2024 Public Holidays in Canada
Public Holidays in Canada 2024
Canada, a diverse and multicultural country, celebrates a variety of public holidays throughout the year. These holidays reflect the nation’s cultural, historical, and religious diversity, providing opportunities for Canadians to come together, honor traditions, and commemorate significant events. In this guide, we will explore the public holidays in Canada for the year 2024, providing detailed descriptions of each holiday along with information on the groups entitled to days off.
New Year’s Day – January 1, 2024
New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is celebrated with enthusiasm and joy across Canada. It is a time for gatherings with family and friends, festive meals, and reflection on the year ahead. Many Canadians participate in New Year’s Eve parties and countdowns to midnight, followed by New Year’s Day brunches and activities.
Days off: New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Canada, observed nationwide, providing a day off for federal and provincial government offices, banks, schools, and many businesses.
Family Day – February 19, 2024 (in Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan)
Family Day is a holiday dedicated to spending quality time with family and loved ones. It provides an opportunity for relaxation, recreation, and bonding. Activities may include family outings, picnics, outdoor adventures, and indoor games. Family Day is observed on different dates across Canada, with some provinces celebrating it in February and others on different dates.
Days off: Family Day is a public holiday in Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan, providing a day off for government offices, schools, and many businesses in those provinces.
Good Friday – April 19, 2024
Good Friday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. It is observed with solemnity and reflection by Christians across Canada. Many churches hold religious services, including the Stations of the Cross and the Liturgy of the Passion. Some Canadians also participate in processions and religious rituals to mark the significance of the day.
Days off: Good Friday is a public holiday in Canada, observed nationwide, providing a day off for federal and provincial government offices, banks, schools, and many businesses.
Easter Monday – April 22, 2024
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday and is observed as a public holiday in many parts of Canada. It is a time for relaxation and leisure activities following the Easter weekend. Some Canadians may attend church services or participate in Easter egg hunts and other festive traditions. Others may use the day for family gatherings, outings, or recreational pursuits.
Days off: Easter Monday is a public holiday in many parts of Canada, providing a day off for federal and provincial government offices, banks, schools, and some businesses.
Victoria Day – May 20, 2024
Victoria Day is a Canadian holiday that honors Queen Victoria’s birthday and celebrates the beginning of the summer season. It is observed with various festivities, including fireworks displays, parades, and outdoor activities. Many Canadians take advantage of the long weekend to go camping, have picnics, or enjoy outdoor recreation with family and friends.
Days off: Victoria Day is a public holiday in Canada, observed nationwide, providing a day off for federal and provincial government offices, banks, schools, and many businesses.
Canada Day – July 1, 2024
Canada Day, also known as Dominion Day, celebrates the anniversary of the Confederation of Canada on July 1, 1867. It is a day of national pride and patriotism, marked by festivities, fireworks, concerts, and cultural events across the country. Canadians come together to celebrate their heritage, diversity, and shared values, reaffirming their commitment to the principles of democracy and freedom.
Days off: Canada Day is a statutory holiday in Canada, observed nationwide, providing a day off for federal and provincial government offices, banks, schools, and many businesses.
Civic Holiday – August 5, 2024
The Civic Holiday is observed on the first Monday of August and is known by various names in different parts of Canada, including British Columbia Day, Saskatchewan Day, and Natal Day (in Nova Scotia). It is a day for communities to celebrate their local heritage and culture with parades, festivals, and special events. The Civic Holiday provides an opportunity for relaxation and leisure activities during the summer season.
Days off: The Civic Holiday is observed as a public holiday in many parts of Canada, providing a day off for federal and provincial government offices, banks, schools, and some businesses.
Labour Day – September 2, 2024
Labour Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September and honors the contributions of workers to the prosperity and well-being of Canada. It is a day to recognize the achievements of the labor movement and advocate for workers’ rights and fair employment practices. Many Canadians participate in parades, rallies, and community events organized by labor unions and worker organizations.
Days off: Labour Day is a public holiday in Canada, observed nationwide, providing a day off for federal and provincial government offices, banks, schools, and many businesses.
Thanksgiving Day – October 14, 2024
Thanksgiving Day in Canada is a time to give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year. It is celebrated with family gatherings, festive meals, and expressions of gratitude. Many Canadians attend church services or participate in community events to mark the occasion. Traditional Thanksgiving foods include roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
Days off: Thanksgiving Day is a statutory holiday in Canada, observed nationwide, providing a day off for federal and provincial government offices, banks, schools, and many businesses.
Remembrance Day – November 11, 2024
Remembrance Day commemorates the sacrifices of Canadian soldiers who have served in wars and conflicts. It is observed with solemn ceremonies, including the laying of wreaths at war memorials, the sounding of the Last Post, and moments of silence. Many Canadians wear poppies as a symbol of remembrance and participate in Remembrance Day services to honor veterans and fallen soldiers.
Days off: Remembrance Day is a statutory holiday in Canada, observed nationwide, providing a day off for federal and provincial government offices, banks, schools, and many businesses.
Christmas Day – December 25, 2024
Christmas Day is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is observed with religious services, festive meals, and the exchange of gifts. Many Canadians decorate their homes with Christmas trees, lights, and ornaments and participate in traditions such as caroling and Santa Claus visits. Christmas is a time for family gatherings, goodwill, and spreading holiday cheer.
Days off: Christmas Day is a statutory holiday in Canada, observed nationwide, providing a day off for federal and provincial government offices, banks, schools, and many businesses.
Boxing Day – December 26, 2024
Boxing Day is observed on December 26th and is a time for relaxation, shopping, and charitable giving. It originated in the United Kingdom and is now celebrated in Canada as well as other Commonwealth countries. Many Canadians take advantage of Boxing Day sales and promotions to purchase discounted items and gifts. Others use the day to relax at home or engage in leisure activities with family and friends.
Days off: Boxing Day is a statutory holiday in Canada, observed nationwide, providing a day off for federal and provincial government offices, banks, and some businesses.
Table: Summary of Public Holidays in Canada 2024
Holiday | Date | Description | Days Off for Groups |
New Year’s Day | January 1 | Beginning of the Gregorian calendar year | Nationwide |
Family Day | February 19 | Dedicated to spending quality time with family | Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan |
Good Friday | April 19 | Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ | Nationwide |
Easter Monday | April 22 | Follows Easter Sunday and provides a day off | Nationwide |
Victoria Day | May 20 | Honors Queen Victoria’s birthday and the start of summer | Nationwide |
Canada Day | July 1 | Celebrates the anniversary of Confederation | Nationwide |
Civic Holiday | August 5 | Celebrates local heritage and culture | Varies by province |
Labour Day | September 2 | Honors the contributions of workers | Nationwide |
Thanksgiving Day | October 14 | Gives thanks for the harvest and blessings | Nationwide |
Remembrance Day | November 11 | Commemorates the sacrifices of Canadian soldiers | Nationwide |
Christmas Day | December 25 | Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ | Nationwide |
Boxing Day | December 26 | Day for relaxation, shopping, and giving | Nationwide |