Canada Day in Canada

This national overview identifies holiday occasions. Public holiday dates, substitute days and school calendars depend on the state or territory. Use your jurisdiction calendar for closures and countdowns.

State and territory calendars

Choose your jurisdiction for public holidays, substitute dates, local exceptions and school calendars.

About this calendar

Canada Day is celebrated on 1 July and is Canada's principal national holiday. It commemorates Confederation in 1867, when the British North America Act created the Dominion of Canada by uniting Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

Coverage

Canada Day is a major occasion for celebrating citizenship, national identity and the development of the Canadian federation. It is also a time for reflection on Canada's history, including the experiences and perspectives of Indigenous peoples and the continuing evolution of the country.

Dates and coverage by jurisdiction — 2028

Additional and substitute dates are separate entries. Local and sector-only holidays apply only to the areas or institutions specified.

Alberta

1 July 2028

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

Actual statutory/calendar date; employer-dependent substitute dates are not manufactured. Official source

British Columbia

1 July 2028

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

Actual statutory/calendar date; employer-dependent substitute dates are not manufactured. Official source

Manitoba

1 July 2028

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

Actual statutory/calendar date; employer-dependent substitute dates are not manufactured. Official source

New Brunswick

1 July 2028

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

Actual statutory/calendar date; employer-dependent substitute dates are not manufactured. Official source

Northwest Territories

1 July 2028

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

Actual statutory/calendar date; employer-dependent substitute dates are not manufactured. Official source

Nova Scotia

1 July 2028

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

Actual statutory/calendar date; employer-dependent substitute dates are not manufactured. Official source

Nunavut

1 July 2028

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

Actual statutory/calendar date; employer-dependent substitute dates are not manufactured. Official source

Ontario

1 July 2028

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

Actual statutory/calendar date; employer-dependent substitute dates are not manufactured. Official source

Prince Edward Island

1 July 2028

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

Actual statutory/calendar date; employer-dependent substitute dates are not manufactured. Official source

Quebec

1 July 2028

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

Actual statutory/calendar date; employer-dependent substitute dates are not manufactured. Official source

Saskatchewan

1 July 2028

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

Actual statutory/calendar date; employer-dependent substitute dates are not manufactured. Official source

Yukon

1 July 2028

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

Actual statutory/calendar date; employer-dependent substitute dates are not manufactured. Official source

Missing entries do not establish that a jurisdiction has no holiday. Check its calendar for pending official dates and local exceptions.

Background

The Constitution Act, 1867 came into force on 1 July 1867, creating Canada from Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. July 1 became a statutory holiday in 1879 under the name Dominion Day and was officially renamed Canada Day in 1982. Confederation was a major constitutional milestone, not a single-day declaration of complete independence from Britain.

Workplaces

The Holidays Act makes Canada Day a legal holiday across the country, using July 2 when July 1 is Sunday. Federal labour standards provide an employment entitlement, and provincial and territorial systems also recognize the occasion. Essential public services remain staffed.

Banks

Canada Day is listed as a national holiday by the Bank of Canada. Branches and standard settlement services close, though ATMs, cards and digital banking remain available.

Schools

Elementary and secondary schools are normally on summer break by Canada Day. Post-secondary and administrative schedules vary, so summer students and staff should consult their institution.

Planning

Canada Day is a busy summer leisure period. Ottawa, major city centres, waterfronts, parks and event areas can attract large crowds, while road closures and public transport changes may accompany fireworks and festivals.

Frequently asked questions

When is Canada Day?

Canada Day is celebrated on 1 July each year.

What happened on 1 July 1867?

Confederation created the Dominion of Canada by bringing together Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

What was Canada Day previously called?

It was officially known as Dominion Day before being renamed Canada Day in 1982.

How is Canada Day celebrated?

Events include concerts, citizenship ceremonies, festivals, community gatherings and fireworks.

Are banks and government offices closed?

Yes. Bank branches and government offices are generally closed.

Official sources

Government of Canada: Government of Canada: general holidays for federally regulated employment