Canada April 2025 Calendar: List of Holidays, Festivals, Regional and Global Observances

U.S. Calendar April 2025: List of Holidays, Festivals, Special Days, and International Events

April 2025 UK Calendar: Bank Holidays, Cultural Events, and Global Observances Explained

April 2025 in Canada marks the transition into spring, with melting snow in the prairies, cherry blossoms in British Columbia, and a mix of cultural, religious and international observances nationwide. While some holidays mirror those in the UK or the US, Canadian traditions carry their own unique flavour, shaped by indigenous cultures, bilingual heritage, and diverse communities.

April Calendar at a Glance – Canada 2025

Whether you’re planning personal time, business schedules or simply want to understand what shapes Canadian life this month, here’s your complete guide to April 2025 in Canada.

Public Holidays and Major Observances in Canada – April 2025

Good Friday – 18 April 2025 (Friday)

Good Friday

Good Friday is a statutory holiday in all provinces and territories except Quebec, where it is an optional day off. Many Canadians attend church services or take part in quiet family gatherings.
Unlike the US, where Good Friday is not a federal holiday, in Canada, most government offices, banks, and schools are closed nationwide.

In Quebec, businesses may instead close on Easter Monday, reflecting the province's Catholic heritage and labour agreements.

Easter Sunday – 20 April 2025 (Sunday)

Easter in Canada combines Christian tradition with community-focused activities. Churches from Halifax to Vancouver hold sunrise services, while many families participate in egg hunts in public parks or at home. Cities like Ottawa and Toronto often organise community brunches and children's festivals.

Cultural Note: Canadians, much like Britons, favour chocolate eggs and hot cross buns, but maple-themed Easter treats are a uniquely Canadian twist found in many provinces.

Easter Monday – 21 April 2025 (Monday)

While not a statutory holiday nationwide, Easter Monday is observed by federal government employees and in Quebec. Many schools and public institutions remain closed, though private businesses often operate as usual.

• Different from the US: In the US, Easter Monday has little official status, while in Canada, especially in Quebec and among federal offices, it is treated as a non-working day.

2025 Canada Calendar - Full List of Public Holidays And Observances: Dates, Activities

Regional and Indigenous Observances

St George’s Day – 23 April 2025 (Wednesday) (Newfoundland and Labrador Only)

St George’s Day

Unique to Newfoundland and Labrador, St George’s Day is observed as a provincial holiday but often moved to a Monday for convenience. Traditionally marked by parades, it’s rooted in the province’s English colonial heritage.

Local Colour: Unlike England’s national St George’s Day, the Newfoundland version includes strong Irish and local maritime influences, sometimes blending with other spring events.

Sikh Heritage Month – April 2025

April is designated as Sikh Heritage Month in Canada, celebrating the contributions and history of Sikh Canadians. Throughout the month, various events such as exhibitions, cultural performances, and community gatherings are held across provinces, notably in Ontario and British Columbia, where significant Sikh communities reside. ​

Cultural Insight:

Canada is home to one of the largest Sikh populations outside of India, making Sikh Heritage Month a significant observance that highlights the community's impact on the nation's social and cultural fabric.​

Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation and Prevention Month – April 2025

This month-long observance is dedicated to remembering the victims of past genocides and raising awareness about the importance of preventing such atrocities in the future. Educational programs, memorial services, and discussions are organized nationwide to promote understanding and vigilance against hate-driven violence. ​

Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge – 9 April 2025 (Wednesday)

The Battle of Vimy Ridge, fought from April 9 to 12, 1917, is a defining moment in Canadian history, symbolizing national unity and sacrifice. Commemorative ceremonies are held at war memorials and schools across the country to honor the bravery of Canadian soldiers. ​

Historical Note:

The success at Vimy Ridge is often cited as a pivotal event in Canada's journey toward full sovereignty, fostering a sense of national pride and identity.​

International Day of Pink – 9 April 2025 (Wednesday)

Observed on the second Wednesday of April, the International Day of Pink is dedicated to combating bullying, discrimination, homophobia, and transphobia. Canadians are encouraged to wear pink to stand against these issues, with schools and organizations hosting events to promote inclusivity and diversity.

Community Highlight:

The Day of Pink originated in Nova Scotia when two students intervened in a bullying incident, sparking a movement that has grown nationwide.​

Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) – 27 April 2025 (Sunday)

Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day, is observed to commemorate the six million Jews who perished during the Holocaust. In Canada, memorial services, educational programs, and candle-lighting ceremonies are held in synagogues, community centers, and schools to honor the victims and educate future generations.

• Educational Aspect: Canadian institutions emphasize Holocaust education to combat anti-Semitism and promote human rights awareness.

