There is nothing more beautiful than having long weekends, and 2026 is filled with such long weekends. Sneaking right in when you are about to burn out and opening up an opportunity to pack a bag, plan a mini vacation, or just stay in and do nothing, long weekends are the ultimate gift.
Here’s how to make the most of Canada’s long weekends with no overplanning and relaxed moments. That’s why these weekends hit different. Below is a year-by-year look at Canada’s long weekends and the holidays that make them possible.
Long Weekends in 2026
| Holiday | Day | Date |
| Family Day | Monday | February 16 |
| Commonwealth Day | Monday | March 9 |
| St. Patrick's Day | Tuesday | March 17 |
| Good Friday | Friday | April 3 |
| Easter Monday | Monday | April 6 |
| Victoria Day | Monday | May 18 |
| Civic Holiday | Monday | August 3 |
| Labour Day | Monday | September 7 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Monday | October 12 |
| Christmas | Friday | December 25 |
| Boxing Day | Saturday | December 26 |
Family Day Long Weekend Meets Valentine's
Saturday, February 14, to Monday, February 16
In Canada, Family Day is usually celebrated during the heart of winter when it is freezing everywhere.
In 2026, it coincides with Valentine's Day, and this is the perfect opportunity to make it into a romantic getaway.
It also arrives during a stretch with very few public holidays, which automatically gives it extra value.
After the January blues kick in, this long weekend feels like a much-needed breather before the calendar finally picks up again.
Read Valentine's Day to know more
Commonwealth Day Long Weekend Turns Extraordinary
Saturday, March 7, to Monday, March 9
By early March, summer is fading and routines are back in full swing, making this break feel especially welcome.
It’s perfectly timed for a short escape, a slow stay-in weekend, or a chance to do absolutely nothing without guilt.
With few major holidays around this period, the long weekend instantly feels more valuable.
It offers a pause before the calendar fills up again, turning an ordinary March stretch into a refreshing and much-needed breather.
St. Patrick's Day Calls For You To Party Harder Than Ever
Saturday, March 14, to Tuesday, March 17
St. Patrick’s Day calls for you to party harder than ever, from Saturday, March 14, to Tuesday, March 17, and taking Monday off is the real power move.
That one extra day turns a single celebration into a mini escape. You get Sunday to recover, Monday to reset or travel, and Tuesday to go all in without stressing about work the next morning.
It’s the kind of break that lets you pace yourself instead of cramming all the fun into one night.
Read Saint Patrick's Day to know more about it.
Good Fridays Weekend Turns Great With Easter Monday
Friday, April 3, to Monday, April 6
Good Friday weekend turns great with Easter Monday, running from Friday, April 3, to Monday, April 6, giving you a rare, perfectly placed pause in early spring.
By April, the weather feels friendlier, and the year finally starts opening up, which makes this long weekend feel extra special.
With both Good Friday and Easter Monday in play, the break stretches effortlessly, leaving room for travel, family time, or a slow, soul-soothing reset.
It’s calm without being boring and festive without being exhausting
Make sure to check out Good Friday.
Victoria Day Weekend Is A Victorious One
Saturday, May 16, to Monday, May 18
Victoria Day weekend is a victorious one, running from Saturday, May 16, to Monday, May 18, and it officially kicks off long-weekend season.
By mid-May, winter is finally in the rearview mirror and summer energy is loading.
This weekend feels like permission to step outside, fire up the grill, plan a quick getaway, or just enjoy the fact that the days are longer and moods are lighter.
Learn more on Victoria Day
Civic Holiday Weekend Turns Cute
Saturday, August 1, to Monday, August 3
Civic Holiday weekend turns cute, landing from Saturday, August 1, to Monday, August 3, right when summer is at its peak.
August brings warm days, golden evenings, and that carefree end-of-summer energy.
This long weekend feels light, easy, and perfectly paced for short trips, backyard hangs, or doing nothing in the nicest way possible.
Labour Day Weekend Is A Sweet Fruit
Saturday, September 6, to Monday, September 7
Labour Day weekend is a sweet fruit, stretching from Saturday, September 6, to Monday, September 7, and it tastes like a proper summer goodbye.
The temperatures start dropping while the scenery around turns more beautiful than ever, and people take full advantage of this weekend, as soon they will get back to their normal lives.
Don't forget to check out Labour Day
Thanksgiving Weekend Makes You Feel Terrific
Saturday, October 10, to Monday, October 12
Stretching from Saturday, October 10, to Monday, October 12, Thanksgiving weekend in Canada feels like the reunion of two old souls.
It helps you realize autumn is here, there are new shades of red and amber all around, and pumpkin-spiced delicacies hit harder than ever.
Make sure to check out Thanksgiving Day
So, this is the perfect weekend for dinners that aren't rushed, chill conversations, and just spending an awesome time with your loved ones.
Christmas Weekend Meets Boxing Day
Friday, December 25, to Sunday, December 27
Christmas weekend in Canada stretches across December 25 and December 26, bringing together Christmas Day and Boxing Day in one festive sweep.
You start seeing glimpses of snow on your cars and rooftops, the Christmas lights start glowing, and homes are filled with warmth and love.
This weekend invites generous meals, thoughtful gifts, and the comfort of gathering close while winter deepens outside. Christmas Day centres on celebration and tradition, while Boxing Day carries a lighter mood, often marked by visiting loved ones, relaxing at home, or stepping out for post-holiday sales.
Together, they create a warm, bright pause at the heart of winter before the year gently winds down.
Read Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day .
