Dates of Easter Sunday in Canada
2026 | Apr 5 |
2025 | Apr 20 |
2024 | Mar 31 |
Related Holidays in Canada
Canada Holiday Calendars
Easter Sunday is celebrated widely across Canada with joyful church services, family gatherings, and festive meals marking Jesus Christ's resurrection. Many Canadians participate in traditions like egg hunts and exchanging chocolate eggs, symbolizing renewal and new life.
Easter Sunday: A Public Holiday?
Easter Sunday is not officially designated as a statutory holiday in Canada since it always occurs on a Sunday, which is typically a non-working day. However, most businesses, offices, and schools remain closed, enabling Canadians to participate fully in festive celebrations and family gatherings nationwide.

Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday has been celebrated in Canada since European settlers introduced Christian traditions, particularly from France and Britain. It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is one of the most important dates on the Christian calendar. Early Canadian settlers observed Easter with religious services and family gatherings, blending their traditions with new customs. As communities expanded, Easter celebrations evolved to include festive meals, egg-decorating, and family activities. Though Easter Sunday itself is not officially designated as a statutory holiday because it always falls on a weekend, it is widely celebrated across Canada. Over the centuries, Easter traditions have become integral to Canadian culture, highlighting the day's significance not only spiritually but also socially. Today, Easter Sunday continues to unite Canadians in celebrations reflecting faith, renewal, family, and community.
Easter Sunday Celebration in Canada
Easter Sunday is celebrated widely across Canada, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many Canadians begin the day by attending church services filled with joyful singing, prayers, and messages of hope. Churches are often beautifully decorated with flowers, especially lilies, symbolizing new life and resurrection. Families come together to attend services and participate in community events, strengthening bonds within both their families and their communities.
After church services, celebrations typically continue at home with special meals. Traditional dishes such as roast ham, lamb, and seasonal vegetables are common. Sweet treats like chocolate eggs, cakes, and candies are enjoyed, especially by children. Easter egg hunts are very popular, bringing excitement for children as they search homes or gardens for colorful eggs, chocolates, and small gifts hidden by parents or community organizers.
Easter Sunday holds deep spiritual significance for Christians, celebrating Jesus Christ's resurrection and symbolizing hope, renewal, and new beginnings. For many Canadians, it is one of the most important festivals of the Christian calendar. Even beyond its religious meaning, Easter represents the arrival of spring, celebrated through symbols like eggs, rabbits, and spring flowers. It serves as an opportunity for rest, reflection, and connection with family and friends. The festival also provides an important occasion for charitable activities, as many communities organize meals or events to support people in need. Easter's message of hope resonates broadly across Canada's multicultural society, making it a beloved and inclusive holiday celebrated by Canadians from diverse backgrounds.
Easter Sunday Observances
Year | Date | Weekday | Name | Holiday Type | Region |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | Mar 31 | Sun | Easter Sunday | Designated Retail Closing Day | NS Nova Scotia |
Mar 31 | Sun | Easter Sunday | Shops Closing Day | NL Newfoundland and Labrador | |
Mar 31 | Sun | Easter Sunday | Observance, Christian | ||
2025 | Apr 20 | Sun | Easter Sunday | Designated Retail Closing Day | NS Nova Scotia |
Apr 20 | Sun | Easter Sunday | Shops Closing Day | NL Newfoundland and Labrador | |
Apr 20 | Sun | Easter Sunday | Observance, Christian | ||
2026 | Apr 5 | Sun | Easter Sunday | Designated Retail Closing Day | NS Nova Scotia |
Apr 5 | Sun | Easter Sunday | Shops Closing Day | NL Newfoundland and Labrador | |
Apr 5 | Sun | Easter Sunday | Observance, Christian | ||
2027 | Mar 28 | Sun | Easter Sunday | Designated Retail Closing Day | NS Nova Scotia |
Mar 28 | Sun | Easter Sunday | Shops Closing Day | NL Newfoundland and Labrador | |
Mar 28 | Sun | Easter Sunday | Observance, Christian | ||
2028 | Apr 16 | Sun | Easter Sunday | Designated Retail Closing Day | NS Nova Scotia |
Apr 16 | Sun | Easter Sunday | Shops Closing Day | NL Newfoundland and Labrador | |
Apr 16 | Sun | Easter Sunday | Observance, Christian |