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Family Day

Family Day is a holiday that celebrates exactly what it sounds like; family. Families come together to enjoy the company of one another. This could be a nice meal, a day out at museums, even ice skating. The activities don't matter as much as the time spent together. The day is devoted to celebrating the meaning of family.

Upcoming Dates & Where They Are Celebrated

In Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan Family Day is celebrated on the third Monday of every February. In British Columbia, it is celebrated on the second Monday of February. Here are the upcoming dates for Family Day:

  • Monday, February 13, 2017 - British Columbia
  • Monday, February 20, 2017 - Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan
  • Monday, February 12, 2018 - British Columbia
  • Monday, February 19, 2018 - Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan
  • Monday, February 11, 2019 - British Columbia
  • Monday, February 18, 2019 - Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan
  • Monday, February 10, 2020 - British Columbia
  • Monday, February 17, 2020 - Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan
  • Monday, February 8, 2021 - British Columbia
  • Monday, February 15, 2021 - Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan
  • Monday, February 14, 2022 - British Columbia
  • Monday, February 21, 2022 - Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan
  • Monday, February 13, 2023 - British Columbia
  • Monday, February 20, 2023 - Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan
  • Monday, February 12, 2024 - British Columbia
  • Monday, February 19, 2024 - Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan
  • Monday, February 10, 2025 - British Columbia
  • Monday, February 17, 2025 - Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan

Where Is Family Day Considered A Holiday?

Family Day is considered a holiday in four provinces; Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia. Although, British Columbia chooses to observe Family Day on a different day in the same month. During Family Day, schools are often closed. This allows families to spend the day together. Many businesses and all government offices are closed for observation. Public transportation often runs on the holiday schedule, but some cities may choose to operate as usual. In every other province, Family Day is not an observed holiday.

Festivities & Events During Family Day

Family Day always falls on a Monday. Since most businesses are closed, for many this marks a long weekend. Families often plan to take trips, returning on the Monday. Although, festivities can take place even in the home. The objective of Family Day is simply to connect with the members of your family. There may be festivals or events in your local town, or there may not be. It all depends how populated the area you live in may be. Otherwise, it's a great chance to do family-oriented activities. Taking in a show, or a sporting event together. Or, heading to a nice dinner. You can be creative with your holiday planning for Family Day.

A Brief History Of Family Day

The first observation of Family Day was in Alberta in 1990. The idea was that having the extra day off would provide workers to spend much needed time with their loved ones. It wasn't until 2007 that is was introduced to another province, being Saskatchewan. Ontario adopted the holiday in 2008 and British Columbia adopted it in 2013. The main idea behind Family Day was that there was too big of a gap between New Year's Day and Good Friday.