🇨🇦 Canada

Remembrance Day in Canada

View the global Remembrance Day guide

Remembrance Day is recognized as a holiday in one or more jurisdictions.

Remembrance Day is observed in Canada on 11 November. It honours members of the armed forces who served and died in war and recalls the armistice that ended fighting on the Western Front in 1918. Canada's official name is Remembrance Day—not the U.S. term Veterans Day.

Remembrance Day Holiday
Canada Country
2026 Next Date Year
Wednesday Day
Nov 11 November 11, 2026

Remembrance Day Date in Canada

Date November 11, 2026
Day Wednesday
Public Holiday Yes
Bank Holiday Yes
Date Confirmed Yes

Remembrance Day Dates in Canada

Remembrance Day 2026

  • Confirmed Authoritative Canada rules; confirmed dates. Federal general-holiday coverage applies to federally regulated employees; provincial/territorial treatment varies.

History of Remembrance Day

The armistice ending fighting on the Western Front in the First World War took effect at 11 a.m. on 11 November 1918. Canada initially observed Armistice Day before the name Remembrance Day was formally adopted in 1931. The day later expanded to honour Canadians who served in later wars, conflicts and peacekeeping missions.

Importance of Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day is one of Canada's principal military commemorations. It honours those who died in service and recognises veterans and current members of the Canadian Armed Forces. The red poppy, inspired by the First World War poem In Flanders Fields, is a central symbol of remembrance.

How Remembrance Day Is Celebrated in Canada

Ceremonies take place at cenotaphs and war memorials across Canada. The National War Memorial in Ottawa hosts the principal national ceremony. Observances commonly include wreath-laying, the Last Post, a moment of silence at 11 a.m. and the wearing of red poppies.

Office Impact

The federal Holidays Act names 11 November a legal holiday, and it is a paid general holiday for federally regulated employees. Provincial treatment differs: it is statutory in British Columbia and Alberta, while Ontario employment standards do not require a general paid day off.

Bank Impact

The Bank of Canada lists Remembrance Day as a national holiday. Financial-institution hours and settlement arrangements can still vary, so customers should check their bank; digital and self-service channels normally remain accessible.

School Impact

Some provincial school systems close, while others remain open and hold assemblies or the two-minute silence. School status cannot be inferred from federal holiday law and should be confirmed with the local board.

Travel Information

Remembrance ceremonies can create temporary road closures and crowds around cenotaphs, legislatures and city centres. Travellers should allow extra time near major ceremonies, particularly around 11 a.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Veterans Day the official name in Canada?

No. Canada's principal 11 November commemoration is officially known as Remembrance Day.

When is Remembrance Day?

It is observed on 11 November each year.

Why are red poppies worn?

The poppy became a symbol of remembrance associated with the First World War and the poem In Flanders Fields.

Is Remembrance Day a holiday everywhere in Canada?

Public-holiday treatment varies by province, territory and employment jurisdiction.

What happens at 11 a.m.?

Canadians commonly observe a moment of silence in remembrance of those who served and died.

← Previous Holiday Thanksgiving 2026 October 12, 2026
Next Holiday → Christmas Day 2026 December 25, 2026

Related Holidays in Canada

Thanksgiving 2026 October 12, 2026
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2026 September 30, 2026
Christmas Day 2026 December 25, 2026 Boxing Day 2026 December 26, 2026 Labour Day 2026 September 7, 2026 Canada Day 2026 July 1, 2026 Victoria Day 2026 May 18, 2026 Good Friday 2026 April 3, 2026

Regional variations

This holiday has region-specific dates or observance.

Alberta11 Nov 2026British Columbia11 Nov 2026New Brunswick11 Nov 2026Newfoundland and Labrador11 Nov 2026Northwest Territories11 Nov 2026Nova Scotia11 Nov 2026Nunavut11 Nov 2026Prince Edward Island11 Nov 2026Saskatchewan11 Nov 2026Yukon11 Nov 2026Alberta11 Nov 2027British Columbia11 Nov 2027New Brunswick11 Nov 2027Newfoundland and Labrador11 Nov 2027Northwest Territories11 Nov 2027Nova Scotia11 Nov 2027Nunavut11 Nov 2027Prince Edward Island11 Nov 2027Saskatchewan11 Nov 2027Yukon11 Nov 2027Alberta11 Nov 2028British Columbia11 Nov 2028New Brunswick11 Nov 2028Newfoundland and Labrador11 Nov 2028Northwest Territories11 Nov 2028Nova Scotia11 Nov 2028Nunavut11 Nov 2028Prince Edward Island11 Nov 2028Saskatchewan11 Nov 2028Yukon11 Nov 2028
View all Canada public holidays 2026

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