Understanding Public Holidays in Canada: Tips for a Better Experience

Planning a trip to or within Canada but unsure when the best time is?

Whether you’re visiting Canada for a day or a weekend, planning museum visits, booking restaurants, or hoping to join local festivities, checking for public holidays is essential. These holidays can lead to closures, crowds, or unique cultural experiences that might shape your plans. It’s better to be prepared than disappointed.

Here’s a detailed guide to public and statutory holidays in Canada, including key facts about each, how Canadians celebrate them, and must-visit places or events to enhance your experience.

An Overview of Statutory Holidays in Canada

New Year’s Day (January 1)

New Year’s Day is the first of several public holidays in Canada, centered on celebrating fresh beginnings with fireworks, parties, outdoor fun, and New Year’s resolutions. If you’re in Toronto, don’t miss the ice skating and live entertainment at Nathan Phillips Square—it’s a lively spot to kick off the year.

Not far from Toronto, Montreal’s Old Port puts on a beautiful fireworks show over the St. Lawrence River, making it a great place to ring in the new year.

Good Friday & Easter Monday (March/April)

Good Friday is a more solemn religious day, while Easter Monday is celebrated differently depending on where you are in Canada.

In cities like Toronto, you can enjoy Easter markets such as St. Lawrence Market, which offers handmade goods and tasty treats.

If you’re in Quebec City, the Basilica-Cathedral Notre-Dame holds beautiful Good Friday services, making it a peaceful cultural experience.

It’s also a great time to indulge in Easter brunch specials at local restaurants, so be sure to book ahead!

For us Serbs, this is the most important day. We attend a special ceremony at our Orthodox Church and then spend time with close friends and family.

Victoria Day (Last Monday before May 25)

Victoria Day is often seen as the unofficial start of summer in Canada, with plenty of fireworks and outdoor activities.

In Ottawa, you’ll find incredible fireworks over the Rideau Canal, and Victoria, BC, hosts a lively parade with colorful floats and marching bands.

For nature lovers, this is the perfect time to visit Banff National Park, as the weather starts to warm up and the beautiful landscapes are ready for exploration.

Here in Windsor, Ontario, we kick off the swimming season by getting our backyard pools ready for the summer.

Canada Day (July 1)

Canada Day is the country’s biggest celebration, filled with parades, concerts, and spectacular fireworks.

If you’re in Ottawa, make sure to head to Parliament Hill for performances, a flyover, and the famous fireworks show.

In Vancouver, the Canada Place celebration features live music, food trucks, and a breathtaking waterfront fireworks display.

If you want to dive deeper into Canada’s history, smaller towns like Charlottetown, PEI, host heritage events that celebrate the country’s origins.

Here in Windsor, we celebrate Canada Day with a bang, featuring a spectacular fireworks display over the Detroit River. The event attracts large crowds, who gather along the waterfront to enjoy the show and celebrate Canada’s birthday with music, food, and a festive atmosphere.

Civic Holiday (First Monday in August)

This holiday varies across Canada, but it often means fun cultural festivals and outdoor adventures.

In Toronto, Caribana takes over the city with vibrant parades and lively music, while Edmonton hosts Heritage Festival, offering food and cultural displays from over 100 countries.

For outdoor enthusiasts, consider exploring Algonquin Park in Ontario, where the summer weather is perfect for hiking or canoeing in beautiful surroundings.

Labour Day (First Monday in September)

Labour Day marks the end of summer (and beginning of the school year), and many Canadians celebrate with one last hurrah before the fall.

In Montreal, check out Piknic Électronik, an outdoor electronic music festival.

In Vancouver, it’s a great time for a beach day or a final hike up Grouse Mountain before the weather changes.

If you’re after a slower pace, visit Prince Edward Island, where the lobster season is wrapping up, and indulge in some delicious local seafood.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30)

This important day honors survivors and victims of Canada’s residential school system and promotes reflection on the country’s history of colonialism.

In Ottawa and Winnipeg, you’ll find ceremonies and events focused on Indigenous culture and history, including performances and art exhibitions.

For a deeper understanding, visit the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg or participate in local walks and gatherings. Orange shirts are worn across the country to show solidarity.

Thanksgiving (Second Monday in October)

Thanksgiving in Canada celebrates gratitude and the harvest season, with roots tracing back to the 1578 celebration by explorer Martin Frobisher.

It’s a time for families to gather around turkey dinners, and you’ll find plenty of fall fairs and festivals across the country.

Many cities quiet down, making it a great opportunity to explore. If you’re in Ontario or Quebec, be sure to enjoy the stunning fall foliage that paints the landscape in vibrant reds and golds.

Remembrance Day (November 11)

Remembrance Day is a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring those who served in Canada’s armed forces, so many Canadians wear a red poppy to show respect.

In Ottawa, the National War Memorial hosts a deeply moving ceremony, and many other communities, like St. John’s in Newfoundland, hold intimate ceremonies to reflect on military history.

Christmas Day & Boxing Day (December 25 & 26)

Christmas in Canada is a festive time, filled with lights, markets, and family traditions (some Orthodox Churches including Serbian, celebrate Christmas on January 7th).

If you’re in Toronto, visit the Distillery Winter Village for a European-style Christmas market, or head to Vancouver’s Capilano Suspension Bridge, which is beautifully lit with thousands of twinkling lights.

Boxing Day is a shopper’s dream in cities like Montreal, where the underground city becomes a bargain-hunter’s paradise, and ski resorts like Whistler Blackcomb are perfect for those seeking winter sports.

By timing your visit around these holidays, you can experience Canada’s culture, traditions, and vibrant events firsthand. Also it is worth noting that most workers are entitled to take the day off so many stores are being closed on these public holiday.