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Family Day in Canada: Traditions and Festivities
Family Day is an important statutory holiday in Canada celebrated in five Canadian provinces. It falls on the third Monday of February each year and allows families to spend quality time together.
Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, British Columbia, and New Brunswick are the provinces that observe Family Day. It is not a statutory holiday nationwide.
Family Day aims to honour family bonds and bring loved ones closer together. It reflects the historical importance of family in the founding of these provinces.
This article will explore the history of Family Day, where and when it’s celebrated, popular activities and traditions, holiday opening hours, and more.
When Did Family Day in Canada Originate?
Family Day was introduced in Alberta in 1990 by Don Getty, the province’s former Premier.
One motivation was to counteract society’s perceived erosion of family values at the time. Getty wanted to establish a day promoting time with loved ones.
The holiday was also partly a response to a scandal involving Getty’s son and illegal drugs. However, Getty denied this connection.
Regardless, Alberta’s provincial government passed the Family Day Act in 1990, and the first Family Day was celebrated on February 19, 1990.
When is Family Day in Canada Celebrated Each Year?
Family Day takes place each year on the third Monday of February.
The exact date changes annually but always falls in this time frame:
| Year | Date of Family Day |
| 2023 | February 20 |
| 2024 | February 19 |
| 2025 | February 17 |
| 2026 | February 16 |
| 2027 | February 15 |
Other important details about the timing of Family Day:
- Has been an official holiday in Alberta since 1990.
- Was adopted by other provinces in the following years:
- Saskatchewan: 2007
- Ontario: 2008
- British Columbia: 2013
- New Brunswick: 2018
- Provides a long weekend in February between New Year’s and Easter.
While the date varies year to year, Canadians in observing provinces can count on having the third Monday of February off.
Where is Family Day in Canada a Statutory Holiday?
Family Day is celebrated as an official statutory holiday in 5 of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories:
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Saskatchewan
- Ontario
- New Brunswick
This table summarizes details on Family Day observance across Canada:
| Province | Has Family Day? | Alternate 3rd Monday February Holiday |
| Alberta | Yes | – |
| British Columbia | Yes | – |
| Saskatchewan | Yes | – |
| Manitoba | No | Louis Riel Day |
| Ontario | Yes | – |
| Quebec | No | – |
| New Brunswick | Yes | – |
| Nova Scotia | No | Heritage Day |
| Prince Edward Island | No | Islander Day |
| Newfoundland | No | – |
| Yukon | No | Heritage Day |
| Northwest Territories | No | – |
| Nunavut | No | – |
As shown, only 5 out of 13 provinces celebrate Family Day itself. Others either have no holiday or different observances on the same date.
Canada is a multicultural country that celebrates many holidays and festivals throughout the year. Some of the major Canadian holidays include:
- New Year’s Day
- Family Day
- St. Patrick’s Day
- Good Friday
- Easter
- Victoria Day
- Canada Day
- Labour Day
- Thanksgiving
- Remembrance Day
- Christmas Day
Why Was Family Day in Canada Created?
Family Day we originated in 1990 in Alberta at the initiative of then-premier Don Getty.
There were a few factors motivating its creation:
Promote Family Values
- Getty perceived an erosion of family values in society.
- Wanted to establish a day honoring family life and time together.
Counter Family Scandal
- Getty’s son was involved in a drug possession scandal.
- Some see the holiday as an effort to save face.
- Getty denied Family Day was related to the scandal.
Reflect Alberta’s History
- Recall the importance of family values to Alberta’s early pioneers.
So, in summary, the themes behind Family Day were:
- Family togetherness
- Reflecting on Alberta’s pioneer past
- Responding to social issues threatening families
Getty moved quickly to establish the holiday. The first Family Day in Alberta was celebrated on February 19, 1990.
Other provinces followed Alberta’s lead years later by adopting their own Family Day.
What Does Family Day in Canada Celebrate?
Family Day celebrates relationships between family members and time spent together.
Specifically, it recognizes:
- Parents and children
- Extended family like grandparents, aunts/uncles
- Close friends who feel like family
It reflects the idea that families, however defined, are integral to happiness and human development.
The day emphasizes shared activities that reinforce family bonds. Traditions focus on:
- Togetherness
- Reconnecting
- Making memories
Like holidays such as Thanksgiving, Family Day encourages quality time with loved ones. It provides a dedicated day for family rediscovery.