10 Biggest Holidays and Festivals in Canada 2025

Key International and Global Days Marked in Canada

World Autism Awareness Day – 2 April 2025 (Wednesday)

Autism Awareness Day

Canada joins the global community in observing World Autism Awareness Day to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Landmarks across the country, such as the CN Tower in Toronto, are illuminated in blue, and various events are organized to promote understanding and support for individuals with autism. ​

• Community Engagement: Organizations like Autism Canada host workshops and seminars to educate the public and support families affected by ASD.​

International Day of Sport for Development and Peace – 6 April 2025 (Sunday)

This day recognizes the power of sport in promoting social change, development, and peace. Canadian sports organizations and communities often host events and activities that emphasize inclusion, teamwork, and healthy living. ​

• Local Initiatives: Community centers and schools across Canada organize sports clinics and tournaments to engage youth and promote positive social values.

World Health Day – 7 April 2025 (Monday)

Led by the World Health Organization, this day prompts awareness campaigns nationwide. In Canada, public health units collaborate with schools and community centres to offer free health screenings and wellness programs.

World Art Day – 15 April 2025 (Tuesday)

Celebrated globally, World Art Day promotes awareness of creative activity worldwide. In Canada, art galleries, museums, and educational institutions often organize exhibitions, workshops, and discussions to celebrate the rich artistic heritage and contemporary art scene. ​

Cultural Engagement:

Cities like Toronto and Montreal host art festivals and public installations, encouraging community participation in the arts.

Earth Day – 22 April 2025 (Tuesday)

Canada is a major player in global environmental activism, and Earth Day is widely observed across the provinces.

Municipalities, schools, and businesses organise eco-drives, tree-planting, and educational campaigns. In Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal, large-scale public clean-up events and eco-fairs are common.

Did You Know?

Canada has been marking Earth Day since 1990, but in 2024, over 1,000 Canadian cities took part, from Arctic communities to major metropolitan centres.

World Book and Copyright Day – 23 April 2025 (Wednesday)

Initiated by UNESCO, this day celebrates books and reading, highlighting the importance of copyright. In Canada, it is observed with book fairs, reading sessions, and literary discussions, fostering a culture of reading and honoring authors and publishers. ​

Literary Events:

Libraries and bookstores across Canada host author readings, book launches, and workshops to promote literacy and celebrate Canadian literature.​

International Dance Day – 29 April 2025 (Tuesday)

Established by the International Theatre Institute, this day celebrates dance as a universal art form. In Canada, dance academies and cultural organizations host performances, workshops, and seminars, showcasing the country's rich dance traditions and encouraging participation in various dance forms. ​

Performance Spotlight:

Major cities like Vancouver and Toronto feature outdoor dance performances and flash mobs, highlighting diverse dance styles from ballet to indigenous dances.​

International Jazz Day – 30 April 2025 (Wednesday)

International Jazz Day brings together communities worldwide to celebrate jazz and its role in promoting peace and intercultural dialogue. In Canada, jazz festivals, concerts, and educational programs are often organized in cities like Montreal and Toronto, showcasing both local and international jazz artists.

National Volunteer Week – 20–26 April 2025

Though not a formal public holiday, this week-long observance is significant in Canada, where volunteerism is integral to community life. Recognised across sectors, organisations hold special events to thank volunteers and highlight their impact on Canadian society.

Unique to Canada:

National Volunteer Week has been officially celebrated in Canada since 1943, with an emphasis on grassroots and community-building initiatives.

Conclusion

Canada in April balances its European Christian heritage with a growing awareness of indigenous traditions and international causes like Earth Day and National Volunteer Week. Unlike the US, where some of these observances are purely symbolic, Canadian regions and communities often weave them into civic and public life with a uniquely Canadian perspective—whether through bilingual celebrations, public holidays that vary by province, or community-driven sustainability projects.

FAQs: April Holidays in Canada

Is Good Friday a public holiday across Canada?

Yes, except in Quebec where it is optional. However, many Quebecers get Easter Monday off instead.

Does Canada celebrate Easter Monday like the UK?

Not fully. While the federal government and Quebec observe it, Easter Monday is not a statutory holiday in most provinces, unlike the UK.

Is St George’s Day widely celebrated in Canada?

Only in Newfoundland and Labrador, where it holds cultural significance due to British colonial heritage. Elsewhere in Canada, it is rarely observed.

How does Earth Day look different in Canada compared to the US?

Canada places strong emphasis on grassroots and indigenous-led environmental initiatives. Events often include traditional knowledge-sharing sessions alongside Western environmental practices.

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