Family Day is celebrated in eight Canadian provinces. It falls on the third Monday of February each year and allows families to spend quality time together.
Family Day aims to honour family bonds and bring loved ones closer together. It reflects the historical importance of family in the founding of these provinces.
This article will explore its history, where and when it’s celebrated, popular activities and traditions, holiday opening hours, and more.
When is Family Day in Canada Celebrated Each Year?
Family Day is celebrated on the third Monday of February, with exact dates falling between February 15 and February 21 each year. This scheduling creates a predictable three-day weekend for families in participating provinces.
Here are the Family Day dates from 2025 to 2035:
| Year | Date | Weeks from New Year’s Day | Weeks to Easter |
| 2025 | Monday, February 17 | 7 weeks | 8 weeks |
| 2026 | Monday, February 16 | 7 weeks | 6 weeks |
| 2027 | Monday, February 15 | 6 weeks | 11 weeks |
| 2028 | Monday, February 21 | 8 weeks | 8 weeks |
| 2029 | Monday, February 19 | 7 weeks | 6 weeks |
| 2030 | Monday, February 18 | 7 weeks | 9 weeks |
| 2031 | Monday, February 17 | 7 weeks | 6 weeks |
| 2032 | Monday, February 16 | 7 weeks | 11 weeks |
| 2033 | Monday, February 21 | 8 weeks | 7 weeks |
| 2034 | Monday, February 20 | 7 weeks | 6 weeks |
| 2035 | Monday, February 19 | 7 weeks | 8 weeks |
As shown on the table, Family Day in 2026 falls on Monday, February 16. Looking ahead, Family Day will fall on February 15 in 2027, February 21 in 2028, and February 19 in 2029.
While the date varies year to year, Canadians in observing provinces can count on having the third Monday of February off. The consistent timing makes it easier to plan family activities, travel, or know when to expect holiday pay.
Which Provinces Recognize Family Day as a Statutory Holiday?
Eight provinces observe a statutory holiday on the third Monday in February, though names and focuses differ. The provinces that do use this “Family Day” name include Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. Meanwhile, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island celebrate it under different names.
The table below shows where and how the day is observed with different names in Canada.
| Province | Has Family Day? | Holiday Name | Key Focus |
| Alberta | Yes | Family Day | Family time during winter |
| British Columbia | Yes | Family Day | Family contributions to communities |
| Saskatchewan | Yes | Family Day | Family importance |
| Ontario | Yes | Family Day | Mid-winter break for families |
| New Brunswick | Yes | Family Day | Aligns with the national average of paid holidays |
| Nova Scotia | Yes | Heritage Day | Rotates honourees like Viola Desmond |
| Prince Edward Island | Yes | Islander Day | Island heritage and sync with other provinces |
| Manitoba | Yes | Louis Riel Day | Honours Métis leader Louis Riel |
| Quebec | No | – | – |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | No | – | – |
| Yukon | No | – | – |
| Northwest Territories | No | – | – |
| Nunavut | No | – | – |
So, in summary, while Family Day honours family bonds, not all provinces officially observe it. Those opting out maintain their own heritage-based holidays instead.
Note: Yukon celebrates ‘Heritage Day’ in February on a Friday, but it is not a mandatory holiday according to the Yukon’s Employment Standards Act.
Source: Family Day (Canada) – Wikipedia
Who Qualifies for Family Day Pay?
To qualify for Family Day pay, it depends on where you work, your job status, and how long you have been with your employer. It is not a statutory holiday in Canada, so federal employees usually do not get the day off. However, some might still receive paid time off under company policies or union agreements.
Similarly, most provinces have specific requirements for Family Day pay, commonly including:
- Length of employment
- Scheduled shift attendance
- Employment status
- Provincial employment
Note that, even if provincial rules say you should get the holiday pay, you might have to work on that day, which means different payment rules apply. The bullets above highlight common patterns in many provinces. Therefore, it’s best to check your province’s employment standards or your employer’s policy for the most accurate information.
Example: In British Columbia, if an employee has not worked 15 out of the last 30 days, they will not get statutory holiday pay if they do not work on the holiday. If they do work, they will receive their regular wages.
What are Employee Benefits on Family Day?
Family Day offers employees in participating provinces a statutory holiday with specific benefits based on their job and location.
If you do NOT work on Family Day: Most full-time and part-time workers can enjoy the holiday with family without losing pay, regardless of their pay structure (salaried, hourly, or commission).
If you DO work on Family Day: You are typically entitled to extra pay, usually at least 1.5x the hourly rate, along with either a day off with pay later or an additional day’s wages. Some job contracts may offer even better terms, like 2x pay or additional days off.
If Family Day falls on a scheduled day off or vacation, employees are entitled to take a substitute day off at a later date. The employer must provide this substitute day within a reasonable time.