Canadians are meant to celebrate their familial ties and honour living and deceased relatives. Events bring families closer through meaningful time together.
Popular Family Day Traditions and Activities
Canadians celebrate Family Day in various fun ways. Popular traditions include:
Winter Sports and Games
- Skating on frozen ponds
- Sledding, skiing, snowshoeing
- Building snowmen and forts
- Hockey, ice fishing
Indoor Entertainment
- Watching movies together
- Playing board and video games
- Working on crafts and DIY projects
Community Events
- Special events and festivals
- Dances, concerts, carnivals
- Discounted/free admission to museums, zoos, galleries
Food Traditions
- Baking cookies and treats together
- Preparing culturally significant dishes
- Enjoying hot chocolate and fresh baked goodies
Family History Exploration
- Looking at old photos
- Geneology research
- Sharing family stories
- Reconnecting with distant relatives
Canadians welcome involvement from extended family and newcomers. Trying winter activities, cooking, and attending local events make everyone feel part of the cultural celebration.
Is Family Day a Public Holiday in Canada?
Yes, Family Day is considered a public statutory holiday in the 5 provinces that celebrate it:
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Saskatchewan
- Ontario
- New Brunswick
This gives most citizens the day off from school and work, similar to holidays like Christmas. What’s Open and Closed?
Closed on Family Day
- Most corporate offices and businesses
- Provincial and municipal government offices
- Schools and post-secondary institutions
- Banks and libraries
Open on Family Day
- Federal offices and services like post offices
- Many restaurants, malls, theatres
- Public transit on reduced schedules
- Museums/attractions with holiday programming
So, in general, provincial services close on Family Day, but federal operations remain open. Some private businesses choose to stay open or offer holiday discounts/events.
Why Don’t All Canadian Provinces Celebrate Family Day?
While 5 provinces commemorate Family Day, it has yet to go nationwide across Canada.
No Holiday in February
Quebec is the only province with no holiday at all on the 3rd Monday of February.
Unique Cultural Holidays
Other provinces have different observances on the same date as Family Day:
- Louis Riel Day (Manitoba)
- Heritage Day (Nova Scotia, Yukon)
- Islander Day (Prince Edward Island)
Honouring Diverse Histories
Provinces celebrate holidays reflecting their distinct cultures/histories:
- Quebec: Fête nationale du Québec
- PEI: Islander Day
- Manitoba: Louis Riel Day
So, in summary, while Family Day honours family bonds, not all provinces officially observe it. Those opting out maintain their own heritage-based holidays instead.
How Each Province Celebrates Family Day
While some common themes and activities unite Family Day celebrations, each participating province also gives the holiday its own twist.
Alberta
- Originator of Family Day in Canada, first held in 1990
- Civic festivals and skating events in cities like Edmonton and Calgary
- Get-togethers with traditional pioneer foods like bannock
British Columbia
- Observe the holiday on the 2nd Monday in February, not the 3rd
- Family-friendly events at science museums like Science World
- Multicultural celebrations with traditional foods
Saskatchewan
- Adopted Family Day in 2007, the third province to do so
- Outdoor festivities like skating, sledding, snowshoeing
- Craft fairs, costume parades, carnivals
Ontario
- Museums and cultural sites offer free admission
- Special events at tourist sites like Niagara Falls
- Family-themed activities in Toronto, Ottawa, and other cities
New Brunswick
- Latest province to celebrate Family Day starting in 2018
- Ice sculpting competitions, kitchen parties with Acadian food
- French and English community events throughout the province
So, while some core activities are common across all provinces, there are also unique Family Day variations across Canada that reflect regional diversity.
The Origins and History of Family Day in Alberta
As the founder of Family Day, I find it helpful to take a closer look at the origins of the holiday in Alberta.
February 19, 1990
Family Day was first held in Alberta on February 19, 1990 after rapidly passing through legislation.
Don Getty Introduces Holiday
Then-premier Don Getty spearheaded the initiative to create Family Day.
Response to Scandal?
In 1989, Getty’s son was involved in an illegal drug possession scandal. Some suggest Family Day was partly an effort to redirect negative publicity.
However, Getty maintained that the holiday was not related to personal matters.
Promoting Family Values
Getty framed the holiday as a way to honour family and counteract eroding values in society.
It aimed to promote quality family time and recall Alberta’s pioneer heritage.
