Banking holidays in Canada are set by the federal government and vary by province
Whether today is a banking holiday in Canada depends on which province you are in and which bank you use. The federal government declares statutory holidays, but banks also observe additional days. Some provinces add their own holidays on top of the federal list, and some banks close on days others stay open.
The fastest way to know if your bank is closed today is to check your bank's website or call their customer service line. Most Canadian banks post holiday schedules on their homepage or in the mobile app. If you need to know right now, a phone call to your branch will give you a direct answer.
Key Takeaways
- Federal statutory holidays are observed by all Canadian banks, but the exact dates vary by province — some provinces celebrate different holidays than others.
- Banks may close on days that are not statutory holidays in your province, so checking your specific bank's schedule is more reliable than checking a general holiday list.
- Your bank's website, mobile app, or a call to customer service will tell you whether they are open today.
- If your bank is closed today, online banking and ATM transactions usually still work, but you cannot visit a branch or speak to a person.
Federal statutory holidays observed by all Canadian banks
Every Canadian bank closes on these federal holidays, though the exact date may shift if the holiday falls on a weekend:
| Holiday | Typical Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Family Day | Third Monday in February (varies by province) |
| Good Friday | Varies (March or April) |
| Victoria Day | Monday before May 25 |
| Canada Day | July 1 |
| Labour Day | First Monday in September |
| National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | September 30 |
| Thanksgiving | Second Monday in October |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
| Boxing Day | December 26 |
When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, banks typically close on the following Monday instead. When two holidays fall back-to-back (like Christmas and Boxing Day), banks may close for both days or observe them on the nearest weekdays.
Provincial holidays that affect bank closures
Some provinces observe additional statutory holidays that banks in those provinces must close for. Quebec observes National Day (June 24), and some provinces have their own Family Day dates or additional holidays. British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba each have different holiday schedules.
A bank branch in Quebec will close on June 24 even though that is not a federal holiday. A branch in Ontario will not. This is why calling your specific branch or checking your bank's website is more accurate than using a general Canadian holiday calendar.
What still works when your bank is closed
Online banking operates 24/7 on banking holidays. You can log in, check balances, transfer money between your own accounts, and pay bills from your computer or phone. The transaction may not process until the next business day, but you can initiate it.
ATMs remain open and functional. You can withdraw cash, deposit cheques (at ATMs that accept deposits), and check your balance. ATM transactions process on the next business day if the bank is closed.
What you cannot do is visit a branch, speak to a person, or conduct transactions that require a teller — like opening a new account, getting a bank draft, or resolving a dispute that needs human review.
How to find your bank's holiday schedule
Most major Canadian banks (Royal Bank, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC) publish their holiday schedules online. Search "[Your Bank Name] holiday hours" or look for a "Branch Locator" tool on their website, which often shows whether a specific branch is open today.
Your bank's mobile app may also display branch hours. If you cannot find the information online, call your branch directly or use the bank's customer service number. They can tell you when ready whether they are open today and what services are available.
What happens to payments and transfers on banking holidays
Payments you initiate on a banking holiday usually process on the next business day. If you send an e-transfer on a holiday, it may arrive in the recipient's account the next day or the day after, depending on their bank. Bill payments scheduled for a holiday typically process on the next business day.
Cheques deposited on a banking holiday are not cleared until the next business day. If you need money urgently and the bank is closed, use an ATM deposit (if available) or wait until the next business day to visit a branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
If today is a banking holiday, when will my transfer go through?
Most transfers initiated on a banking holiday process on the next business day. E-transfers may take one to two business days depending on the recipient's bank. If you need the money urgently, contact your bank to ask whether they can expedite it, though this is not always possible.
Can I still use my debit card if the bank is closed today?
Yes. Debit cards work at ATMs and at stores on banking holidays. The transaction processes normally, and the money leaves your account on the next business day or when ready, depending on the merchant and your bank.
What if I need to speak to someone at my bank today?
If the branch is closed, call the bank's customer service line. Most major Canadian banks operate phone support on holidays, though wait times may be longer. Check your bank's website for the holiday customer service number.
Does a banking holiday affect my mortgage or loan payment?
If your payment is due on a banking holiday, it usually processes on the next business day without penalty. Contact your lender to confirm their policy, as some may charge a late fee if the payment does not clear by a certain date.
Are credit unions closed on the same days as banks?
Credit unions follow similar holiday schedules to banks, but they are not required to close on the same days. Some credit unions stay open on certain federal holidays. Check your credit union's website or call them directly to confirm their hours today.