Canadian Holidays and Celebrations: What Newcomers Need to Know

How Statutory Holidays Work in Canada

Statutory holidays, sometimes called "stat holidays" or public holidays, are days designated by the federal or provincial governments when most workers are entitled to a day off with pay. Canada has a set of federal statutory holidays that apply to workers in federally regulated industries like banking, telecommunications, and interprovincial transportation. Each province and territory also has its own set of statutory holidays that apply to most workers within that province.

Understanding which holidays apply to you depends on where you live and who employs you. The Government of Canada's statutory holidays page provides the official list of federal holidays. For provincial holidays, you will need to check with your province's employment standards office. This distinction matters because a day that is a statutory holiday in one province may be a regular working day in another.

Federal Statutory Holidays

The following are the statutory holidays recognized by the federal government of Canada. New Year's Day falls on January 1 and marks the beginning of the year. Good Friday is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday and is a holiday in all provinces. Victoria Day is celebrated on the last Monday before May 25 and honours Queen Victoria's birthday. Canada Day on July 1 celebrates the anniversary of Canadian Confederation. Labour Day, on the first Monday of September, honours the achievements of workers.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 was established in 2021 to honour the survivors of residential schools and the children who never returned home. Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October. Remembrance Day on November 11 honours military veterans and those who died in service. Christmas Day on December 25 celebrates the Christian holiday, and Boxing Day on December 26 is recognized in some jurisdictions. The Canadian Heritage page on Canada Day provides information about official celebrations across the country.

Provincial Differences

Provincial holidays create a patchwork of days off across the country. Family Day is observed on the third Monday of February in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, but it is not a holiday in Quebec, Manitoba, or the Atlantic provinces. Manitoba celebrates Louis Riel Day on the same date. Nova Scotia has Heritage Day. Quebec has la Journee nationale des patriotes instead of Victoria Day, and Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (June 24) is a major holiday unique to Quebec.

British Columbia has BC Day on the first Monday of August, while Alberta has Heritage Day on the same date (though it is not a statutory holiday in Alberta). Ontario has Civic Holiday (also called Simcoe Day in Toronto) on the first Monday of August, but it is not technically a statutory holiday in Ontario. Each province handles this differently, so check your provincial employment standards. Learn more about workplace rights when finding your first job.

Canada Day: July 1

Canada Day is the country's national holiday, celebrating the anniversary of Confederation on July 1, 1867, when three colonies united to form the Dominion of Canada. It is one of the most widely celebrated holidays, with events taking place in every city and town across the country. Festivities typically include fireworks, parades, outdoor concerts, community barbecues, and ceremonies for new Canadian citizens. Many cities host large public events in parks and public spaces.

In Ottawa, the national capital, Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill are broadcast across the country and feature musical performances, speeches, and a spectacular fireworks display. For newcomers, Canada Day is a wonderful opportunity to participate in community events, meet neighbours, and experience Canadian culture. Wearing red and white, the national colours, is common. Many newcomers attend citizenship ceremonies on this day, making it especially meaningful for those who have recently become Canadian citizens.

Thanksgiving: Second Monday of October

Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated much earlier than its American counterpart, falling on the second Monday of October. The holiday has roots in giving thanks for the harvest and the blessings of the past year. The traditional Thanksgiving meal includes roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, and pumpkin pie. Many families gather for a large meal on Thanksgiving Sunday or Monday.

For newcomers who do not have family nearby, Thanksgiving can feel isolating. However, many community organizations, churches, and settlement agencies host Thanksgiving dinners for newcomers and people who are alone for the holiday. This is a great opportunity to experience the tradition and connect with others. Our volunteering guide can help you find community events and organizations near you.

Victoria Day: Last Monday Before May 25

Victoria Day is one of Canada's oldest holidays, originally established to celebrate the birthday of Queen Victoria. Today, it also marks the official birthday of the reigning Canadian monarch. For most Canadians, Victoria Day weekend signals the unofficial start of summer. Many people use the long weekend to open cottages, start gardening, and enjoy outdoor activities. Fireworks displays are common on Victoria Day weekend, and many stores hold sales.

In Quebec, the same Monday is celebrated as la Journee nationale des patriotes, honouring the Patriots who fought for democratic reform and the rights of French Canadians in the Rebellions of 1837 and 1838. The Canadian Heritage commemorative days page provides historical context for this and other observances.

Remembrance Day: November 11

Remembrance Day is observed on November 11 to honour Canadian military veterans and those who died in wars and peacekeeping missions. At 11:00 a.m. on November 11, a moment of silence is observed across the country. Ceremonies are held at cenotaphs and war memorials in cities and towns, with the national ceremony taking place at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.

In the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day, you will see Canadians wearing red poppies on their clothing. The poppy is a symbol of remembrance, inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields" written by Canadian military doctor Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae during World War I. Poppies are distributed by the Royal Canadian Legion in exchange for a donation, and the funds support veterans and their families. As a newcomer, wearing a poppy is a respectful way to participate in this important national tradition.

Holiday Pay and Time Off Rules

As an employee in Canada, you are entitled to specific rights on statutory holidays. If you have a regular work schedule and the holiday falls on a day you would normally work, you are entitled to the day off with your regular pay. If you are required to work on a statutory holiday, you are typically entitled to premium pay, which is usually 1.5 times your regular hourly rate plus a substitute day off, or in some provinces, double time. The specific rules depend on your province's employment standards.

To qualify for statutory holiday pay, most provinces require that you have worked for your employer for a minimum period (often 30 days) and that you worked your scheduled shifts before and after the holiday. These qualifying conditions prevent employees from calling in sick on the day before or after a holiday to extend their time off while still collecting holiday pay. If you are unsure about your rights, contact your provincial employment standards office.

Cultural and Religious Celebrations

Canada is a multicultural country, and many cultural and religious celebrations are widely observed even though they are not statutory holidays. Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is celebrated by large communities across Canada, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area and Metro Vancouver. Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) is a major event in cities with significant Chinese populations, with festivals, parades, and community events. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are important holidays for Muslim Canadians, and many employers accommodate time off for these celebrations.

Hanukkah, Vaisakhi, Nowruz, and many other cultural celebrations are part of the Canadian mosaic. While these are not official days off, Canadian human rights legislation requires employers to reasonably accommodate religious observances. If you need time off for a religious holiday, speak with your employer. Under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, you have the right to practise your religion, and employers have a duty to accommodate your needs within reason.

Making the Most of Canadian Holidays

For newcomers, Canadian holidays are opportunities to learn about the country's history, participate in community life, and build connections. Attend local events, volunteer at community celebrations, and try traditional holiday foods. Many settlement agencies organize special events around major holidays for newcomers. Long weekends are also excellent times to explore Canada's natural beauty, with many people heading to parks, lakes, and campgrounds.

WelcomeAide is here to support your settlement journey in Canada. Our AI Newcomer Navigator can answer your questions about holidays, workplace rights, and Canadian culture. Browse our blog for more guides, learn about our mission, or see how to get involved.