Family Day is a public holiday celebrated in several provinces across Canada to promote the importance of family and work-life balance. It provides an opportunity for Canadians to spend quality time with their loved ones through activities and events.

Table of Contents

1. When is Family Day?
2. The History of Family Day?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. Similar Holiday in Canada

When is Family Day?

Family Day is observed on the third Monday of February in the following five provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario and Saskatchewan.

The following is the list of Family Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Family Day? 

Family Day is a relatively modern holiday in Canada, created to emphasize the importance of family values, provide a break during the long winter months, and encourage Canadians to spend quality time with their loved ones. Its history varies across provinces, with some adopting it earlier than others.

Family Day was first introduced in Alberta province in 1990. At the time, Premier Don Getty of Alberta proposed the holiday to promote family values, and he highlighted the need for work-life balance and a day dedicated to spending time with family. The holiday was officially established in 1990, making Alberta the first province to observe Family Day.

The idea stemmed partly from Getty's personal experiences and a broader push to prioritize family life amid modern challenges. Over the next two decades, Family Day gained popularity and was gradually adopted by other provinces:

Saskatchewan was the second province to implement Family Day, starting in 2007. Like Alberta, the holiday was introduced to emphasize family values and provide a break during February.

Ontario adopted Family Day in 2008 under Premier Dalton McGuinty. It was introduced to give Ontarians a much-needed holiday in February, a month without other statutory holidays.

British Columbia followed suit in 2013, initially celebrating Family Day on the second Monday of February to avoid overlap with holidays in other provinces, and then moved to the third Monday of February since 2019.

New Brunswick introduced Family Day in 2018 to align with other provinces celebrating Family Day, and observed the holiday on third Monday in February.

What Do People Do on This Day?

Family Day in Canada is a time for people to relax and connect with loved ones. While specific activities may vary by province, here are some common ways people spend the day:

People spend quality time with families in outdoor activities such as ice skating, sledding, skiing or snowboarding at local parks or ski resorts, and many indoor activities such as hosting family game nights or watching movies together, crafting or baking treats as a family project. Poeple may also gather together enjoying home-cooked meals or visiting a favorite restaurant.

Many towns and cities host winter festivals with activities like snow sculpting, fireworks and live music. Many museums, zoos and cultural centers often offer free or reduced admission for families. At the same time, it is very popular watching or participating in hockey games or other local sporting events.

Some families use Family Day as an opportunity to give back to their communities by volunteering at shelters, food banks or other community organizations.

For many, Family Day is a welcome break to unwind staying at home to rest, read or catch up on personal projects, and reflecting on family values and reconnecting with distant relatives via calls or virtual meetings.

While many Canadians have the day off, some essential services and some businesses remain open. These workers often celebrate on an alternative day with their families.

Similar Holiday in Canada

Manitoba: Louis Riel Day is observed on the same day, the third Monday in February, and it is a holiday to celebrate the legacy and contributions of Métis leader Louis Riel.

Prince Edward Island: Islander Day is observed on the third Monday in February, and it was established in 2009, focusing on PEI's local culture and community.

Nova Scotia: Heritage Day is observed on the third Monday in February. It was introduced in 2015 to celebrate Nova Scotia's heritage and history, focusing on a different theme each year.