New Year's 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

New Year's Day in Canada is observed on 1 January and is a public holiday across the country. It marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and follows New Year's Eve celebrations, with government offices, banks, schools and many businesses closed or operating on holiday schedules.

Coverage

New Year's Day provides a nationwide break at the start of the calendar year and affects government administration, banking and normal business activity. For families it is also part of the wider Christmas and winter holiday period, when many Canadians are already travelling or taking annual leave.

Dates and coverage by jurisdiction — 2027

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

Alberta

1 January 2027

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

British Columbia

1 January 2027

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

Manitoba

1 January 2027

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

New Brunswick

1 January 2027

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

Newfoundland and Labrador

1 January 2027

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

Northwest Territories

1 January 2027

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

Nova Scotia

1 January 2027

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

Nunavut

1 January 2027

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

Ontario

1 January 2027

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

Prince Edward Island

1 January 2027

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

Quebec

1 January 2027

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

Saskatchewan

1 January 2027

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

Yukon

1 January 2027

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

Canada inherited the Gregorian civil calendar through European settlement, and 1 January became established as the beginning of the civil year. New Year's Day later became part of Canada's modern public-holiday calendar and is observed across provinces and territories.

Workplaces

Under the Canada Labour Code, eligible workers in federally regulated sectors receive New Year's Day with holiday pay. Provincial and territorial statutes also recognize 1 January. Most public offices close, while emergency, transport, hospitality and continuous operations may use special staffing.

Banks

The Bank of Canada lists New Year's Day on its holiday schedule, and most bank branches close. Digital banking remains accessible, but settlement and branch-dependent transactions move to the next banking day.

Schools

Schools are normally within winter break on 1 January. The precise return date is set by each province, territory and school board, so families should consult their local academic calendar.

Planning

New Year falls during Canada's winter travel season. Airports, ski destinations and major cities can be busy around late December and early January, while winter weather can affect roads and flights. Travellers should allow extra time and monitor conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Is New Year's Day a public holiday in Canada?

Yes. 1 January is widely observed as a public holiday across Canada.

Are banks open on New Year's Day?

Bank branches are generally closed, while ATMs, cards and online banking remain available.

Are schools open on 1 January?

No. The date normally falls within the winter school break.

How do Canadians celebrate New Year?

New Year's Eve often includes parties, fireworks and public countdowns, while New Year's Day is usually quieter.

Can winter weather affect New Year travel?

Yes. Snow, ice and severe winter conditions can affect flights and road travel in many parts of Canada.

Official sources

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