If you are planning to travel to Canada in the near future, it is in the first place very important to be familiar with that country’s visa and eTA requirements. For various reasons it is also a good idea to learn more about Canada’s main public holidays. In the first place, certain businesses, government offices, and services may be closed or have reduced opening hours during these holidays, which can negatively affect your travel plans and access to amenities.
Apart from that, public transportation schedules could also be different, and popular tourist attractions may be more crowded than usual. Being aware of holidays will also allow you to participate in and experience Canadian cultural and traditional celebrations, in the process giving you a deeper understanding of the local way of life.
The main holidays in Canada include:
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Family Day (Third Monday in February)
- Good Friday (Friday preceding Easter)
- Victoria Day (Monday preceding May 25)
- Canada Day (July 1)
- Labour Day (First Monday in September)
- Thanksgiving (Second Monday in October)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
Christmas is an important holiday in Canada, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, and is widely celebrated throughout the country.
Canada Day, which is celebrated on July 1st, offers an opportunity for patriotic festivities, including parades, fireworks, and outdoor festivals.
Being aware of these holidays can enhance a visitor’s experience and help them better plan their activities during their stay in Canada.
Apart from those mentioned above, there are also other holidays such as Easter Monday, Civic Holiday, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and Boxing Day, that are only observed in certain provinces or territories of Canada.
Easter Monday is an optional holiday in Canada, and is mainly observed in Quebec. Civic Holiday is a provincial holiday that is celebrated in Ontario, Manitoba, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a new optional holiday that is celebrated on September 30th across Canada. Boxing Day is another optional holiday that is currently observed in Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the three territories.
How do the various provinces and territories celebrate these public holidays in Canada?
The celebration of public holidays in Canada varies across provinces and territories, offering unique opportunities for well-informed visitors. Here are some interesting details that can enhance your trip:
Civic Holiday
Ontario – Here this day is known as “Simcoe Day” or “McLaughlin Day” in honor of John Graves Simcoe, the first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada.
Alberta – In this city it is referred to as “Heritage Day” and is dedicated to celebrating the province’s heritage.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
This is a fairly new holiday in Canada, observed on September 30th, to recognize the historical and ongoing impact of the residential school system on Indigenous communities. It is a day for reflection, learning, and honoring the survivors, their families, and communities.
Boxing Day
This day is celebrated in Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland, and the three territories (the Northwest Territories, the Yukon and Nunavut). It is typically observed with various traditions, including shopping, sports events, and charitable activities.
Easter Monday
Quebec – Many businesses and schools are closed, and people may participate in family gatherings and festive activities.
Canada Day
Celebrated nationwide with fireworks, parades, and various cultural events. In Newfoundland and Labrador, it is also known as “Memorial Day.”
Victoria Day
This day is celebrated in all Canadian provinces except Quebec, it is often associated with the beginning of the summer season and is marked with fireworks and outdoor activities.
Thanksgiving
The second Monday in October. Celebrated with family gatherings and traditional meals, such as roast turkey and pumpkin pie.
Understanding these regional differences will allow you to engage more deeply with local customs and traditions, making your trip to Canada not only more enriching but also more memorable.
How safe are the large Canadian cities during public holiday celebrations?
Safety is generally not an issue during public holiday celebrations in large Canadian cities. Canada is considered as one of the safest countries in the world, and street crime is infrequent, even in major cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. While there may be some crime hotspots in these cities, they are mostly confined to the peripheries.
During public holidays, cities often organize various events and festivities, such as parades, live music, and outdoor festivals, which attract large crowds. These events are normally well-organized and secure, with increased security measures in place to ensure the safety of attendees. It is, however, always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and to take basic precautions, such as not leaving your valuables unattended and being cautious when using ATMs or public transportation.
Everything you need to know about public transport on Canadian holidays
Public transport in Canada is generally safe and efficient, even during public holidays.
Service availability
Holiday service is normally fully operational on Family Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Simcoe Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Boxing Day.
All TTC routes will operate on their Sunday service schedules but will start earlier, at around 6 a.m. Any routes that do not normally operate on Sundays will not operate on a public holiday.
Subway services
Subway services start at around 8 a.m. and run every 4-5 minutes.
