Public holidays in Canada 2024, national and provincial list

Canada's rich cultural fabric is clearly reflected in its wide range of holidays, all of which serve as cornerstones of celebration, commemoration or national pride. From coast to coast, Canadians observe a variety of statutory, provincial and territorial holidays that not only mark important historical and cultural events, but also provide a respite from the stresses of everyday life and allow time for reflection, celebration and togetherness.

This comprehensive guide provides an overview of the legal, federal and provincial holidays for 2024, including their meanings and regional customs. Whether you're looking to join in on lively local festivities or are curious about the legal aspects and customs surrounding these dates, this article will serve as a detailed resource for understanding how Canadians across the country and in different provinces celebrate throughout the year.

List of public holidays in Canada 2024–25

Statutory holidays, commonly referred to as “stat holidays,” are certain legally recognized days in Canada on which most employees are entitled to a paid day off. These holidays are designated by either the federal, provincial or territorial governments and are intended to allow employees to celebrate or commemorate significant cultural, historical or religious events without fear of financial loss.

1. Legal basis

Statutory holidays are established by federal, provincial or territorial laws and ensure that all employees are entitled to these days off. The laws governing these holidays stipulate that employees receive regular pay for the day, which is a fundamental right under Canadian labour law.

2. Remuneration for work

When an employee works on a public holiday, he or she will usually receive additional pay, commonly referred to as “holiday pay”. This pay is often set as a supplement, such as 1.5 times (time and a half) or double the normal wage, depending on the jurisdiction and specific terms of the employment contracts.

3. Variability between regions

While some statutory holidays are celebrated nationwide – such as New Year's Day and Christmas – others are restricted to specific provinces or territories. For example, Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan celebrate Family Day, but this holiday is not celebrated in all provinces.

4. Sector-specific observations

Certain holidays may be observed predominantly by federal employees. For example, Easter Monday and National Truth and Reconciliation Day are observed by federal employees, while observance in the private sector varies by province.

5. Importance and consideration

Each public holiday has its own significance, often rooted in historical or cultural milestones. For example:

• Victoria Day commemorates Queen Victoria’s birthday and marks the unofficial start of summer in Canada.
• National Indigenous Peoples Day recognizes the cultures and contributions of Indigenous peoples to Canada.

These holidays affect different industries differently. Retail businesses may see an increase in sales due to festive preparations, while professional service providers often close and give their employees a break.

Holidays provide a platform for community activities, foster a sense of identity and tradition, and strengthen social bonds. They promote better work-life balance and mental health by giving employees time to relax and unwind.

List of upcoming public holidays in Canada 2024

Here is a detailed table of statutory holidays across Canada and their observance at the national and provincial levels.

Additional observations

• Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Father's DayAnd Halloween are celebrated throughout Canada but are not considered public holidays. Therefore, there is no entitlement to paid leave on these days.
• Most shops may be closed on public holidays, for example Second Christmas Day And Memorial Dayalthough they are not national public holidays.

Cultural and seasonal activities during the holidays

Canadians often participate in different activities during these statutory holidays, depending on the season. For example:

• New Year: Festivals and celebrations at the turn of the year.
• Family Day: Ski trips and winter sports are common.
• Victoria Day Marks the unofficial start of summer; barbecues and outdoor activities begin.
• Labor Day: Celebrated as the unofficial end of summer.
• Thanksgiving: Known for gatherings and turkey dinners, although some prefer to choose alternative meals for humane reasons.

These holidays not only provide a break from work, but also promote cultural expression and a sense of community.