Planning your 2025 calendar? This guide covers everything you need to know about Canadian statutory holidays in 2025. From planning your vacation days to making the most of a restful long weekend, we’ve got you covered with dates and insider tips for each holiday. 

Key Points 

  • List of all 2025 Canadian statutory holidays, both national and provincial. 
  • Expert tips for making the most of long weekends. 
  • Family-friendly activity suggestions for each holiday. 

Canadian Statutory Holidays 2025 

Date Holiday Observed In Notes 
January 1 New Year’s Day All provinces & territories National statutory holiday 
February 17 Family Day BC, AB, SK, ON, NB Provincial holiday 
February 17 Heritage Day NS Provincial holiday 
February 17 Louis Riel Day MB Provincial holiday 
April 18 Good Friday All provinces & territories National statutory holiday 
May 19 Victoria Day All provinces & territories* *Except QC, NB, NS, NL 
June 24 Fête Nationale QC Provincial holiday 
July 1 Canada Day All provinces & territories National statutory holiday 
August 4 Civic Holiday AB, BC, SK, ON, NB, NU Provincial holiday 
September 1 Labour Day All provinces & territories National statutory holiday 
September 30 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation All provinces & territories National statutory holiday 
December 25 Christmas Day All provinces & territories National statutory holiday 

This table includes major statutory holidays. Some provinces may observe additional holidays or have different names for similar celebrations. 

How Should I Spend My Holidays?

New Year’s Day on January 1, 2025 

Start your year right with Canada’s first holiday. Traditional celebrations include: 

  • Countdown to midnight events where you can celebrate with fireworks, live music, and parties. 
  • Winter activities, like skating, skiing, or snowshoeing. 
  • Setting resolutions as you reflect and plan for the year ahead. 

Good Friday on April 18, 2025 

This spring holiday marks the beginning of Easter weekend. Popular activities include: 

  • Family gatherings sharing in delicious meals and wonderful company. 
  • Easter egg hunts that are fun for kids and families alike. 
  • Spring break travel for those who wish to take a short trip and unwind. 
  • Religious observances through attending church services or other spiritual events. 

Victoria Day on May 19, 2025 

Known as the unofficial start of summer, Victoria Day brings: 

  • Garden store visits! Perfect for prepping summer gardens. 
  • First camping trip of the season to explore Canada’s great outdoors. 
  • Barbecues and outdoor parties where you can host gatherings with friends and family. 
  • Firework displays with colourful shows across the country. 
People camping for the first time in Canada.
Credit: Andy Quezada

Provincial Holiday Variations 

Family Day on February 17, 2025

Observed in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and New Brunswick. The perfect mid-winter break for: 

  • Indoor water park visits to escape the cold. 
  • Ski resort family packages, so you can hit the slopes together. 
  • Museum explorations are always a fun way to learn indoors. 
  • Festivals celebrating Canadian winters with ice sculptures, skating, and hot cocoa. 
A family enjoying a springtime picnic.
Credit: Jenny Wang

Holiday Planning Tips 

Making the Most of Long Weekends 

  • Book accommodations early! Reserve your stays 3-4 months in advance to avoid last-minute price hikes. 
  • Consider less busy destinations to beat the crowds and discover hidden gems. 
  • Plan indoor and outdoor options! In Canada, it’s important to be prepared for all weather conditions. 

Family-Friendly Activities 

  • Participate in community events, like parades, fairs, or local markets. 
  • Explore nature by hiking, biking, or having park picnics. 
  • Cultural celebrations sharing the world with your children as you attend festivals or cultural exhibits. 
  • Visit museums, art galleries, or historic sites for educational opportunities. 
A family enjoying a summer weekend on a beach.
Credit: Lawrence Clayton
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FAQs About Canadian Statutory Holidays 

  1. Are all statutory holidays paid days off? Yes, but specific rules vary by province and employment contracts. 
  2. How do stat holidays work for part-time employees? Part-time employees are usually eligible for holiday pay, calculated based on their average hours worked. 
  3. What if a statutory holiday falls on a weekend? Most provinces provide an alternative day off (typically on the Friday before or the following Monday) or additional pay. 
  4. Do all provinces observe the same holidays? No, some holidays are unique to specific provinces. 
  5. How many statutory holidays does each province have? It varies. For example, British Columbia has 10 in 2025, while other provinces may have more or fewer. 

      Understanding Canadian statutory holidays helps you maximize your time off and plan memorable experiences throughout 2025. To plan family gatherings, weekend getaways, or simply look forward to your next moment of rest and relaxation, these holidays provide perfect opportunities to explore and enjoy all that Canada has to offer. 

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