Family Day in Canada: Dates, Provinces and Long Weekend
Family Day falls on the third Monday of February and gives much of Canada a long weekend in the middle of winter. It is a provincial holiday, not a federal one, so federally regulated employers are not required to give the day off.
When is Family Day?
- Next:
- 2026:
- 2027:
Where is it a statutory holiday?
Family Day is a statutory holiday in Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario and Saskatchewan. On the same Monday, Manitoba marks Louis Riel Day, Prince Edward Island marks Islander Day and Nova Scotia marks Heritage Day. Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon do not have a statutory holiday on this Monday.
A short history
Alberta introduced Family Day in 1990. Saskatchewan followed in 2007 and Ontario in 2008. British Columbia added it in 2013 on the second Monday of February, then moved it to the third Monday in 2019 to line up with the other provinces. New Brunswick added Family Day in 2018.
Planning the long weekend
Because it is always a Monday, Family Day creates a three-day weekend. Schools and government offices close in the provinces that observe it, while many stores, malls and attractions open with holiday hours. Check local listings before you go.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Holiday pay rules can change. For pay questions, check your provincial or territorial employment standards office.
