Whether you are an employee arranging vacations or a business preparing staffing schedules and payroll, understanding Canada’s statutory holidays is essential.
Canada observes a mix of nationwide federal holidays and provincial/territorial holidays, which means the list of days off can vary depending on where you live and work.
This guide provides a clear, updated overview of all Canadian statutory holidays in 2026, along with explanations to help employers and workers stay compliant.
1. National Statutory Holidays in Canada (2026)
The following holidays are recognized across Canada or by federal law. Most employees nationwide receive these days off with statutory holiday pay.
| Date | Holiday | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 (Thursday) | New Year’s Day | First day of the new year; nationwide holiday. |
| April 3, 2026 (Friday) | Good Friday | Statutory in all provinces/territories except Quebec (but widely observed). |
| May 18, 2026 (Monday) | Victoria Day | Marks the start of summer; Quebec observes National Patriots’ Day instead. |
| July 1, 2026 (Wednesday) | Canada Day | Celebrates the founding of Canada; fireworks and national celebrations. |
| September 7, 2026 (Monday) | Labour Day | Long weekend before the start of the school year. |
| October 12, 2026 (Monday) | Thanksgiving | Statutory holiday in most provinces except Quebec. |
| November 11, 2026 (Wednesday) | Remembrance Day | Statutory in several provinces; memorial ceremonies nationwide. |
| December 25, 2026 (Friday) | Christmas Day | National holiday for all workers. |
2. Provincial and Territorial Holidays (2026)
Beyond the federal list, each province and territory has its own statutory holidays. Below is a summary of the most important dates.
Family Day / Heritage Day / Louis Riel Day / Islander Day
February 16, 2026 (Monday)
This date varies in name but is celebrated in many provinces:
- British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick: Family Day
- Manitoba: Louis Riel Day
- Nova Scotia: Heritage Day
- Prince Edward Island: Islander Day
St. Patrick’s Day (Newfoundland and Labrador)
March 16, 2026 (Monday)
Observed as a provincial government holiday.
Easter Monday
April 6, 2026 (Monday)
Not a statutory holiday for most private-sector workers but observed by federal institutions and many public-sector employees.
National Indigenous Peoples Day (NWT & Yukon)
June 21, 2026 (Sunday)
Recognized as a statutory holiday in Northwest Territories and Yukon.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (Quebec)
June 24, 2026 (Wednesday)
A major provincial holiday celebrating Quebec’s culture and heritage.
Civic Holiday (Many provinces)
August 3, 2026 (Monday)
A widely observed long weekend, but statutory status varies by province.
Known as “Simcoe Day” in parts of Ontario.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30, 2026 (Wednesday)
A federal statutory holiday.
Some provinces—such as British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories—have adopted it provincially as well.
Boxing Day (Ontario and others)
December 26, 2026 (Saturday)
Statutory in Ontario and recognized by some employers across Canada.
3. Full List of Canadian Holidays in 2026
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| Date | Holiday | National / Provincial |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | New Year’s Day | National |
| Feb 16 | Family Day / Louis Riel Day / Heritage Day / Islander Day | Provincial |
| Mar 16 | St. Patrick’s Day (NL) | Provincial |
| Apr 3 | Good Friday | National (most provinces) |
| Apr 6 | Easter Monday | Federal (not private sector) |
| May 18 | Victoria Day | National (Quebec exception) |
| Jun 21 | Indigenous Peoples Day | NWT, Yukon |
| Jun 24 | Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day | Quebec |
| Jul 1 | Canada Day | National |
| Aug 3 | Civic Holiday | Provincial (varies) |
| Sep 7 | Labour Day | National |
| Sep 30 | Truth & Reconciliation Day | Federal + some provinces |
| Oct 12 | Thanksgiving | National (most provinces) |
| Nov 11 | Remembrance Day | National observance (provincial differences) |
| Dec 25 | Christmas Day | National |
| Dec 26 | Boxing Day | Provincial (Ontario, others) |
4. Employer Guide: How Statutory Holiday Pay Works
Each province has its own employment standards rules, but generally:
- Employees who qualify receive statutory holiday pay, even if they do not work that day.
- Employees who work on the holiday usually receive:
1.5x to 2x pay, or
regular pay + a replacement day off, depending on the province. - Eligibility may depend on minimum employment periods or hours worked.
Businesses should check their province’s Employment Standards Act for detailed requirements.
5. Summary
Canada’s 2026 holiday calendar includes several long weekends and mid-week holidays, offering great opportunities for travel, family time, and work-life planning. Understanding which holidays are statutory in your province ensures proper pay, scheduling, and compliance for both employers and employees.