Ottawa, February 13, 2026, Planning vacations, family visits, weddings, and school breaks in 2026 is easier when you know the exact dates of statutory holidays and long weekends in Canada. Statutory holidays, or “stat holidays,” are paid days off guaranteed by legislation, but the rules vary depending on whether your employer is federally or provincially regulated.
This guide provides a complete 2026 Canada holiday calendar, provincial and territorial breakdowns, and tips for maximizing long weekends. Whether you are a newcomer to Canada or a lifelong resident, this information will help you plan your year efficiently.
A statutory holiday is a paid day off established by legislation. In Canada, these rules come from two levels of law:
Employees working in federally regulated workplaces are entitled to 10 general holidays with pay under the Canada Labour Code. These include the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Boxing Day.
Provincially regulated employees follow their jurisdiction’s employment standards, which can include fewer or more holidays than the federal list. This explains why one Canadian may get September 30 off while another does not.
Confusion often arises between these terms:
This guide focuses on statutory holidays that provide guaranteed pay, while noting commonly observed holidays that create long weekends.
If you want the safest list of paid holidays applicable across all provinces and territories, focus on these five:
These holidays form the backbone of nationwide holiday planning, though additional holidays vary by jurisdiction.
Here are the major statutory holidays and commonly observed long weekends across Canada in 2026:
| Holiday | Date 2026 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, January 1 | Paid everywhere |
| Family Day Cluster | Monday, February 16 | Names vary by province |
| Good Friday | Friday, April 3 | Paid everywhere |
| Victoria Day / National Patriots’ Day | Monday, May 18 | Paid in most provinces |
| Canada Day | Wednesday, July 1 | Paid everywhere |
| First Monday in August | Monday, August 3 | Varies by province |
| Labour Day | Monday, September 7 | Paid everywhere |
| National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | Wednesday, September 30 | Not statutory everywhere |
| Thanksgiving | Monday, October 12 | Paid in most provinces |
| Remembrance Day | Wednesday, November 11 | Not statutory everywhere |
| Christmas Day | Friday, December 25 | Paid everywhere |
| Boxing Day | Saturday, December 26 | Statutory in some jurisdictions and federally regulated workplaces |
Note: Some holidays like Easter Monday appear in government calendars but are not statutory for all workers. Treat them as commonly observed unless confirmed by your employer.
Long weekends are a major planning tool for vacations, weddings, and family events. Here is a month-by-month breakdown:
Monday, February 16, 2026
This holiday is known by different names depending on the province:
| Province | Holiday Name |
|---|---|
| Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick | Family Day |
| Manitoba | Louis Riel Day |
| Nova Scotia | Nova Scotia Heritage Day |
| Prince Edward Island | Islander Day |
February 16 is the first true long weekend for many Canadians, even though the holiday name differs by region.
Good Friday: Friday, April 3, 2026
Good Friday creates a consistent three-day weekend for most Canadians.
Easter Monday: Monday, April 6, 2026
This day is optional in some jurisdictions, such as Alberta, and not part of the federal general holidays list.
Monday, May 18, 2026
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Monday, August 3, 2026
| Province | Holiday Name | Status |
|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | B.C. Day | Statutory |
| Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan Day | Statutory |
| New Brunswick | New Brunswick Day | Statutory |
| Alberta | Heritage Day | Optional |
| Ontario | Civic Holiday | Commonly observed |
Labour Day: Monday, September 7, 2026
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Monday, October 12, 2026
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Christmas Day: Friday, December 25, 2026
Boxing Day: Saturday, December 26, 2026
The following tables provide a clear reference for statutory holidays in each province and territory.
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| Jan 1 | New Year’s Day |
| Apr 3 | Good Friday |
| May 18 | Victoria Day |
| Jul 1 | Canada Day |
| Sep 7 | Labour Day |
| Sep 30 | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation |
| Oct 12 | Thanksgiving Day |
| Nov 11 | Remembrance Day |
| Dec 25 | Christmas Day |
| Dec 26 | Boxing Day |
Optional Holidays: Easter Monday, Heritage Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Boxing Day
Due to space, a brief summary:
Is Family Day a statutory holiday in Ontario?
Yes, observed on the third Monday in February. Eligible employees receive public holiday pay.
Is the first Monday in August a statutory holiday everywhere?
No. Statutory in B.C., Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick, optional in Alberta, and commonly observed in Ontario.
If a holiday falls on a weekend, do you automatically get Monday off?
Not automatically. Many workplaces provide an in-lieu day, depending on employment rules or collective agreements.
Understanding statutory holidays in 2026 is essential for effective planning. Start with the five guaranteed paid holidays, layer in provincial or territorial holidays, and consider optional or commonly observed days. Proper planning can give you long weekends, extended vacations, and the ability to attend family events without stress.
By following this 2026 Canada statutory holiday guide, you can confidently plan school breaks, weddings, vacations, and personal time while optimizing your paid leave.
