Canadian National Holidays: Victoria Day, Thanksgiving, and More

Canada has several national holidays that reflect its history, values, and identity. Knowing these holidays and their significance is important for the citizenship test.

Statutory Holidays

New Year's Day (January 1)

The first day of the calendar year. A fresh start for all Canadians.

Good Friday

The Friday before Easter. A Christian holiday recognised as a federal statutory holiday.

Victoria Day (Late May)

Celebrates the birthday of the reigning Sovereign. Named after Queen Victoria, who was born on May 24, 1819. It is observed on the last Monday before May 25.

Victoria Day is also the unofficial start of summer. Many Canadians use the long weekend for camping, gardening, and opening cottages.

Canada Day (July 1)

Celebrates Confederation (1867). Canada's biggest national celebration.

Labour Day (First Monday in September)

Honours the contributions of workers and the labour movement. Marks the unofficial end of summer.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30)

Established in 2021 to honour the survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities. Also known as Orange Shirt Day, inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose orange shirt was taken on her first day at residential school.

Thanksgiving (Second Monday in October)

A day to give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year. Note: Canadian Thanksgiving is in October, not November like American Thanksgiving.

The first Canadian Thanksgiving is attributed to Martin Frobisher in 1578, who held a celebration of survival after navigating the Northwest Passage.

Remembrance Day (November 11)

Honours all Canadians who served in wars and peacekeeping missions. The red poppy, inspired by "In Flanders Fields," is worn in the weeks leading up to November 11. At 11:00 AM, Canadians observe a moment of silence.

Christmas Day (December 25)

A Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Widely celebrated across Canada as a cultural and family holiday.

Boxing Day (December 26)

The day after Christmas. A day for gift-giving, shopping, and spending time with family. Not a federal statutory holiday but observed in many provinces.

Provincial Holidays

Some holidays are observed only in certain provinces:

Heritage Days and Commemorations

National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21)

Celebrates the heritage, culture, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Coincides with the summer solstice.

Multiculturalism Day (June 27)

Celebrates Canada's diversity and the contributions of all cultural communities.

National Flag Day (February 15)

Marks the adoption of the Canadian flag in 1965.

Holidays and the Citizenship Test

For the test, focus on:

How Holidays Reflect Canadian Values

Canadian holidays tell the story of the nation:

Study Canadian symbols and holidays in our [Study Hub](/dashboard/study) — Chapter 10 covers all symbols in detail.