Wednesday, 11 November — Remembrance Day
- Friday, 25 December — Christmas Day
- Saturday, 26 December — Boxing Day
- Monday, 28 December — Boxing Day (substitute day, where applicable)
Federal vs provincial: the two layers
Canada’s system has two layers. The federal list above applies to banks, federal offices and federally regulated industries (banking, telecoms, interprovincial transport) everywhere. Provinces then add their own: Family Day in February (Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia and others), Louis Riel Day in Manitoba, St. Patrick’s Day in Newfoundland and Labrador, and more. Quebec marks National Patriots’ Day rather than Victoria Day on the May long weekend. Your real days off are the combination of both layers — always check your province’s official calendar too.
Easter Monday and Boxing Day, explained
These two generate the most confusion. Easter Monday (6 April) is observed by the federal public service but is not a statutory general holiday in every province — across much of the country, only Good Friday (3 April) is the guaranteed day off, and Quebec is the notable exception that keeps Easter Monday widely. Boxing Day (26 December) falls on a Saturday in 2026; where employers grant it, Monday 28 December is commonly taken as the substitute day, though practices vary. When in doubt, confirm with your employer rather than assuming.
The year’s rhythm: what each season brings
Victoria Day (18 May) unofficially opens cottage season — the first long weekend of summer. Canada Day (Wednesday 1 July in 2026) brings fireworks and celebrations nationwide; many workers bridge the surrounding days for a long break. Thanksgiving (12 October) is the autumn family holiday, earlier than the American version. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (30 September, Wednesday) is a newer federal observance marked by reflection, education and community events. Remembrance Day (11 November) is observed with ceremonies at memorials across the country, most famously at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.
Planning tips for 2026
Mid-week holidays reward a little strategy: Canada Day on Wednesday 1 July and Truth and Reconciliation Day on Wednesday 30 September each become five-day breaks with just two leave days on either side. The Christmas stretch runs Friday 25 December into the weekend, with the substitute Boxing Day on Monday 28 December extending it to four days for many. Summer’s long weekends (Victoria Day, Labour Day) are peak cottage and camping time — book well ahead, as highways and parks fill fast.
Planning tips
Dates and rules can change, so treat any calendar as a planning aid and confirm important details with the official government or employer notice before you book travel, schedule deliveries or arrange time off. If a date falls close to a weekend, check whether a substitute day applies, because many countries move the observance to the nearest working day.
Use this guide as a starting point, compare it with the official source for your location and check again closer to the date, since announcements and local arrangements can change. Sharing the dates early with family, colleagues and customers also avoids last-minute surprises.