Last Updated:September 15, 2026
Supervised by Yuki Shiraishi (Immigration Consultant)
About Canadian Holidays
Canadian holidays include official Statutory Holidays observed nationwide and Provincial Holidays that differ by province. On statutory holidays, many businesses and facilities close, with some exceptions. On major holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas in particular, most shops, including supermarkets and cafes, are closed and people tend to spend the day at home. This reflects a part of North American culture that values time with family.
Canadian Holiday Calendar (2023 and 2024)
Statutory Holiday
| 2023 | 2024 | Holiday Name (Japanese) | Holiday Name (English) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 (Sun) | Jan 1 (Mon) | Shinnen (新年) | New Year’s Day |
| Apr 7 (Fri) | Mar 29 (Fri) | Seikinyobi (聖金曜日) | Good Friday |
| Apr 10 (Mon) | Apr 1 (Mon) | Fukkatsusai no Getsuyobi (復活祭の月曜日) | Easter Monday |
| May 22 (Mon) | May 20 (Mon) | Bikutoria De (ビクトリア・デー) | Victoria Day |
| Jul 1 (Sat) | Jul 1 (Mon) | Kenkoku Kinenbi (建国記念日) | Canada Day |
| Aug 7 (Mon) | Aug 5 (Mon) | Shibikku Horide (シビックホリデー) | Civic Holiday |
| Sep 4 (Mon) | Sep 2 (Mon) | Rodosha no Hi (労働者の日) | Labour Day |
| Sep 30 (Sat) | Sep 30 (Mon) | Shinjitsu to Wakai no Hi (真実と和解の日) | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation |
| Oct 9 (Mon) | Oct 14 (Mon) | Kanshasai (感謝祭) | Thanksgiving Day |
| Nov 11 (Sat) | Nov 11 (Mon) | Senbotsusha Tsuitobi (戦没者追悼日) | Remembrance Day |
| Dec 25 (Mon) | Dec 25 (Wed) | Kurisumasu (クリスマス) | Christmas Day |
| Dec 26 (Tue) | Dec 26 (Thu) | Bokushingu De (ボクシング・デー) | Boxing Day |
Provincial Holiday
| 2023 | 2024 | Holiday Name (English) | Province/Territory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 20 (Mon) | Feb 19 (Mon) | Islander Day | Prince Edward Island |
| Feb 20 (Mon) | Feb 19 (Mon) | Louis Riel Day | Manitoba |
| Feb 20 (Mon) | Feb 19 (Mon) | Family Day | Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan |
| Feb 20 (Mon) | Feb 19 (Mon) | Heritage Day | Nova Scotia |
| Mar 20 (Mon) | Mar 17 (Sun) | Saint Patrick’s Day | Newfoundland and Labrador |
| Apr 25 (Tue) | Apr 22 (Mon) | Saint George’s Day | Newfoundland and Labrador |
| May 22 (Mon) | May 20 (Mon) | National Patriots’ Day | Quebec |
| Jun 21 (Wed) | Jun 21 (Fri) | National Indigenous Peoples Day | Northwest Territories, Yukon |
| Jun 23 (Fri) | Jun 24 (Mon) | Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day | Quebec |
| Jun 26 (Mon) | Jun 24 (Mon) | June Holiday | Newfoundland and Labrador |
| Jul 3 (Mon) | Jul 1 (Mon) | Memorial Day | Newfoundland and Labrador |
| Jul 9 (Sun) | Jul 9 (Fri) | Nunavut Day | Nunavut |
| Jul 10 (Mon) | Jul 15 (Mon) | Orangemen’s Day | Newfoundland and Labrador |
| Aug 21 (Mon) | Aug 19 (Mon) | Discovery Day | Yukon |
| Nov 13 (Mon) | Nov 11 (Mon) | Remembrance Day | Newfoundland and Labrador |
Canadian Festivals and Seasonal Events
In addition to statutory holidays, several seasonal cultural events are widely celebrated in Canada.
February 14: Valentine’s Day
In Japan this day is known for women giving chocolates or gifts to men, but in Canada men generally give gifts to women. Since Canada has no concept of White Day, gifts are sometimes exchanged both ways.
March 17: St. Patrick’s Day
This day, marking the anniversary of St. Patrick’s death, is especially a celebration of Irish culture. In cities such as Toronto and Montreal, parades with green decorations and other festivities are held.
Second Sunday of May: Mother’s Day
Originating in the United States, this is a day when gifts such as flowers, cakes and message cards are given to show appreciation to mothers.
Third Sunday of June: Father’s Day
This is a day to cherish time with fathers, when families watch movies or enjoy special activities together. It is common to give gifts to show appreciation to fathers.
October 31: Halloween
Towns are decorated for Halloween and various parades and events are held, making this a popular event in Canada as well.
December 31: New Year’s Eve
On this last day of the year, various events are held across Canada, and the countdown and the fireworks at the moment the new year begins are especially famous. The following New Year’s Day is a holiday, but unlike Japan there is no custom of taking the first three days of the year off, and many people return to work on January 2.
Immigration Consultant
Yuki Shiraishi
Born in Japan. After earning a Bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan, she worked for six years in New York as a marketing consultant at a major travel agency, while also studying in an MBA program at the City University of New York. After returning to Japan, she managed the visa center of the same travel company, handling various international visa applications for foreign clients.
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