Canada Family Day: Celebrating Family in February

Family Day in Canada is a special holiday observed in several provinces to emphasize the importance of family and family life within communities. Celebrated annually on the third Monday of February, it provides a valuable opportunity for families to spend quality time together.

Is Family Day a Public Holiday?

Yes, Family Day is indeed a public holiday in five Canadian provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick. In these regions, it is a designated day off for the general population, meaning that schools and the majority of businesses are typically closed, allowing families to fully embrace the day.

Fun Family Day Activities

Family Day is all about creating lasting memories with loved ones. Many Canadians use this day to engage in a variety of family-oriented activities. Popular choices include visits to art exhibitions and museums, enjoying the latest movies, and embracing the winter season with activities like skating on outdoor ice rinks. Indoor fun is also on the agenda with board games and craft activities being common at-home pursuits.

Communities often organize special public events to mark Family Day, and cultural institutions such as art galleries and museums sometimes offer reduced or even free entry to encourage family participation.

Given that February weather in Canada is typically quite cold, warm and comforting treats are a must. Hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies are often enjoyed as families spend time together. For those looking for a change of scenery, the Family Day long weekend presents a perfect chance for a short winter getaway or to travel and visit family members and friends who may live further away. Interestingly, Family Day coincides with National Heritage Day (except in British Columbia), leading some individuals to use the day to delve into their personal heritage and explore their family history.

Family Day Across Canada: Public Life and Observances

In Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and New Brunswick, the impact of Family Day is widely felt. Most people benefit from a day off work, and schools remain closed. While many businesses and organizations also close their doors for the holiday, it’s worth noting that post offices may remain open. Public transportation services may operate on their regular schedules or follow reduced holiday timetables.

It’s important to note that in Manitoba, while the third Monday of February is also a general holiday, it is recognized as Louis Riel Day. Similar to Family Day provinces, many in Manitoba have the day off, with schools and numerous businesses and stores closed. However, in some areas, stores may open after midday. Public transport could run on Sunday or holiday schedules, and rural areas might experience limited or no services.

In the remaining Canadian provinces and territories, Family Day is not an observed holiday, nor are there alternative holidays on the third Monday of February. In these regions, businesses, organizations, schools, and post offices operate as usual, and public transport maintains its standard timetables.

The History and Origins of Family Day

Family Day’s story began in Alberta in 1990. It was initiated by the province’s former premier, Don Getty. While the exact motivations remain somewhat debated, it’s understood that Getty aimed to create an occasion that would emphasize and reinforce family values within Canadian society. Some believe this was partly influenced by a personal family matter.

The spirit of Family Day was intended to reflect the importance of family and home life, echoing the values held by the pioneers who played a crucial role in Alberta’s development. It was also designed to provide working individuals with more valuable time to spend with their families. Over time, Family Day’s popularity grew, leading to its adoption in Saskatchewan in 2007, Ontario in 2008, British Columbia in 2013, and most recently, New Brunswick in 2018.

The concept of holidays dedicated to celebrating families is not unique to Canada. For instance, the Australian Capital Territory observes Family and Community Day on the first Tuesday of November, and South Africa marks Family Day on the day following Easter Sunday, demonstrating a global appreciation for the importance of family units.

Family Day Dates: 2020-2030

Note: While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our holiday dates, some information in the table may be subject to change. If you notice any discrepancies, please contact us.