Your guide to Ontario’s paid days off in 2025: public holidays and long weekend


Table of Contents

  1. Introduction to Statutory Holidays in Ontario, Canada
  2. Overview of Statutory Holidays for 2025
  3. Public Holiday Entitlement and Compensation in Ontario
  4. Commonly Observed Non-Statutory Holidays in Ontario
  5. Cultural Holidays in Ontario
  6. What’s Closed on Statutory Holidays in Ontario?
  7. Grocery Stores and Restaurant Operations on Statutory Holidays
  8. Federally-Regulated Sectors and Holidays
  9. Canada Immigration and Statutory Holidays: What You Need to Know
  10. How Wave Immigration Consultant Can Assist with Your Immigration Needs
  11. Conclusion: Maximizing Your Time Off in Ontario

Introduction to Statutory Holidays in Ontario, Canada

Canada, with its rich cultural diversity and strong labor protections, offers a variety of statutory holidays. These holidays, which are recognized by the federal or provincial government, allow employees to take paid time off. For those working in Ontario, the statutory holiday calendar can vary slightly, depending on whether you are employed in a federally-regulated sector or a provincial one. If you’re planning to move to Ontario or already living here, understanding your holiday entitlements can help you plan your time off. Wave Immigration Consultant can help guide you through the visa and immigration process to ensure your transition is as smooth as possible.



Overview of Statutory Holidays for 2025

In 2025, Ontario residents can look forward to nine paid statutory holidays. These holidays are designed to provide employees with rest, reflection, and the opportunity to enjoy family time. The key statutory holidays in Ontario for 2025 are:

Holiday

Date Observed

New Year’s Day

Wednesday, January 1

Family Day

Monday, February 17

Good Friday

Friday, April 18

Victoria Day

Monday, May 19

Canada Day

Tuesday, July 1

Labour Day

Monday, September 1

Thanksgiving

Monday, October 13

Christmas

Thursday, December 25

Boxing Day

Friday, December 26

These statutory holidays are a great opportunity for Ontarians to unwind and recharge. However, for those working in essential industries or on federally-regulated jobs, working on these days often comes with added benefits like premium pay or substitute paid days off.

Public Holiday Entitlement and Compensation in Ontario

In Ontario, employees who qualify are entitled to these statutory holidays with full pay. However, if an employee is required to work on a statutory holiday, they are entitled to:

  1. Public holiday pay plus premium pay for all hours worked.
  2. Or they may receive their regular wages for the hours worked, along with a substitute paid day off.

For many employees, this system ensures that working on holidays is both compensated and fair. Whether you are planning to immigrate to Canada and work in Ontario, or already living here, understanding these rights can help you make informed decisions. Wave Immigration Consultant can provide expert advice on working in Ontario, including navigating work permits, residency requirements, and more.

Commonly Observed Non-Statutory Holidays in Ontario

While there are statutory holidays, Ontario also has several non-statutory holidays that are widely observed. These holidays are not required by law to be paid days off but are often celebrated by businesses and communities:

Holiday

Date Observed

Easter Monday

Monday, April 21

Civil Holiday

Monday, August 4

Remembrance Day

Tuesday, November 11

These holidays are often used as opportunities for relaxation and reflection. Employers may choose to offer these days off, but it is not mandatory under Ontario’s labor laws.

Cultural Holidays in Ontario

In addition to the widely recognized holidays, Ontario also celebrates numerous cultural holidays. These holidays reflect the diverse backgrounds of Ontario’s residents and promote inclusivity. Some notable cultural holidays celebrated across the province include:

  • St. Patrick’s Day (March 17): Celebrating Irish culture.
  • Groundhog Day (February 2): A fun tradition marking the beginning of spring.
  • Pride Month (June): Celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
  • National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21): Honoring Indigenous cultures.
  • National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (September 30): Reflecting on the legacy of residential schools.
  • Halloween (October 31): A global celebration of spooky festivities.

Though these holidays are celebrated widely, they are not statutory holidays and are generally not associated with paid time off.

What’s Closed on Statutory Holidays in Ontario?

On statutory holidays, many services and businesses in Ontario close, allowing workers to rest. Here are a few key sectors that close on statutory holidays:

  • Government Offices (e.g., Canada Revenue Agency, Service Canada)
  • Banks
  • Schools
  • Municipal Services
  • Canada Post
  • Liquor Stores (LCBO, may be open on select days)
  • Grocery Stores (closed, but convenience stores and pharmacy chains may remain open)

For those interested in shopping or dining out, it’s essential to plan ahead, as many services will be unavailable or operate under reduced hours.

Grocery Stores and Restaurant Operations on Statutory Holidays

While grocery stores in Ontario generally close on statutory holidays, exceptions can exist, especially in urban centers like Toronto. On Boxing Day, for example, stores may remain open. Restaurants have more flexibility, as they are not governed by the Retail Business Holidays Act. Larger chains tend to stay open, while smaller, local restaurants may close or adjust their hours.

Employees working in these businesses must be compensated accordingly, either through holiday pay or substitute paid days off.

Federally-Regulated Sectors and Holidays

Employees in federally-regulated sectors (e.g., transportation, telecommunications, banks, and Crown corporations) are subject to federal labor laws, including public holiday entitlements. In 2025, federally-regulated employers will observe the following statutory holidays:

  1. New Year’s Day — January 1
  2. Good Friday — April 18
  3. Victoria Day — May 19
  4. Canada Day — July 1
  5. Labour Day — September 1
  6. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation — September 30
  7. Thanksgiving — October 13
  8. Remembrance Day — November 11
  9. Christmas — December 25
  10. Boxing Day — December 26

Employees working in these sectors are entitled to premium compensation if required to work on these holidays.

Canada Immigration and Statutory Holidays: What You Need to Know

For those navigating Canada immigration, understanding holiday entitlements in Ontario is essential. Whether you’re applying for a work permit, looking to settle in Ontario, or seeking permanent residency, it’s crucial to know your rights. As you plan your move, the advice of a seasoned Wave Immigration Consultant can be invaluable in ensuring that you understand your working conditions, compensation entitlements, and holiday breaks.

How Wave Immigration Consultant Can Assist with Your Immigration Needs

At Wave Immigration Consultant, we specialize in providing tailored advice for your Canadian immigration journey. Whether you’re interested in employment opportunities, learning about your rights as a worker, or understanding the nuances of statutory holidays, our expert consultants can guide you through the process. We assist in securing the necessary visas, work permits, and residency requirements so that your transition to Ontario is smooth and informed.

Conclusion: Maximizing Your Time Off in Ontario

Whether you’re considering Canada immigration or already working in Ontario, understanding the statutory holiday calendar is key to planning your year. These holidays offer important time for rest, family, and personal activities. For those working on statutory holidays, proper compensation ensures fair treatment.

At Wave Immigration Consultant, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of immigration, employment laws, and holiday entitlements so you can make the most of your time in Ontario.

Looking for Canada Immigration? Visit wave visas today.

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