Good Friday
Nationwide public holiday in Canada
Dates
| Year | Date | Weekday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 April | Friday | Nationwide |
| 2027 | 26 March | Friday | Nationwide |
Where it applies
Everywhere in Canada.
Is it a day off?
Yes. It is an official public holiday, so most employees have the day off. Government offices, schools and many businesses are usually closed; shops, restaurants and public transport may keep reduced hours. Check local announcements for opening times.
Make it longer
Fri 26 Mar – Sun 28 Mar is a 3-day weekend with no leave needed.
Plan more breaks with the leave planner.
Typical weather in Ottawa around 26 March: high 5°C (41°F), low -5°C (22°F), rain on 46% of days.
Averages for 2015–2024, 3 days either side of the date, for the area around Ottawa. Past averages, not a forecast.
Forecast for Friday 26 March in Ottawa: (MET Norway)
About Good Friday
Good Friday is the Friday before Easter Sunday, on which Christians commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It is one of the most solemn days of the Christian year. Its date depends on Easter, so it moves each year, and because Western and Orthodox churches calculate Easter differently, they often observe Good Friday on different dates.
Traditions
The day is marked by sombre church services, readings of the Passion and, in many places, processions or Stations of the Cross. Many Christians fast or avoid meat. Public entertainment is restricted in some countries, and the overall atmosphere tends to be quiet.
Editorial summary by Public Holidays World. Dates on this page come from the data source; customs vary by region and family.
Coming up next in Canada
Thursday, 1 July 2027
Good Friday in other countries
Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Aruba
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Bermuda
Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba
British Virgin Islands
Cayman Islands
Costa Rica
Cuba
More for Canada
Holiday dates are for general information and can change. Official government announcements take precedence.