Dates are based on publicly available sources such as Government of Canada and provincial calendars (e.g., Government of British Columbia). Some provinces have confirmed 2026 holidays, while others may finalize closer to the year. Always verify with your local authority before making travel plans.
Official List of Canada Public Holidays 2026
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | National |
| February 16 | Monday | Family Day | Provincial (AB, BC, ON, SK, NB) |
| April 3 | Friday | Good Friday | National |
| May 18 | Monday | Victoria Day | National (except Quebec) |
| July 1 | Wednesday | Canada Day | National |
| August 3 | Monday | Civic/Natal Day | Provincial |
| September 7 | Monday | Labour Day | National |
| September 30 | Wednesday | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | Federal (limited provinces) |
| October 12 | Monday | Thanksgiving Day | National (except Atlantic provinces) |
| November 11 | Wednesday | Remembrance Day | Federal (not all provinces) |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | National |
Some provinces also celebrate local holidays like Louis Riel Day (Manitoba) and Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (Quebec).
Canada’s Long Weekends 2026
Planning your breaks? Here’s every 2026 long weekend in Canada and the best way to spend it.
| Family Day | Feb 14–16 | Winter getaways or ski trips |
| Good Friday | Apr 3–6 | Spring escapes and early hikes |
| Victoria Day | May 16–18 | Camping, cottage weekends |
| Canada Day | Jun 28–Jul 1 | Fireworks and summer road trips |
| Labour Day | Sep 5–7 | End-of-summer adventures |
| Thanksgiving | Oct 10–12 | Cozy fall getaways |
When’s the next long weekend in Canada? After New Year’s Day, the first break is Family Day weekend, the perfect excuse for a snowy February escape.
Where to Go on Long Weekends
Winter Escapes (January–March)
- Whistler, British Columbia - Canada’s snow capital. Ski, snowboard, and sip cocoa by the fire, Whistler is winter done right.
- Banff, Alberta - Picture-perfect peaks, frozen lakes, and cozy cabins. Skate on Lake Louise or soak in Banff’s natural hot springs, a Family Day favorite.
- Quebec City, Quebec - A real-life snow globe with cobblestone streets, twinkling lights, and the Quebec Winter Carnival. Wander, warm up, repeat.
Spring & Summer Adventures (April–August)
- Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario – Spring means vineyards, vintage bikes, and picnic paths near Niagara Falls. Romantic, relaxed, and easy to reach for a quick break.
- Prince Edward Island – Small island, big charm. Drive the coastal red cliffs, feast on lobster rolls, and explore towns where time slows down.
- Vancouver Island, BC – Surf, hike, and breathe salt air on one of Canada’s most scenic coastal drives.
- Ottawa, Ontario – For Canada Day weekend, the capital shines brightest, fireworks, live music, and a sea of red and white.
Fall Road Trips (September–November)
- Algonquin Park, Ontario – Canoes, forests, and fall colours, a classic Canadian weekend escape.
- Montreal, Quebec – Autumn festivals, coffee on cobblestones, and endless good food. Montreal glows when the leaves turn.
- Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia – Dramatic coastlines and fresh seafood. freedom found on the open road. Perfect for Thanksgiving weekend (October 12).
Unique Provincial Holidays
| Louis Riel Day | Manitoba | Feb 16 |
| Islander Day | Prince Edward Island | Feb 16 |
| Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day | Quebec | Jun 24 |
| Discovery Day | Newfoundland & Labrador | Jun 22 |
| Natal Day | Nova Scotia, PEI | Aug 3 |
Did you know? While Alberta celebrates Family Day in February, Quebec saves its fireworks for Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, when the province bursts with parades and music.
Make Every Long Weekend Count
Long weekends aren’t just breaks, they’re opportunities to explore smarter.
Canada’s 2026 calendar is packed with them, from snow-filled Februarys to sun-drenched Augusts. With a little planning, every few weeks can feel like a mini vacation.
Here’s the secret: travel light, stay connected, and skip the friction.
Instead of juggling SIM cards or relying on weak Wi-Fi, go digital with Eskimo eSIM for Canada. It works instantly across every province, giving you fast, reliable data wherever you go.
If your plans stretch beyond the border, maybe a quick hop to the U.S. or a summer trip to Europe, the Eskimo Global eSIM keeps you connected in 100+ countries with no SIM swaps, contracts, or surprise fees.
Smart travelers don’t just plan routes, they plan connections.
So, map out your long weekends early and make 2026 the year you travel smarter, explore more, and stay seamlessly online wherever you go.
FAQs
When is the next public holiday in Canada?
In provinces like Alberta, Ontario, and B.C., the next holiday is Family Day (February 16) after New Year’s Day.
Is Remembrance Day a statutory holiday everywhere?
No. It’s federally recognized but not a paid statutory day in some provinces like Ontario and Quebec.
When is Thanksgiving in Canada?
October 12, 2026. It’s the perfect time for fall foliage drives and cozy cabin weekends.
Where to go for long weekends in Canada?
Try Whistler for winter fun, Niagara-on-the-Lake for spring, or Montreal for fall festivals, all trending destinations for 2026.
What happens on Canada Day 2026?
Fireworks, concerts, and national pride light up cities like Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver, Canada’s biggest celebration of the year.
