Family Day in Canada 2025: Date, history, how to celebrate, what's open and close

Holiday season may be long over, but there's another eagerly-awaited day in Canada that brings warmth and cheer till Easter arrives offering yet another delightful opportunity for feasting and merrymaking. Celebrated on the third Monday of February, the day is an opportunity to relax and unwind with family.

This year, Family Day in Canada is being celebrated on February 17, 2025.
Family Day in Canada is celebrated with much enthusiasm in at least 5 provinces New Brunswick, Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. It isn't a federal statutory holiday, but it is a day off for the general population, schools and many businesses are closed.
The day offers an opportunity to spend time with family, partaking in get-togethers, watching movies, eating out, and indulge in love and laughter.
The origin of the day goes back to 1990 when the special day was created by the Alberta's former premier, Don Getty. It is said that the idea struck him after his son was arrested for dealing drugs. He saw this as the erosion of family values in Canadian society. Although, he denies that it was anything to do with the above-mentioned episode.
After close to two decades, this idea spread to other provinces. Saskatchewan and Ontario decided to adopt the day in 2007, while British Columbia followed the suit in 2013, initially declaring it on the second Monday of February before merging it with other provinces in 2019.

Quality time with family: First and foremost, the main purpose of Family Day is to bond with your loved ones. This can be done through a series of activities like game nights, storytelling, and shared meals.
Outdoor activities: Considering its winter season, many of the outdoor activities can be inspired by the snow including ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. It is common for some communities to host winter festivals.
Public events and celebrations: On this day, cities and towns organize special events such as concerts, parades, and museum exhibitions to encourage family-friendly fun.
Dining and feasting: Families in Canada often enjoy home-cooked meals together or dine out at restaurants offering special Family Day menus.
Relaxation and leisure: Some prefer a quieter celebration by watching movies, reading, or simply unwinding at home with loved ones.
Passport and Service Canada are open since Family Day, Louis Riel Day, Heritage Day and Islander Day are provincial statutory holidays and not federal holidays.
Provincial offices in New Brunswick, Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia celebrating Family Day are closed on this day. Essential government services such as highway maintenance are available on the statutory holidays. The same is followed in Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island to mark their public holidays.
Elementary and secondary schools are generally closed.
The offline bank branches in the provinces marking the holiday will be closed, but customers can do online banking and use ATMs.

Major grocery stores like Loblaws, FreshCo and Sobeys will be closed. Some Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall locations will be open with adjusted hours.

Many movie theatres will be open. Schedules can be checked on their websites.

Many retailers are closed in all the provinces marking the holiday.

According to the Crown corporation, mail collection and delivery continue as usual on provincial holidays. Corporate post offices will operate during their regular hours on Family Day, while those located within private businesses will follow the host retailer's schedule.
(Picture courtesy: iStock)