Here is the summary of the employee entitlements by province/territory in Canada:
| Province | Eligibility Requirements | Benefits for Non-Working Employees | Benefits for Working Employees | Premium Pay Rate |
| Ontario | Must qualify under “last and first rule” (work scheduled shift before and after holiday, or have reasonable cause) | Public holiday pay (regular day’s wages or average based on 4 weeks prior) | Option 1: Regular wages + substitute day off with holiday pay; Option 2: Holiday pay + 1.5× regular rate for hours worked | 1.5× regular rate |
| Alberta | Employed for 30+ workdays in prior 12 months | Average day’s pay if holiday falls on regular workday | Option 1: 1.5× regular rate + average daily wage; Option 2: Regular wages + future day off with average daily wage | 1.5× regular rate |
| Saskatchewan | No minimum service period required | 5% of wages earned in 28 days before holiday | 1.5× regular rate for hours worked + 5% of prior 28 days’ wages | 1.5× regular rate |
| Manitoba | No minimum service period (unless absent without permission) | 5% of gross wages from 4 weeks before holiday (or one day’s pay if consistent hours) | 1.5× regular rate for hours worked + general holiday pay | 1.5× regular rate |
| British Columbia | Employed 30+ calendar days AND worked/earned wages on 15 of 30 days before holiday | Average day’s pay | Average day’s pay + 1.5× regular rate for hours worked | 1.5× regular rate |
| New Brunswick | Employed 90+ calendar days in prior 12 months AND worked scheduled shifts before/after holiday | Regular day’s pay (or average if wages vary) | Option 1: Regular rate + substitute day off with pay; Option 2: Regular day’s pay + 1.5× regular rate for hours worked | 1.5× regular rate |
| Prince Edward Island | Employed 30+ calendar days AND earned pay on 15 of 30 days before holiday AND worked scheduled shifts before/after | Regular day’s pay (or average over 30 days if hours vary) | Option 1: 1.5× regular rate for hours worked + regular day’s pay; Option 2: Regular rate for hours worked + substitute day off with regular pay | 1.5× regular rate |
| Nova Scotia | Entitled to pay on 15 of 30 calendar days before holiday AND worked scheduled shifts before/after | Regular day’s pay (or average if hours vary) | 1.5× regular rate for hours worked + regular day’s pay | 1.5× regular rate |
Example: An employee in Ontario with a variable schedule worked all their scheduled shifts around Family Day but did not work on the holiday. To calculate holiday pay, take the total regular wages earned in the four weeks before the holiday and divide them by the number of days worked in that time.
Disclaimer: This article offers general information, not legal advice. Employment standards differ by province and can change. Always check your provincial standards or consult an employment lawyer for your situation.
Popular Family Day Traditions and Activities
Canadians celebrate Family Day in various fun ways. Popular traditions include:
Winter Sports and Games
Family Day often takes advantage of the winter season with classic Canadian activities like:
- Skating on frozen ponds
- Sledding, skiing, snowshoeing
- Building snowmen and forts
- Hockey, ice fishing
Indoor Entertainment
For those who prefer staying warm indoors, families enjoy:
- Watching movies together
- Playing board and video games
- Working on crafts and DIY projects
Community Events
Many cities and towns host special Family Day events, including:
- Special events and festivals
- Dances, concerts, carnivals
- Discounted/free admission to museums, zoos, and galleries
Food Traditions
Sharing meals is a big part of this celebration. Popular food-related activities include:
- Baking cookies and treats together
- Preparing culturally significant dishes
- Enjoying hot chocolate and fresh-baked goodies
Family History Exploration
Family Day is also a time to reflect and reconnect with loved ones, past and present, with activities like:
- Looking at old photos
- Genealogy research
- Sharing family stories
- Reconnecting with distant relatives
Canadians often welcome involvement from extended family and newcomers. Trying winter activities, cooking, and attending local events make everyone feel part of the cultural celebration.
How does Each Province celebrate Family Day?
While some common themes and activities unite Family Day celebrations, each participating province also gives the holiday its own twist.
Alberta
As the originator of Family Day in Canada, Alberta first observed the holiday in 1990 and has embraced it with enthusiasm ever since. The “Silver Skate Festival” in Edmonton is a highlight, combining sport with Dutch artistic traditions, while families gather to enjoy traditional pioneer foods like bannock.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan adopted Family Day in 2007, becoming the third province to do so. Families in this province celebrate with outdoor festivities like skating, sledding, and snowshoeing, along with craft fairs, costume parades, and carnivals.
Ontario
Ontario introduced Family Day in 2008 during a provincial election campaign to give Ontarians a break. The day is marked by a range of cultural and recreational events, including free admission to museums and cultural sites, as well as special events at tourist attractions such as Niagara Falls. Toronto hosts events at Nathan Phillips Square, while rural Ontario focuses on snowmobiling and ice fishing derbies.
Manitoba
Unlike other provinces, Manitoba celebrates Louis Riel Day, which was first observed in 2008. This day honours the Métis leader and founder of the province. Commemorative events include wreath-laying ceremonies at Riel’s grave, attended by dignitaries like the Prime Minister and the Manitoba Métis Federation President. In addition, people enjoy outdoor winter activities and cultural celebrations, such as the Festival du Voyageur, around the same time.
