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If you’re planning on a major vacation or maybe just looking forward to more staycations at home, here are long weekends you can look forward to in 2024.

Please note that some are unofficial holidays (as indicated). Observance may depend on the sector you belong to or your employer’s discretion:

January 1 (Monday) New Year’s Day
This is a statutory holiday in Manitoba and most places. The next working day is usually declared a holiday if it falls on a weekend. Do you ever wonder how New Year is celebrated in other countries? If yes, read Unique New Year traditions all over the world.

Feb 19 (Monday) Louis Riel Day
We commemorate the life and contributions of Louis Riel, the founder of Manitoba, every third Monday of February. Want to know more about Louis Riel? Read 5 facts about Manitoba’s founder Louis Riel.

March 29 Good Friday
April 1 Easter Monday (unofficial)
Good Friday is observed nationwide. This can extend up to the following Monday as a rest day for employees working in the federally regulated sector. Other employers in Manitoba may observe this holiday too. Do you want to know how Easter is celebrated in other countries? Read: From eggs to whips: Easter celebrations all over the world.

May 20 (Monday) Victoria Day
This is held to commemorate Queen Victoria’s birthday (May 24th). It is a statutory holiday and also the unofficial start of summer in Canada. Learn more about Queen Victoria here: Who was Victoria and why do we celebrate her day?

July 1 (Monday) Canada Day
Happy birthday Canada! This year, Canada turns 157 years old! Did you know that Canada Day used to be called Dominion Day? Learn why they used the word “dominion” here: Did you know that Canada Day used to be called Dominion Day?

August 5 (Monday) Civic Holiday/Terry Fox Day
The first Monday of August is known as Terry Fox Day in Manitoba. Do you know who Terry Fox is? Learn more about this great Canadian hero here: 5 great Canadians in recent history.

Sept 2 (Monday) Labour Day
This holiday is observed every first Monday of September. It is an occasion to celebrate workers’ rights and a good opportunity to take a late summer trip.

Sept 30 (Monday) National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Federal holiday)
This is the newest federal statutory holiday. This day provides an opportunity for all of us to recognize and think about the legacy of residential schools. However, it is not a general holiday in the province. Know more about Residential Schools and their impact on Indigenous youth from this article: What newcomers need to know about residential schools.

Oct 14 (Monday) Thanksgiving Day
Celebrated earlier than our neighbours to the south (the US), Thanksgiving Day in Canada is celebrated every second Monday of October. Read 5 things to know about Canadian Thanksgiving to know the various ways it differs from the American celebration.

Nov 11, (Monday) Remembrance Day (regulated by the Remembrance Day Act, unofficial)
Poppy Day is not an official holiday in Manitoba, but it is observed respectfully and with great fervour by all Manitobans. Read What are we remembering on Remembrance Day? to know more about this holiday.

Dec. 25 (Wednesday) Christmas Day
Dec. 26 (Thursday) Boxing Day (unofficial)
Merry Christmas to all who celebrate! If you’re unfamiliar with Boxing Day, read What is Boxing Day and should you celebrate it? in case you get a day off or if you just want to know what Boxing Day is all about.

To know more about these holidays and celebrations, read: Canadian Holidays.
 
Article updated January 11, 2024.
 
Source: Public Holidays, Government of Canada; Manitoba Statutory holidays, Publicholidays.net. Accessed December 4, 2018.

Last modified: Monday, 5 February 2024, 4:27 PM