All British Columbia Holidays in 2026 (Statutory Holidays & More)
Whether you’re planning family time, outdoor adventures, or a chance to slow down and recharge, noting statutory holidays in advance helps you make the most of your time off. Use this guide to plan ahead and enjoy British Columbia’s rich culture and stunning coastal scenery.
For 2026, the province of British Columbia has 11 statutory holidays.
2026 Statutory Holidays in British Columbia
| New Year's Day | January 1, 2026 (Thursday) |
| Family Day | February 16, 2026 (Monday) |
| Good Friday | April 3, 2026 |
| Victoria Day | February 16, 2026 (Monday) |
| Canada Day | July 1, 2026 (Wednesday) |
| BC Day | August 3, 2026 (Monday) |
| Labour Day | September 7, 2026 (Monday) |
| National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | September 30, 2026 (Wednesday) |
| Thanksgiving Day | October 12, 2026 (Monday) |
| Remembrance Day | November 11, 2026 (Wednesday) |
| Christmas Day | December 25, 2026 (Friday) |
What is a Statutory Holiday?
Statutory holidays (or stat holidays for short) are public holidays mandated through legislation from federal, territorial, or provincial governments. On these specific days throughout the year, many employees are legally entitled to a paid day off or increased compensation in exchange for working.
The Federal Government of Canada mandates six statutory holidays that apply across the country. Each province and territory is also responsible for creating additional statutory holidays as they deem appropriate.
Other Holidays in British Columbia
Easter Monday and Boxing Day are two additional days that are sometimes treated as holidays in British Columbia, but they are not official 2026 statutory holidays. Employers are under no legal obligation to pay their employees if they have the day off, but some may offer the option to take these days off.
| Easter Monday | April 6, 2026 |
| Boxing Day | December 26, 2026 (Saturday) |
How Many Long Weekends Are There In BC In 2026?
In 2026, British Columbia has 7 long weekends built into the calendar thanks to statutory holidays that fall on Mondays or Fridays, making it easier to plan time off without dipping into vacation days.
Family Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, B.C. Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas all create easy three-day weekends throughout the year. While New Year’s Day and Canada Day fall mid-week, there are still plenty of chances to plan time off, short trips, or relaxed weekends without using vacation days.
Is Easter Monday A Holiday in BC, Canada?
In British Columbia, Easter Monday is not a statutory holiday under provincial employment standards. Most workplaces remain open, however some employers may choose to offer the day off. If you’re unsure whether you have the day off, it’s best to check your employment contract or confirm directly with your employer.
What Provinces Get Boxing Day Off?
In Canada, Boxing Day is only a statutory holiday in Ontario. In all other provinces and territories, it is not a required public holiday, though some employers may choose to recognize it or offer it as an optional day off. Many businesses still operate on December 26, so whether you have the day off often depends on your workplace or industry.
Now that you have a list of British Columbia statutory and civic holidays for 2026, it’s time to start planning your next long weekend!
