If you’re already looking ahead to 2026, Ontario’s statutory holidays offer plenty of chances to slow down, celebrate, and enjoy long weekends throughout the year.
Ontario has nine official statutory holidays under the Employment Standards Act. On these days, most employees are entitled to public holiday pay, with specific rules depending on whether they work the holiday or take the day off.
Here’s a simple breakdown of Ontario’s stat holidays for 2026, as well as a few commonly observed days worth knowing about.
Here are Ontario’s official statutory holidays in 2026:
- New Year’s Day – Thursday, January 1
- Family Day – Monday, February 16
- Good Friday – Friday, April 3
- Victoria Day – Monday, May 18
- Canada Day – Wednesday, July 1
- Labour Day – Monday, September 7
- Thanksgiving – Monday, October 12
- Christmas Day – Friday, December 25
- Boxing Day – Saturday, December 26
In addition to statutory holidays, some days are widely observed in Ontario but are not required to be paid holidays under provincial law. These include:
- Civic Holiday – Monday, August 3
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Wednesday, September 30
- Remembrance Day – Wednesday, November 11
Many workplaces still recognize these days, but it depends on your employer or industry.
Most employees in Ontario qualify for public holiday pay if they meet eligibility requirements. If a statutory holiday falls on a weekend or a non-working day, employers often provide a substitute day off. Rules can vary based on employment type, so it’s always a good idea to check your workplace policy.