Every spring, Canadians ask the same question:

👉 Do I get both Good Friday and Easter Monday off?

The answer isn’t the same for everyone.

In Canada, Good Friday is widely recognized, while Easter Monday depends on your employer and sector. Here’s how it works across the country.

✝️ What Is Good Friday?

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is one of the most significant days in the Christian calendar.

Across Canada:

✅ It is a statutory holiday in most provinces and territories
✅ Many businesses and government offices are closed
✅ It creates a long weekend for a large portion of workers

🐣 What Is Easter Monday?

Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday and continues Easter observances.

In Canada:

❗ It is not a statutory holiday in most provinces or territories
❗ It is primarily observed by federal government employees and select organizations

📅 Easter Weekend Dates (2026)

Good Friday — April 3, 2026
Easter Sunday — April 5, 2026
Easter Monday — April 6, 2026

🇨🇦 Who Gets Good Friday Off in Canada?

Most Canadians do.

This includes:

Provincial and territorial government employees
Many private sector workers
Schools and public institutions

📌 In most provinces and territories, Good Friday is a recognized public holiday, meaning:

Employees are entitled to a day off or holiday pay (depending on eligibility rules)

🇨🇦 Who Gets Easter Monday Off in Canada?

This is where it differs.

Easter Monday is typically observed by:

Federal government employees
Banks and financial institutions
Some national or corporate offices
Certain schools and post-secondary institutions

For most Canadians:

❌ It is a regular working day

⚖️ Good Friday vs Easter Monday (Simple Breakdown)

Holiday	Stat Holiday in Canada	Who Gets It Off
Good Friday	✅ Yes (most regions)	Most workers
Easter Monday	❌ No (generally)	Federal + select employers

🌎 Does This Vary by Province or Territory?

Good Friday

Recognized in most provinces and territories
A standard public holiday across Canada

Easter Monday

Not widely recognized provincially or territorially
Mainly tied to federal employment and specific sectors

🔥 Why Easter Weekend Is So Popular in Canada

Even without Easter Monday, most Canadians get:
👉 A 3-day long weekend (Friday–Sunday)

If you also get Easter Monday:
👉 It becomes a 4-day long weekend

That makes it one of the most popular times for:

Spring travel
Visiting family
Outdoor activities as weather improves

🧠 Planning Tip

Because Easter dates change every year, it often lands between late March and April — making it one of the first major long weekends of the year.

👉 Want to turn this into a longer break?
Read: How to Maximize Your Vacation Days in Canada in 2026

✈️ Final Thought

In Canada, Good Friday is the standard.

Easter Monday is the exception.

Understanding the difference helps you plan your time off more effectively — especially if you're coordinating travel, work schedules, or family plans.