Rapid Adoption
The holiday passed into law quickly and allowed little time for opposition.
Retail groups complained about a lack of consultation and lost revenue.
Ongoing Legacy
Thirty years later, Family Day remains an important fixture in February for Alberta families.
It represents the province’s heritage and commitment to family bonds.
The Evolution of Family Day Across Canada
Since originating in Alberta, Family Day has gradually spread across Canada over the decades:
1990: Alberta becomes first province to celebrate Family Day
2007: Saskatchewan adopts Family Day on 3rd Monday of February, Manitoba introduces Louis Riel Day instead
2008: Ontario follows suit, making Family Day official
2013: British Columbia declares Family Day a holiday but observes it on the 2nd Monday
2018: New Brunswick becomes the latest addition to recognize Family Day
Alternate Observances: Some provinces institute alternate holidays on the date: Heritage Day (Nova Scotia, Yukon), Islander Day (PEI)
No Holiday: Quebec is the only province with no 3rd Monday of February holiday
So, in summary, Family Day expanded province-by-province from its origins in Alberta in 1990. However, not all parts of Canada participate equally.
How Can Newcomers Celebrate Family Day in Canada?
Family Day presents a great opportunity for newcomers to Canada to:
- Experience Canadian culture/traditions
- Connect with the local community
- Bond with family in their new home
Fun Family Activities
- Skating at outdoor public rinks
- Trying winter sports like skiing, snowboarding
- Visiting museums with holiday discounts
- Playing games like hockey, Monopoly, charades
Community Events
- Attending festivals, concerts, carnivals
- Joining neighborhood celebrations
- Meeting fellow newcomers and neighbours
Cooking
- Making traditional Canadian treats like:
- Butter tarts
- Poutine
- Nanaimo bars
- Maple cookies
- Preparing cultural dishes from one’s homeland to share
Storytelling
- Sharing family memories, photos, and histories
- Discussing hopes and dreams for family’s future in Canada
- Passing along cultural traditions to children
Newcomers can use Family Day to experience Canadian customs while bonding with relatives and meeting locals. Trying signature winter activities and foods and partaking in community events allows for an engaging cultural experience. Most importantly, the day provides meaningful time with loved ones.
Key Takeaways About Family Day in Canada
In conclusion, the key points to remember about Family Day include:
- Statutory holiday on the 3rd Monday of February
- Celebrated in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario and New Brunswick
- Originated in Alberta in 1990
- Promotes family togetherness
- Traditions involve winter activities, indoor games, cooking, and community events.
- Typical foods are cookies, hot chocolate and cultural dishes.
- Most provincial services close, and federal offices remain open.
- Not celebrated nationwide, some provinces have alternate holidays.
- It provides an important mid-winter break to focus on family bonds
Family Day remains a cherished tradition in February for millions across Canada. Its emphasis on family and heritage has resonated for over thirty years since it was first celebrated in Alberta.
FAQs about Family Day in Canada
When is Family Day in Canada?
Family Day takes place every year on the third Monday of February. In 2025, Family Day falls on February 17th.
What provinces have Family Day?
Family Day is celebrated as a public holiday in Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and New Brunswick.
Why was Family Day created?
Family Day was introduced in 1990 in Alberta to promote family values and give families more time together. It was spearheaded by then-premier Don Getty.
What do people do on Family Day?
Popular activities include skating, sledding, movies, games, crafts, cooking together, and visiting museums with free admission. Community events like festivals are also common.
When did Family Day start in Canada?
Family Day first originated as a provincial holiday in Alberta in 1990. It was later adopted by other provinces like Saskatchewan (2007), Ontario (2008), and British Columbia (2013).
Is Family Day a statutory holiday?
Yes, Family Day is a statutory holiday in the provinces that observe it. Most people have the day off work and school is closed.
Are there special events on Family Day?
Many communities organize festivals, concerts, skating parties, museum exhibitions, and other events. Cities offer activities like free public skating and discounted museum visits.
Do federal employees get Family Day off?
No, Family Day is not a federal statutory holiday, so federal offices, services, and employees work as usual.
Does Quebec have Family Day?
No, Quebec does not observe Family Day or any holiday on the third Monday of February.
What are the origins of Family Day in Canada?
Family Day was first celebrated in Alberta in 1990 after being proposed by then-Premier Don Getty. It aimed to promote family values and time together.