Prince Edward Island
In Prince Edward Island, the holiday is called Islander Day and was created in 2009. Unlike Family Day in other provinces, it emphasizes provincial pride and community. Events like the Islander Day Festival in Charlottetown feature pancake breakfasts, live music, and family activities. Celebrations highlight the island’s food culture, featuring local favourites such as new potatoes, oysters, lobster dishes, and meat pies.
Nova Scotia
Started in 2015, Nova Scotia also observes a unique holiday on this date called Nova Scotia Heritage Day. The holiday celebrates the people, places, and events in the province’s history. It provides a chance to learn and reflect. On this day, many major museums, like the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Museum of Natural History, offer free admission.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick began celebrating Family Day in 2018. In the capital, celebrations happen at Officers’ Square, where people can enjoy outdoor skating. Indoor venues like the Beaverbrook Art Gallery often offer family-focused programs, while entertainment centers like Kingswood offer activities such as bowling and laser tag.
British Columbia
In British Columbia, the celebrations often include multicultural traditions with diverse foods. Initially observed on the second Monday, B.C. shifted the date to the third Monday in 2019 to align with the rest of the country and the US Presidents’ Day holiday. The “BC Family Day” grant program funds free community activities, from swims to skates, throughout the province.
When Did Family Day in Canada Originate?
Family Day was introduced in Alberta in 1990 by Don Getty, the province’s former Premier. One motivation was to counteract society’s perceived erosion of family values at the time. Getty wanted to establish a day to promote time with loved ones.
Family Day was first celebrated in Alberta on February 19, 1990, introduced by Premier Don Getty to highlight the importance of spending time with family. While some people had different opinions about why this date was chosen, official sources recognize Getty as the one who created Canada’s first Family Day.
After Alberta stood alone for 17 years, other provinces began to adopt the holiday to provide a similar winter break. The holiday now serves over 20% of Canadians who identify as immigrants, which provides them a chance to connect and share their culture.
Source: How Did Family Day Get Its Start? – 123dentist.com
Key Takeaways About Family Day in Canada
In conclusion, nine key points to remember about Family Day include:
- Statutory holiday on the 3rd Monday of February.
- Observed in eight provinces: AB, BC, SK, ON, NB (Family Day); MB (Louis Riel Day); NS (Heritage Day); PEI (Islander Day).
- Originated in Alberta in 1990.
- Promotes family togetherness.
- Traditions involve winter activities, indoor games, cooking, and community events.
- Typical foods are cookies, hot chocolate and cultural dishes.
- Most provincial services close, and federal offices remain open.
- Not celebrated nationwide, some provinces have alternate holidays.
- It provides an important mid-winter break to focus on family bonds.
Family Day remains a cherished tradition in February for millions across Canada. Its emphasis on family and heritage has resonated for over thirty years since it was first celebrated in Alberta.
Canada is a multicultural country that celebrates many holidays and festivals throughout the year. Some of the major Canadian holidays include:
- New Year’s Day
- Good Friday
- Easter
- Victoria Day
- Canada Day
- Civic Holiday
- Labour Day
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- Thanksgiving
- Remembrance Day
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
FAQs about Family Day in Canada
What provinces have Family Day?
Family Day is celebrated in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and New Brunswick. It also includes Louis Riel Day in Manitoba, Heritage Day in Nova Scotia, and Islander Day in Prince Edward Island.
Do federal employees get Family Day off?
No, Family Day is not a federal statutory holiday, so federal offices, services, and employees work as usual.
Does Quebec have Family Day?
No, Quebec does not observe Family Day or any holiday on the third Monday of February.
When is Family Day in Canada in 2026?
In 2026, Family Day falls on Monday, February 16th, in provinces that observe the holiday.
Are banks open on Family Day in Canada?
No, many banks are closed on Family Day in provinces that observe it as a statutory holiday, so check your local branch. ATMs and online banking remain available for transactions.
What is closed on Family Day in Canada?
During this holiday, provincial government offices, most schools, and many malls close, and most bank branches are also shut. However, federal offices, services, and the CRA usually stay open, along with some museums and Canada Post. Some federal cultural sites might have different hours, so it’s best to check local listings for details.
When was the first Family Day in Canada?
The first Family Day in Canada was celebrated in Alberta on February 19, 1990. Premier Don Getty established the holiday to promote family values and provide a winter break between New Year's Day and Easter
When is Family Day weekend in Canada?
Family Day weekend occurs on the third weekend of February. In 2025, it runs from Saturday, February 15 to Monday, February 17. The holiday always falls on Monday, creating a three-day weekend for those in participating provinces.
When is Family Day in Ontario?
Ontario celebrates Family Day on the third Monday of February, the same as other provinces. In 2025, Ontario's Family Day is Monday, February 17. The province has observed this holiday since 2008.
