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Prince Edward Island (PEI), often called the “Garden of the Gulf,” is known for its stunning landscapes and friendly communities. The statutory holidays in PEI provide the perfect excuse for islanders to celebrate their heritage and unwind from their daily routines.
Whether it’s the communal gatherings of Thanksgiving, the reflective moments of Remembrance Day, or the joyful festivities of Christmas and New Year’s, each holiday has its own unique charm. With its mix of historical significance and local traditions, these holidays offer a glimpse into the island’s rich culture and community spirit.
This article will detail all the holidays in Prince Edward Island for 2026. You’ll also discover the history and significance of each holiday, as well as the rules for statutory holiday pay.
Prince Edward Island Statutory Holidays for 2025 – 2026
Each province in Canada, including Prince Edward Island, designates statutory holidays to honor cultural and historical events. On these days, employees are entitled to a paid day off or receive premium pay if they work.
The regulations for statutory holidays in Prince Edward Island are outlined in the Employment Standards Act.
| STAT HOLIDAY | 2025 | 2026 | OBSERVANCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1, Wed | January 1, Thu | National, Federal |
| Islander Day* | February 17, Mon | February 16, Mon | Federal |
| Good Friday | April 18, Fri | April 3, Fri | National, Federal |
| Canada Day | July 1, Tue | July 1, Wed | National, Federal (except MB) |
| Labour Day | September 1, Mon | September 7, Mon | National, Federal |
| National Day for Truth and Reconciliation* | September 30, Tue | September 30, Wed | Federal |
| Remembrance Day* | November 11, Tue | November 11, Wed | Federal |
| Christmas Day | December 25, Thu | December 25, Fri | National, Federal |
| OPTIONAL HOLIDAY | |||
| Easter Monday* | Apr 21, Mon | Apr 6, Mon | Not a stat holiday |
| Victoria Day* | May 19, Mon | May 18, Mon | Not a stat holiday |
| Civic Holiday* | Aug 4, Mon | Aug 3, Mon | Not a stat holiday |
| Thanksgiving Day* | Oct 13, Mon | Oct 12, Mon | Not a stat holiday |
| Boxing Day* | Dec 26, Fri | Dec 26, Sat | Not a stat holiday |
* – Federal and/or Provincial
Important Notes
- Easter Monday* – Optional Holiday – It is not a statutory holiday in Prince Edward Island. However, some employers and schools may choose to observe it.
- Victoria Day* – Observance – It is not a statutory holiday under the Prince Edward Island Employment Standards Act. Most businesses operate as usual unless an employer chooses to observe it.
- Civic Holiday (Natal Day)* – Optional Holiday – It is not recognized as a statutory holiday in Prince Edward Island. Most businesses and workplaces remain open.
- Thanksgiving Day* – Optional Holiday – It is not a statutory holiday in Prince Edward Island. While some employers may provide the day off, it is not one of the province’s paid statutory holidays.
- Boxing Day – Optional Holiday – It is not a statutory holiday under the Prince Edward Island Employment Standards Act. However, some employers, particularly retailers and private businesses, may recognize it as an additional paid holiday.
Prince Edward Island Stat Holidays Pay Rules
Most eligible employees have the right to take public holidays off and receive public holiday pay.
However, if an employee agrees (either electronically or in writing) to work on a public holiday, they have two options for compensation:
Regular wages plus a substitute holiday: The employee will be paid their regular wages for all hours worked on the public holiday. Additionally, they will receive another day off as a substitute holiday, for which they will be paid public holiday pay.
Public holiday pay plus premium pay: The employee will receive public holiday pay along with premium pay for all hours worked on the holiday. In this case, they will not get an additional day off, which is known as a “substitute” holiday.
Did You Know…
- that in PEI the August Civic holiday, Easter Monday, Thanksgiving, Victoria Day and Boxing Day are not statutory holidays. However, Federal Government employees (and some Provincial employees) do have arrangements in their collective agreements to receive these as paid days off.
Canada Public Holidays Glossary of Terms
Canada celebrates numerous holidays throughout the year, both federal and provincial, each with its own special significance. These holidays often involve time off work and various events or activities. In this article, we will explain key terms related to holidays in Canada, such as statutory holidays, public holidays, observed holidays and more.
Full-Time Employment and Holiday Pay
Full-time employees have specific entitlements regarding holiday pay:
- Indeterminate Full-Time Workers: You are entitled to paid leave on all statutory holidays. If a holiday coincides with your scheduled day of rest, it will be moved to your next working day.
- Casual or Term Full-Time Employees: To qualify for holiday pay, you must work either the day immediately before or the day immediately after the statutory holiday.
For more detailed information, including specific terms and conditions related to your employment classification, refer to your collective agreement and other relevant employment guidelines
Leave Without Pay and Holiday Pay
If you take leave without pay for the entire day immediately before and after a statutory holiday, you will not be eligible for holiday pay. For more detailed information, including specific terms and conditions related to your employment classification, refer to your collective agreement and other relevant employment guidelines
Compressed Work Week and Holiday Pay
If you work a compressed work week, you are required to compensate for the difference between the statutory holiday hours and your compressed hours. To understand the specific practices and requirements in your department, consult with your manager or human resources
Premium Pay
Premium pay refers to the additional compensation employees receive for working under certain conditions, such as on public holidays or during overtime. Typically, premium pay is calculated at 1.5 times the employee’s regular pay rate. For example, if an employee’s regular hourly rate is $20, their premium pay rate would be $30 per hour.
