Easter Sunday 2026 in Canada

Easter Sunday is one of the most significant Christian holidays. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a cornerstone of the Christian faith. Easter is widely observed in Canada through religious services, cultural traditions, and family celebrations.

When Is Easter Sunday?

Easter does not fall on the same date each year. Instead, it is celebrated on the first Sunday on or after the Paschal Full Moon—the first Full Moon following the Church’s set date for the spring equinox.

The Church considers March 21 to be the spring equinox date, even though the astronomical equinox can occur on March 19, 20, or 21.

This method of calculation was established at the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE to unify the celebration of Easter around the world.

Since the lunar cycle doesn’t align precisely with the calendar, Easter can fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25.

Learn more about calculating the date of Easter

Is Easter Sunday a Public Holiday?

Easter Sunday is not a statutory holiday. However, it is a shops closing day in Newfoundland and Labrador, a designated retail closing day in Nova Scotia, and a Christian observance in 11 provinces and territories.

How Do People in Canada Celebrate Easter?

Easter in Canada is a blend of spiritual observance, family traditions, and local customs. Different regions may observe the holiday in unique ways, and Canadians from diverse backgrounds often incorporate their own cultural traditions into the celebration.

Religious Observances:

• People attend Easter Sunday church services, including sunrise services.
• Many participate in Holy Saturday vigils and processions.
• Christians reflect on themes of renewal, hope, and the significance of the resurrection.

Family Traditions and Meals:

• Families gather for celebratory meals that often include lamb, ham, scalloped potatoes, and seasonal vegetables.
• Hot cross buns, traditionally eaten on Good Friday, continue to be enjoyed throughout the weekend.
• Traditional foods from diverse cultures, such as Ukrainian Paska bread or Italian Easter bread, are often prepared in multicultural households.

Eggs, lamb, and Jollof: Easter food traditions around the world

Secular Celebrations and Community Events:

• Easter egg hunts and egg decorating are popular activities for children.
• The Easter Bunny is a familiar character in both home and commercial celebrations.
• Schools and community centers may host craft fairs, pancake breakfasts, or spring-themed markets.
• Public events, including egg hunts, festivals, and parades, are held in many places. One notable example is the Toronto Beaches Lions Club Easter Parade, the longest-running Easter parade in the world.

Easter Sunday: What’s Open, What’s Closed?

Although Easter Sunday is not a statutory holiday, it affects public life in several ways:

• Government offices and banks are closed as per regular Sunday operations.
• Retail hours may vary significantly by province or territory. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the day is designated as a shops closing day, while in Nova Scotia, it is observed as a retail closing day. As a result, most retail businesses in these provinces are required to close.
• Public transportation operates on reduced Sunday schedules, with limited or no service in rural areas.

We recommend you check local transit and retail schedules in advance when making Easter weekend plans.

Easter Symbols in Canada

Easter in Canada blends Christian symbols with seasonal and cultural imagery:

• Eggs symbolize new life and are often dyed, painted, or filled with candy.
• The Easter Bunny is a key figure in children’s celebrations and is said to deliver chocolate eggs and treats.
• Rabbits and chicks represent fertility and the arrival of spring.
• Lilies, particularly the Easter lily—the traditional flower of Easter—are commonly used to decorate homes and churches.
• Lambs are an important symbol of Easter, as Jesus is referred to as the "Lamb of God," symbolizing his sacrifice and resurrection.
• The cross remains the central Christian symbol, representing Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.

About Easter Sunday in Other Countries

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.