Good Friday occurs two days before Easter Sunday. It is the day when Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, which plays an important part in the Christian faith. It is also a statutory holiday in all Canadian provinces and territories except Quebec, where it is partially observed.
Is Good Friday a Public Holiday?
This is a federal holiday. It may not be observed in all Canadian provinces or territories, but it is a holiday for employees covered by the Canada Labour Code.
What To Do
Christians may attend special church services, even if they do not attend church regularly during the rest of the year. Good Friday is a day of mourning and quiet prayer among many Christians. The candles are often extinguished and statues, paintings and crosses may be draped in black, purple or gray cloth. Some Catholics observe a partial fast on Good Friday and do not eat any meat.
Hot cross buns are a traditional treat on Good Friday. These are small bread-like buns, made from dough that contains raisins, currants and other dried fruit. The top of a hot cross bun is marked with a cross and covered with a sugar glaze. The cross may be cut into the bun or marked with a special dough that remains pale even after it has been baked. Hot cross buns may be eaten as they are, split and spread with butter or toasted.
For Canadians who are not Christians Good Friday is the start of a three or four-day weekend. This is a welcome spring break, which some people use to visit family or friends. It is also a popular time to take a short vacation.
Public Life
Good Friday is a public holiday at a national level in Canada. Schools and many businesses and organizations are closed and many people have a day off work. Post offices are closed and in some areas, particularly in the provinces of Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador, stores are closed or have restricted opening hours. Public transport services many run to their usual or restricted timetables. In rural areas, public transport may close down completely.
In Quebec, Good Friday or Easter Monday are a statutory general holidays at the option of the employer. Schools and post offices are closed. Public transport services many run to their usual or restricted timetables. In rural areas, public transport may close down completely.
Background
Good Friday is the day when Christians commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. This is an important event in Christianity, as it represents the sacrifices and suffering in Jesus’ life. The crucifixion was the culmination of a number of events in Holy Week, including: the triumphal return of Jesus to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday; the washing of the disciples’ feet by Jesus; and the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday. The Easter date depends on the ecclesiastical approximation of the March equinox.
In Canada, Easter week (often called Holy Week in Christianity) is a series of important religious days leading up to Easter. Here’s a simple breakdown of what it means and how it’s observed:
🌿 1. Palm Sunday
This marks the start of Easter week. It remembers when Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem and was welcomed by crowds waving palm branches.
🍞 2. Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday)
This day commemorates the Last Supper, when Jesus shared a final meal with his disciples and introduced communion traditions.
✝️ 3. Good Friday
A very important day in Canada. It marks the crucifixion (death) of Jesus.
It’s a public holiday in most provinces (including Ontario).
Many schools and businesses are closed.
Some people attend church services or observe it quietly.
🕊️ 4. Holy Saturday
A quieter day between Good Friday and Easter. It represents the time Jesus was in the tomb.
🌸 5. Easter Sunday
This is the main celebration day. It marks the resurrection (rising from the dead) of Jesus.
In Canada, people celebrate in both religious and cultural ways:
Church services
Easter egg hunts 🥚
Chocolate and candy traditions
Family gatherings
🐣 6. Easter Monday
Not a major religious day, but:
Some schools and government offices may be closed
Often treated as a continuation of the long weekend
🇨🇦 In Canada specifically:
Good Friday is widely recognized as a statutory holiday
Easter Sunday is not a stat holiday, but many stores may have reduced hours
Traditions mix Christian meaning + fun activities like egg hunts and chocolate bunnies
Saint John, New Brunswick, is often noted for having a significant Irish community. The city has deep historical ties to Ireland, especially due to the large number of Irish immigrants who arrived in the 19th century during the Great Famine. It’s estimated that a large percentage of the city’s population has Irish roots, making it the place in Canada with the highest number of people of Irish descent per capita.
This Irish influence is still visible today in local culture, with events like the annual Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations being a big deal in the city.
Commonwealth Day in Canada is celebrated annually on the second Monday in March to recognize the56-member Commonwealth of Nations and shared global values. While not a statutory holiday, it is marked by flying the Royal Union Flag (Union Jack) alongside the National Flag at federal buildings.
Key Details for 2026:
Date: March 9, 2026.
Theme: “Unlocking Opportunities Together for a Prosperous Commonwealth”.
Observance: It emphasizes cooperation, democracy, and the diverse cultures within the organization
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Activities: Often includes educational, cultural, and interfaith events, along with a message from the King.