This type of pay is often applied to hours worked on public holidays, ensuring that employees are fairly compensated for working during times when most people have the day off
Substitute Holiday
A substitute holiday is a day off given to employees when a public holiday falls on a non-working day, such as a weekend. This ensures that employees still receive the benefit of the holiday. The substitute holiday is typically scheduled on the next working day or another mutually agreed-upon day.
For example, if Canada Day (July 1st) falls on a Saturday, employees might get the following Monday off instead. The specific rules can vary by province and whether the employer is federally regulated.
New to Canada? Don’t miss our Newcomers to Canada: The Ultimate Guide, your complete step-by-step resource for settling in Canada.
Prince Edward Island Holidays Most Asked Questions on Google
This guide provides answers to commonly questions about public holidays in Prince Edward Island, including dates, significance, and how they are observed.
How Many Days in 2026?
In 2026, there will be 365 days, which translates to 52 weeks and 1 extra day. This year will encompass 8,760 hours, 525,600 minutes, and a whopping 31,536,000 seconds. Essentially, it’s a non-leap year where each day counts towards a complete cycle of time, marking the rhythm of life with its usual pace.
Is Remembrance Day a Stat Holiday in Prince Edward Island?
Yes. Remembrance Day, observed on November 11, is a statutory (paid) holiday in Prince Edward Island. It honors the sacrifices of Canada’s veterans and members of the armed forces, and eligible employees are generally entitled to a paid day off or holiday pay.
Is Easter Monday a Holiday in Prince Edward Island?
No. Easter Monday, observed the day after Easter Sunday, is not a statutory holiday in Prince Edward Island. While some employers and schools may choose to observe it, most businesses operate as usual.
Is Boxing Day a Stat Holiday in Prince Edward Island?
No. Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26, is not a statutory holiday in Prince Edward Island. However, some employers may choose to provide the day off or recognize it as an additional paid holiday.
Is Civic Holiday a Stat Holiday in Prince Edward Island?
No. Civic Holiday, observed on the first Monday in August in some parts of Canada, is not a statutory holiday in Prince Edward Island. Most businesses and workplaces operate as usual unless an employer chooses to observe it.
Is Family Day a Stat Holiday in Prince Edward Island?
No. Family Day is not a statutory holiday in Prince Edward Island. Instead, the province celebrates Islander Day on the third Monday in February, which is a statutory (paid) holiday under the Employment Standards Act.
Is Good Friday a Stat Holiday in Prince Edward Island?
Yes. Good Friday, observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday, is a statutory (paid) holiday in Prince Edward Island. Eligible employees are generally entitled to a paid day off or holiday pay.
Is Victoria Day a Stat Holiday in Prince Edward Island?
No. Victoria Day, celebrated on the Monday preceding May 25, is not a statutory holiday under the Prince Edward Island Employment Standards Act. Most businesses operate as usual unless an employer chooses to observe it.
Is Thanksgiving a Stat Holiday in Prince Edward Island?
No. Thanksgiving Day, celebrated on the second Monday in October, is not a statutory holiday in Prince Edward Island. While some employers may provide the day off, it is not one of the province’s paid statutory holidays.
Is Truth and Reconciliation Day a Stat Holiday in Prince Edward Island?
Yes. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, observed on September 30, is a statutory (paid) holiday in Prince Edward Island under the Employment Standards Act. It honors the survivors, families, and communities affected by the residential school system and promotes reconciliation.
Is Labour Day a Stat Holiday in Prince Edward Island?
Yes. Labour Day, celebrated on the first Monday in September, is a statutory (paid) holiday in Prince Edward Island. It recognizes the contributions of workers, and eligible employees are generally entitled to a paid day off or holiday pay.
More Prince Edward Island Holidays FAQs
Conclusion
Prince Edward Island’s statutory holidays are integral to the province’s cultural and historical identity. Knowing these holidays allows residents to plan their vacations effectively, ensuring they can make the most of their time off.
Whether it’s the communal celebrations during Natal Day or the festive spirit of Christmas, understanding these holidays helps in aligning personal and professional schedules seamlessly. This not only enhances individual well-being but also strengthens community bonds and appreciation for the province’s unique traditions.
Read More Helpful Resources on All Review
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Other Provinces Stat Holidays
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ontario
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
Government, Education & Living in Canada
- Are Banks Open Today (or Tomorrow)?
- Canada Benefits and Payment Dates
- CRA My Account Registration Guide
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) Application Guide
- My Service Canada Account (MSCA) Guide
- Food Banks in Canada Directory
- Best Universities in Canada
- Best Cities to Live in Canada
- Cheapest Places to Live in Canada
- Warmest Places to Live in Canada
- Buying a House in Canada Guide
Statistics and Information Sources:
- Government of Prince Edward Island, Canada website
- Link: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/workforce-advanced-learning-and-population/paid-holidays
