Family Day
205 days until Family Day
About Family Day
Family Day is a provincial statutory holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February in Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. It provides a mid-winter long weekend designed for spending time with family and loved ones.
History
Alberta introduced Family Day in 1990 under Premier Don Getty, becoming the first Canadian province to create a statutory holiday dedicated to family life. The initiative provided a welcome respite during the long stretch of winter between New Year's Day and Easter.
Recognizing the popular appeal of a February break, other provinces gradually adopted the holiday over subsequent decades. Saskatchewan introduced Family Day in 2007, followed by Ontario in 2008, British Columbia in 2013, and New Brunswick in 2018. Although it is celebrated in these five provinces, Family Day is a provincial mandate and is not a federal statutory holiday.
Traditions & Celebrations
Families across participating provinces mark the day with outdoor winter activities such as ice skating, skiing, snowshoeing, and tobogganing. Municipalities, museums, art galleries, and provincial parks frequently host community events or offer free entry. Indoors, people often gather for shared meals, board game afternoons, or trips to local recreational facilities.
Did you know?
- Alberta Premier Don Getty championed the creation of Family Day in 1990 after a family crisis inspired him to create a day focused on strengthening family ties.
- British Columbia initially celebrated Family Day on the second Monday of February from 2013 to 2018, but shifted it to the third Monday in 2019 to align with other provinces and international markets.
- Because Family Day is governed by provincial labour legislation rather than federal law, federally regulated workplaces—including federal government offices and post offices—remain open.
Family Day dates by year
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Family Day a national holiday across Canada?
No. Family Day is a provincial public holiday celebrated specifically in Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. Other provinces observe different statutory holidays on the same day, such as Louis Riel Day in Manitoba and Heritage Day in Nova Scotia.
Are post offices and federal government offices open on Family Day?
Yes. Because Family Day is a provincial holiday rather than a federal statutory holiday, Canada Post and federally regulated offices generally remain open.
When is Family Day observed?
Family Day is observed on the third Monday of February each year.