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Do you know which statutory holidays are coming up in Canada in 2023? If you’re planning a trip or just want to know when you can next enjoy a long weekend, read on to find out!
We’ll also tell you a bit about the history of each holiday and why it’s celebrated. So whether you’re a Canadian citizen or just visiting, start planning your 2023 holiday schedule now!
New Year’s Day – January 1st, 2023: New Year’s Day is the first day of the year and marks a new beginning. It was initially celebrated by the Romans as part of their midwinter festivals, then in Medieval England it became a Christian feast day. Canadians have been celebrating New Year’s Day since 1867, usually by attending church services or taking part in parades.
Good Friday – March 25th, 2023: Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his resurrection on Easter Sunday. The exact date of Good Friday varies from year to year as it’s calculated according to a lunar calendar. In Canada, this holiday has been observed for over 200 years and many people attend religious services or simply spend time with family.
Victoria Day – May 22nd, 2023: Victoria Day is a federal holiday in Canada that celebrates the birthday of Queen Victoria. It was first observed in 1845 and has since become an opportunity to celebrate all things Canadian. Many people enjoy this long weekend by having barbecues, attending fireworks displays or hosting parties.
Canada Day – July 1st, 2023: Canada Day is the official national holiday of Canada and marks the anniversary of Confederation in 1867 when the British North America Act united three colonies into one nation. It’s celebrated across the country with parades, concerts and other events throughout the day.
Labour Day – September 4th, 2023: Labour Day pays tribute to the hardworking people of Canada. It was first observed in 1872 and is now celebrated by marching in parades or participating in other organized activities.
Thanksgiving Day – October 9th, 2023: Thanksgiving Day is an opportunity for Canadians to give thanks for the blessings of the harvest season. This tradition dates back centuries and has become a much-loved holiday that’s celebrated with large family meals.
Remembrance Day – November 11th, 2023: Remembrance Day commemorates those who served in World War I, World War II and other conflicts around the world. A two-minute silence at 11am marks the beginning of National Veterans’ Week on November 8th each year and services are held at war memorials across Canada.
Christmas Day – December 25th, 2023: Christmas is an important religious holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s observed by Christians around the world and has become a secular tradition in many other countries. In Canada, it’s marked with gift-giving, decorations and festive meals shared with family and friends.
Boxing Day – December 26th, 2023: Boxing Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the day after Christmas. It originally began as a way for wealthy people to give boxes of food or other gifts to their servants but has since become an occasion for sales shopping or spending time with family.
Statutory Holidays in Ontario 2023:
January 2nd New Year’s Day Observed
February 18th Family Day
April 29th Good Friday
May 24th Victoria Day
July 1st Canada Day
August 2nd Civic Holiday
September 6th Labour Day
October 11th Thanksgiving Day
December 25th Christmas Day
December 26th Boxing day.
Statutory holidays in Quebec 2023:
January 2nd New Year’s Day Observed
February 21st National Patriot’s Day
April 2nd Good Friday
May 24th Victoria Day
June 24th St-John the Baptist Day
July 1st Canada Day
August 1st Civic Holiday (Moving)
September 6th Labour Day
October 11th Thanksgiving Day
December 25th Christmas Day. December 26th Boxing day.
Statutory Holidays in British Columbia 2023:
January 2nd New Year’s Day Observed
February 13th Family Day
April 22nd Good Friday
May 24th Victoria Day
July 1st Canada Day
August 2nd BC Day
September 6th Labour Day
October 11th Thanksgiving Day
December 25th Christmas Day. December 26th Boxing day.
Statutory Holidays in Alberta 2023:
January 2nd New Year’s Day Observed
February 15th Family Day
April 2nd Good Friday
May 24th Victoria Day
June 21st Heritage Day
July 1st Canada Day
August 2nd Civic Holiday (Moving)
September 6th Labour Day
October 11th Thanksgiving Day
December 25th Christmas day. December 26 Boxing day.
Statutory Holidays in Manitoba 2023:
January 2nd New Year’s Day Observed
February 15th Louis Riel Day
April 2nd Good Friday
May 24th Victoria Day
July 1st Canada Day
August 2nd Civic Holiday (Moving)
September 6th Labour Day
October 11th Thanksgiving Day
December 25th Christmas day. December 26 Boxing day.
Statutory Holidays in New Brunswick 2023:
January 2nd New Year’s Day Observed
February 15th Islander Day (PEI)
April 2nd Good Friday
May 24th Victoria Day
July 1st Canada Day
August 8th Natal Day (NB)
September 6th Labour Day
October 11th Thanksgiving Day
December 25th Christmas day. December 26 Boxing day.
Statutory Holidays in Nova Scotia 2023:
January 2nd New Year’s Day Observed
February 15th Heritage Day (NS)
April 2nd Good Friday
May 24th Victoria Day
July 1st Canada Day
August 8th Natal Day (NB)
September 6th Labour Day
October 11th Thanksgiving Day
December 25th Christmas day. December 26 Boxing day.
Statutory Holidays in Newfoundland and Labrador 2023:
January 2nd New Year’s Day Observed
March 29th Memorial Monday (NL)
April 2nd Good Friday
May 24th Victoria Day
June 24th Discovery Day (NL)
July 1st Canada Day
August 8th Natal Day (NB)
September 6th Labour Day
October 11th Thanksgiving Day
December 25th Christmas day. December 26 Boxing day.
In addition to these statuatory holidays there are also many religious and cultural celebrations that occur during the year.So mark your calendars for 2023 and start looking forward to all the holidays coming up ahead! Whether you spend them with family or friends, taking part in traditional festivities or just celebrating from home – get ready for some memorable days off. Enjoy!
As you can see, there are plenty of statutory holidays to look forward to in 2023. Start planning now and make the most of your long weekends! No matter which holiday you’re celebrating, enjoy it safely and responsibly.
