Family Day is an important statutory holiday in Canada, celebrated in five 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 the history of Family Day, where and when it’s celebrated, popular activities and traditions, holiday opening hours, and more.
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.
The holiday was also partly a response to a scandal involving Getty’s son and illegal drugs. However, Getty denied this connection. Regardless, Alberta’s provincial government passed the Family Day Act in 1990, and the first Family Day was celebrated on February 19, 1990.
The holiday’s expansion timeline demonstrates growing provincial adoption:
| Year | Province | Implementation |
| 1990 | Alberta | First province to establish Family Day |
| 2007 | Saskatchewan | Adopted to provide winter relief |
| 2008 | Ontario | Recognized need for family time |
| 2013 | British Columbia | Initially, the second Monday, aligned in 2019 |
| 2018 | New Brunswick | Most recent provincial addition |
This progressive adoption reflects Canada’s evolving recognition of work-life balance. 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
When is Family Day in Canada Celebrated Each Year?
Family Day takes place each year on the third Monday of February. While the exact date changes annually, it always falls within this period, as shown in the table below:
| Year | Date of Family Day |
| 2025 | February 17 |
| 2026 | February 16 |
| 2027 | February 15 |
While the date varies year to year, Canadians in observing provinces can count on having the third Monday of February off.
Where is Family Day in Canada a Statutory Holiday?
Family Day is celebrated as an official statutory holiday in 5 of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories:
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Saskatchewan
- Ontario
- New Brunswick
The table below shows where and how Family Day is observed in Canada.
| Province | Has Family Day? | Alternate 3rd Monday February Holiday |
| Alberta | Yes | – |
| British Columbia | Yes | – |
| Saskatchewan | Yes | – |
| Manitoba | No | Louis Riel Day |
| Ontario | Yes | – |
| Quebec | No | – |
| New Brunswick | Yes | – |
| Nova Scotia | No | Heritage Day |
| Prince Edward Island | No | Islander Day |
| Newfoundland | No | – |
| Yukon | No | Heritage Day |
| Northwest Territories | No | – |
| Nunavut | No | – |
As shown, only 5 out of 13 provinces celebrate Family Day itself. Others either have no holiday or different observances on the same date.
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.
Why Do Canadians Celebrate Family Day?
Canadians celebrate Family Day to strengthen family bonds and promote work-life balance through winter activities, community events, and quality time together during the long stretch between New Year’s and Easter. The holiday addresses winter blues while fostering community connections.
The day emphasizes shared activities that reinforce family bonds. Traditions focus on:
- Togetherness
- Reconnecting
- Making memories
Like holidays such as Thanksgiving, Family Day encourages quality time with loved ones. It provides a dedicated day for family rediscovery.
Canadians are meant to celebrate their familial ties and honour living and deceased relatives. Events bring families closer through meaningful time together.
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.
Is Family Day a Public Holiday in Canada?
Yes, Family Day is considered a public statutory holiday in the 5 provinces that celebrate it, as mentioned above. This gives most citizens the day off from school and work, similar to holidays like Christmas. Here’s a general overview:
- Closed on Family Day: Most corporate offices and businesses, Provincial and municipal government offices, Schools and post-secondary institutions, Banks and libraries
- Open on Family Day: Federal offices and services like post offices, Many restaurants, malls, theatres, Public transit on reduced schedules, Museums/attractions with holiday programming
So, in general, provincial services close on Family Day, but federal operations remain open. Some private businesses choose to stay open or offer holiday discounts/events.
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, this province embraces the holiday with:
- Originator of Family Day in Canada, first held in 1990
- Civic festivals and skating events in cities like Edmonton and Calgary
- Get-togethers with traditional pioneer foods like bannock
British Columbia
In B.C., the celebrations often include:
- Observe the holiday on the 2nd Monday in February, not the 3rd
- Family-friendly events at science museums like Science World
- Multicultural celebrations with traditional foods
Saskatchewan
Families in this province celebrate with:
- Adopted Family Day in 2007, the third province to do so
- Outdoor festivities like skating, sledding, and snowshoeing
- Craft fairs, costume parades, and carnivals
Ontario
In Ontario, Family Day is marked by a range of cultural and recreational events, including:
- Museums and cultural sites offer free admission
- Special events at tourist sites like Niagara Falls
- Family-themed activities in Toronto, Ottawa, and other cities
New Brunswick
The day is filled with vibrant local traditions, such as:
- The latest province to celebrate Family Day, starting in 2018
- Ice sculpting competitions, kitchen parties with Acadian food
- French and English community events throughout the province
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
- Celebrated in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario and New Brunswick
- 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
- St. Patrick’s Day
- Good Friday
- Easter
- Victoria Day
- Canada Day
- Labour Day
- Thanksgiving
- Remembrance Day
- Christmas Day
FAQs about Family Day in Canada
What provinces have Family Day?
Family Day is celebrated as a public holiday in Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and New Brunswick.
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, banks are closed on Family Day in provinces that observe it as a statutory holiday (Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and New Brunswick). ATMs and online banking remain available for transactions.
What is closed on Family Day in Canada?
Government offices, schools, banks, and most retail stores close on Family Day in observing provinces. Libraries, post offices, and many restaurants also shut down. However, essential services like hospitals, pharmacies, and gas stations remain open.
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
Who gets Family Day in Canada?
Family Day applies to workers in five provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and New Brunswick. Employees covered by provincial labour laws receive statutory holiday benefits. Federal workers and those in other provinces don't automatically get this holiday.
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.
Who implemented Family Day in Canada?
Premier Don Getty of Alberta implemented the first Family Day in Canada in 1990. He created the holiday after his son's arrest for drug trafficking, wanting to strengthen family bonds and values. Other provinces later adopted Family Day: Saskatchewan and Ontario (2007-2008), British Columbia (2013), and New Brunswick (2018).
