How Many Statutory Holidays Are There in Canada in 2026? A Full Guide for Travelers and Workers

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How many nationwide public holidays are there in Canada in 2026

Canada is known for its diverse cultural traditions, and its public holidays reflect that variety. If you are planning your work calendar, business operations, or travel schedule for 2026, one key question naturally comes up: How many public holidays are there in Canada in 2026?

The answer depends on where in Canada you are, because the country has both federal statutory holidays and provincial or territorial public holidays. In 2026, there are six nationwide statutory holidays recognized across Canada, plus several additional holidays that vary by province.

This guide breaks down everything clearly so you know exactly what to expect.

How Many Statutory Holidays Are Nationwide in Canada in 2026?

Canada has six federal statutory holidays that apply nationwide in 2026:

1. New Year’s Day
   Thursday, January 1, 2026

2. Good Friday
   Friday, April 3, 2026

3. Canada Day
   Wednesday, July 1, 2026

4. Labour Day
   Monday, September 7, 2026

5. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
   Wednesday, September 30, 2026

6. Christmas Day
   Friday, December 25, 2026

These six days are the holidays recognized by the federal government and apply to federally regulated workplaces such as banks, airlines, telecommunications, and the postal service.

Canada Day (July 1): History, Meaning, Trivia, Celebrations and Facts Canada Day is a public holiday when Canadians across the country and around the world show their pride in their history, culture, and achievements!

Other Major Public Holidays Observed in Most Provinces in 2026

While only six holidays are nationwide, most provinces observe additional public holidays. These vary across Canada, and 2026 includes several important dates:

Family Day

Monday, February 16, 2026
Observed in: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick
(Manitoba celebrates Louis Riel Day on the same date.)

Islander Day

Monday, February 16, 2026
Observed in: Prince Edward Island

St. Patrick’s Day (Public Holiday in NL)

Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Observed in: Newfoundland and Labrador

Easter Monday

Monday, April 6, 2026
Federal holiday for government offices and banks, but not a general statutory holiday.

Victoria Day

Monday, May 18, 2026
Observed in all provinces and territories except Quebec
(Quebec celebrates National Patriots’ Day on this date.)

Civic Holiday

Monday, August 3, 2026
Not statutory nationwide, but widely observed.

Thanksgiving Day

Monday, October 12, 2026
Observed in every province and territory except PEI and NL.

Remembrance Day

Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Statutory in most provinces except Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Manitoba.

Total Number of Public Holidays by Province in 2026

Since holiday counts differ across Canada, here is an approximate summary for 2026:

The variation comes from regional holidays like Family Day, Louis Riel Day, St. Jean Baptiste Day, Natal Day, and Discovery Day.

Why Canada’s Public Holiday Count Varies

Canada’s holiday system is shaped by:

1. Federal vs provincial authority

Provinces decide their own statutory holidays, creating differences in the total number of days off.

2. Cultural and historical traditions

Quebec, for example, celebrates St. Jean Baptiste Day while Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes holidays like St. Patrick’s Day and Orangemen’s Day.

3. Local autonomy

Even within provinces, some municipalities celebrate optional civic days.

This structure explains why holiday counts are not uniform across the country.

Important Holiday Highlights for 2026

Canada Day falls on a Wednesday

A midweek holiday may lead to reduced work productivity and short 2-day travel breaks rather than long weekends.

Christmas falls on a Friday

This creates a natural long weekend for most workers.

Several midweek holidays may affect business schedules

Good Friday, Truth and Reconciliation Day, and Remembrance Day all fall on Wednesday or Friday, which can require staffing adjustments.

Tips for Workers, Employers, and Travelers Planning for 2026

For businesses

• Update payroll calendars early.

• Expect reduced staffing around long weekends.

• Plan marketing campaigns around statutory holiday peaks.

For employees

• Use midweek holidays to stretch vacation days.

• Confirm which holidays your province recognizes.

For travelers

• Book Thanksgiving and Christmas travel months ahead.

• Expect heavy traffic around Victoria Day and Labour Day weekends.

Strategic planning can turn statutory holidays into opportunities for rest or adventure.

Conclusion

So how many public holidays will Canada observe in 2026?
The clear answer is:

• Six nationwide federal statutory holidays, plus

• Several additional provincial holidays, bringing most regions to 9 to 12 total public holidays.

Understanding the differences between provinces helps workers, businesses, and travelers plan 2026 with confidence. Whether you are building a work calendar or creating a travel itinerary, these dates shape the rhythm of Canadian life throughout the year.

FAQs

1. How many nationwide public holidays are there in Canada in 2026?

There are six federal statutory holidays observed nationwide.

2. Do all provinces have the same number of holidays?

No. Each province sets its own holidays, so totals vary from 8 to 12 depending on location.

3. Is Easter Monday a public holiday in Canada?

It is a federal holiday but not a general statutory holiday for most workers.

4. Which province has the most holidays in 2026?

Saskatchewan and Manitoba typically have the highest total, around 12 public holidays.

5. Is Remembrance Day a public holiday everywhere?

No. Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia do not treat it as a full statutory holiday.