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Good Friday 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

Good Friday is an important Christian observance in Canada held on the Friday before Easter Sunday. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is a public holiday in most of Canada, although exact statutory-holiday treatment can vary by province, territory and employment jurisdiction.

Coverage

For Christians, Good Friday is one of the most solemn days of Holy Week. It also has broad practical importance because it creates part of the Easter long weekend, affecting offices, banks, schools, retail operations and domestic travel.

Dates and coverage by jurisdiction — 2026

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

Alberta

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

British Columbia

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

Manitoba

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

New Brunswick

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

Newfoundland and Labrador

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

Northwest Territories

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

Nova Scotia

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

Nunavut

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

Ontario

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

Prince Edward Island

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

Quebec

Conditional · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked · Conditional entitlement

CONDITIONAL: Quebec employer chooses Good Friday OR Easter Monday; this candidate must not be counted as an additional universal entitlement. Official source

Saskatchewan

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

Yukon

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

Good Friday traditions in Canada developed through Christian communities established by French, British and later immigrant populations. Catholic, Anglican, Protestant and other churches have long marked the day with solemn worship, and it became incorporated into public-holiday arrangements across much of the country.

Workplaces

Canada Labour Code employees receive Good Friday as a federal general holiday. Most provinces and territories make it statutory; Quebec permits the employer to choose Good Friday or Easter Monday. The controlling workplace jurisdiction therefore determines the closure.

Banks

Good Friday appears on federal and major-bank holiday calendars, so normal branch service and payment settlement are generally unavailable. Cards, ATMs and online banking continue, subject to institution-specific maintenance and processing rules.

Schools

Most school calendars include Good Friday in the Easter break, but the surrounding closure—especially Easter Monday—depends on provincial and board calendars. Families should verify both dates locally.

Planning

Good Friday begins a popular long weekend for domestic travel. Highways, airports and tourist destinations may be busy, while spring weather can vary considerably across the country. Advance reservations are advisable for popular Easter destinations.

Frequently asked questions

Is Good Friday a public holiday in Canada?

It is recognised as a public or statutory holiday across much of Canada, although exact treatment can vary by jurisdiction.

Why does Good Friday change date?

Its date is determined by the timing of Easter Sunday.

Are banks closed on Good Friday?

Bank branches are generally closed.

Are schools open?

Schools are generally closed, although exact calendars are set provincially and locally.

Is Easter weekend busy for travel?

Yes. Many Canadians use the long weekend for family visits and short trips.

Holiday guides

Official sources

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