Canadian Holidays and Other Observances

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In the province of Ontario, there are nine statutory holidays throughout the year. Additionally, Remembrance Day, Easter Monday and Civic Holiday are observed in some workplaces, but are not designated under Labour Law as statutory holidays.

The holidays below have been separated into two sections, Statutory Holidays and Other Celebrations and Observances. While there are other holidays and observances that celebrate ethnic diversity, the following list will give you a glimpse into Canadian culture and prepare you for some of the events you will experience as a resident of Canada and of the City of Greater Sudbury.

Statutory Holidays

New Year’s Day – January 1

New Year’s Day is the first day of the calendar year and a designated statutory holiday. It is usually celebrated at the stroke of midnight on December 31. People gather with friends and family to wish each other the best in the year ahead. It is also customary to make New Year’s Resolutions, which people hope to fulfill in the coming year.

Family Day – 3rd Monday in February

Family Day is a statutory holiday in the provinces of Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan. The principle of the holiday is for citizens to spend extra time with loved ones. The holiday began in Alberta as a way to recognize the values of the pioneers and to emphasize the importance of home and family values. It has been a statutory holiday in Ontario since 2008.

Good Friday – Friday before Easter

Good Friday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. Financial institutions, banks, government offices, and some private businesses are closed. It signifies the beginning of Easter weekend celebrations.

Victoria Day – Monday before May 24

Victoria Day is also referred to as “May Long Weekend.” Many Canadians recognize this time as an unofficial start to the summer season. Some people may open their cottage or go camping. Traditionally, it is celebrated in honour of Queen Victoria and the reigning sovereign’s birthday, Queen Elizabeth II.

Canada Day – July 1

Canada Day is a federal, statutory holiday that recognizes the birth of our nation. It celebrates the July 1, 1867 enactment of the British North America Act, which united two British colonies into the single country of Canada. Celebrations are held across the country, and may include outdoor events and fireworks. Citizenship ceremonies for new Canadians are also held. It’s a day to demonstrate Canadian pride.

Labour Day – First Monday in September

Traditionally, Labour Day was an occasion to celebrate workers' rights with parades and other activities organized by unions. Today, many Canadians use the holiday as an opportunity to take a late summer trip, visit their camp or cottage, or gather with family and friends.

Thanksgiving – 2nd Monday in October

Thanksgiving is a time for people to give thanks by gathering for a turkey dinner with friends and family. Traditionally, it is a day to show gratitude for a good fall harvest or to mark the end of a long journey. Canada and the United States both celebrate Thanksgiving, however, the American holiday takes place in November.

Christmas Day – December 25

Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ in Christianity. Although a religious holiday, most non-religious Canadians also celebrate by gift giving and gathering with friends and family. During the holiday season, people will decorate their homes with colourful lights, Christmas trees and many other festive decorations.

Boxing Day – December 26

Boxing Day is the day after Christmas. Although stores are closed in certain municipalities, the holiday is followed by Boxing Week Sales, where stores offer some of the best deals of the year. Traditionally, Boxing Day commemorated the Feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian Martyr.

Other Celebrations and Observances

		Valentine’s Day – February 14 Valentine’s Day is an annual festivity that celebrates love. Couples demonstrate their devotion and affection for each other by exchanging gifts and spending time together. Children will often exchange Valentine cards with their classmates or give them to loved ones. Various symbols that have become associated with Valentine’s Day are cupids, hearts, and the colours red and pink.

		St. Patrick’s Day – March 17 Rooted in Irish tradition, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated by many Canadians of both Irish and non-Irish descents. People recognize Irish culture in many ways, whether it is through food and drink, or customs and traditions. Conventionally, it began as a day to commemorate St. Patrick, the most recognized patron saint of Ireland.

		Easter Sunday Easter is the Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Although, it is a religious holiday, many non-religious people also celebrate Easter. One modern tradition is that of the Easter Bunny, a fictional holiday character who brings chocolate treats to homes while everyone is asleep. When children wake up on Easter morning, they go on an egg hunt to find all the treats left behind by the Easter Bunny. Canadians also celebrate this holiday with family gatherings and activities.

		Mother’s Day - Second Sunday in May Mother’s Day pays tribute to the contributions and hard work of mothers and/or motherhood. It is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. People may give gifts and spend time with the mothers close to them.

		Father’s Day - Third Sunday in June Father’s Day honours the contributions and hard work of fathers and/or fatherhood. It is held on the third Sunday of June. People may give gifts and spend time with the fathers in their lives.

		St. Jean Baptiste - June 24 St. Jean Baptiste is a celebration of French-Canadian culture held on June 24 of each year. Although its presence is strongest in the province of Quebec, many Ontarians and City of Greater Sudbury residents of French and non-French descents observe St. Jean Baptiste through francophone festivals, traditions and activities.

		Civic Holiday - First Monday in August Civic holiday takes place on the first Monday of August. Although it is a designated holiday for most federal and municipal governments, it is not a defined statutory holiday under Labour Law.

		Grandparents Day - First Sunday after Labour Day National Grandparents Day is the first Sunday after Labour Day. It honours grandparents and their contributions and hard work. It is a day to spend time with grandparents and also to remember the ones who have passed.

		Halloween - October 31 Halloween is celebrated on October 31. Children of all ages dress up in costumes and walk door to door collecting candy, or “trick or treating.” Some people host costume parties or other activities. Many Canadians decorate their homes with Halloween ornaments and carve jack o lanterns out of pumpkins.

		Remembrance Day - November 11 Each year on November 11, Canadians honour the men and women who have served and continue to serve the country during times of war, conflict and peace. A moment of silence of two minutes takes place during the day. Although it is not a statutory holiday, some government and private businesses are closed and commemorative ceremonies take place throughout the city.