Safety – It is important to exercise normal safety precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings, avoiding poorly lit or isolated areas, and keeping an eye on your belongings, particularly in crowded places and tourist areas.
Fares – Fares for public transport during holidays are typically the same as those on regular weekdays. For example, Toronto to Winnipeg costs around $145 one way (cheaper if you pay in advance), while Montréal to Toronto costs around $40 one way.
Train and bus services
Long-distance buses run on a fairly full timetable (at least during the day), stopping only for meal breaks and driver changeovers. Train services are limited though – but the national carrier, VIA Rail, offers a more extensive network of routes.
How do public holidays affect the availability of flights between the main Canadian cities?
Public holidays can affect the availability and frequency of flights between major cities in several ways.
Increased demand – During public holidays, many locals may travel within the country to visit family or friends, or take a short break. This increased demand for flights can lead to higher prices and reduced availability, particularly during popular travel times.
Airport closures – Some smaller airports may close or have limited operations during public holidays, which can negatively affect flight schedules and connectivity between cities.
Staffing and maintenance – Airlines may schedule maintenance or staffing changes during public holidays, which might impact flight schedules and cause delays.
Weather conditions – The weather, of course, doesn’t take a break on public holidays, and as always weather conditions can sometimes be quite unpredictable. This may lead to flight cancellations or delays due to factors such as high winds, snow, or thunderstorms. Factor these possibilities into your planning and stay informed about potential changes in flight schedules and availability.
Will most restaurants remain open during Canadian public holidays? What about street food?
Many restaurants remain open during public holidays in Canada, particularly those in popular tourist areas and city centers. Some restaurants may, however, have modified opening hours or offer limited menus, so it’s advisable to check in advance and make reservations if possible.
In Quebec City many restaurants stay open during the holiday season, including on December 24, 25, 26, 31, and January 1 and 2. Additionally, in areas designated for tourists, such as the Eaton Centre in Toronto, some restaurants and shops are allowed to remain open on public holidays.
As for street food, it may be available in certain areas, particularly in popular tourist spots and during special events or festivals. The availability of street food during public holidays can, however, vary – so we recommend that you check locally for specific information.
Are there any Canadian street food festivals worth attending?
Yes, there are several food festivals and events that take place throughout the year in Canada, some of them on public holidays. A few of the bigger ones include:
Prince Edward Island Fall Flavors Festival – A month-long culinary event held from September 4 to October 4, featuring various sub-festivals and events across the island.
Ottawa Poutine Fest – A popular event in Ottawa that celebrates the delicious Canadian dish known as poutine. This festival offers a wide range of poutine creations, from the traditional to the exotic, providing visitors with the opportunity to sample a diverse selection of this iconic Canadian dish.
Some popular options at the festival include
Traditional Poutine – Classic poutine with fries, cheese curds, and gravy.
Exotic Flavors – Unique poutine combinations such as calamari, lobster, butter chicken, perogee, ribs, Italian, shawarma, tourtiere, blackened chicken, Greek, filet mignon, and nacho.
Dine Out Vancouver – A 17-day culinary extravaganza in Vancouver, where hundreds of the city’s top restaurants offer special prix fixe menus.
Just for Laughs Festival, Montreal – This festival features a variety of food events and gatherings, including food truck gatherings at the Olympic Stadium and city-wide poutine festivals.
The above food festivals and events showcase the diverse culinary culture of Canada and offer an excellent opportunity to sample local flavors and enjoy street food. We also recommend that visitors check locally for specific food festivals and events during their visit to a particular part of Canada, since these often vary depending on the province or city.
Do I need a visa or an ETA to visit Canada?
Most visitors need one of these documents, but not both. Here are the most important points to be aware of:
Electronic Travel Authorization(eTA)
If you are from a visa-exempt country, you will need to obtain an eTA for visits of up to 6 months or for transit through a Canadian airport. The cost for an eTA is CAN $7. We recommend that you check the specific requirements based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit by visiting the eTA requirements.
Visitor Visa
If you are not from a visa-exempt country, you will have to apply for a visitor visa. This is required for visits of up to 6 months for most purposes and costs CAN $100.