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Canada 2026 Vacation Hack: 14 Days Into 45 Vacation Days 🗓️
In Canada, employees with over one year of service are entitled to a minimum of two weeks of paid vacation (and three weeks in Saskatchewan). With a little planning, those 14 days of PTO can stretch into 45 days off in 2026. By strategically combining your paid time off with weekends and Canadian public holidays, you can maximize your vacation time and plan unforgettable trips throughout the year.
Based in the US & looking to maximize your vacation time in the year (2026)? Here's an article that will help.
Canada Public Holidays List
Below, we've provided a list of federal national holidays and what day of the week they land on in 2026.
*Please note that the example dates below are based on the assumption that you work a Monday-to-Friday schedule.
First, let's review the National Public Holidays in Canada. These are the holidays that are recognized nationwide. These will be integrated with the 14 days of PTO and weekends to optimize your vacation time.
New Year's Day: Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Good Friday: Friday, April 3, 2026
Easter Monday: Monday, April 6, 2026
Victoria Day: Monday, May 18, 2026
Canada Day: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Civic Holiday: Monday, August 3, 2026
Labour Day: Monday, September 7, 2026
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Thanksgiving: Monday, October 12, 2026
Remembrance Day: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Christmas Day: Friday, December 25th, 2026
Before we start, the months of February, March, and June do not have any national holidays and are, therefore, blackout months in relation to this article;
Turn 14 Days of Paid Time Off to 45 Days of Vacation
On average, Canadians receive 14 days of paid time off, which doesn't leave a lot of time for planned adventures, especially for trips to far out places like Europe and Asia. Here's how you can turn just 14 days of annual leave into 45 days of vacation in 2026.
*Please note: this guide is suited best for those who work Monday's to Friday's.
Vacation Time in January
New Year’s Day 2026 falls on Thursday, January 1. If you request Friday, January 2 off, you can enjoy a four-day weekend from January 1–4 while using only one vacation day.
✨Travel idea: Head north to the Yukon or Northwest Territories to chase the Northern Lights and celebrate the New Year under the stars.
🗓️Thursday, January 1st, to Sunday, January 4th
✔️Vacation Days Taken So Far: Four, 13 Left of Annual Leave
Looking for suggestions on where to travel in January?
Vacation Time in April
Make the most of Easter in 2026 by booking Thursday, April 2 off before Good Friday (April 3). Then extend your break past Easter Monday through Tuesday, April 7, for a six-day getaway using just two vacation days.
✨Travel ideas: Head to Vancouver and catch the cherry blossoms in full bloom and explore the outdoors.
🗓️ Thursday, April 2nd to Tuesday, April 7th
✔️ Vacation Days Taken So Far: 10, 11 Left of Annual Leave
Vacation Time in May
Victoria Day falls on Monday, May 18, 2026. By taking Friday, May 15 off, you’ll create a four-day weekend to enjoy an early summer escape.
✨Travel idea: Head to Banff, Alberta, where spring transitions into summer—perfect for hiking, wildlife spotting, and soaking up the Rockies before peak season crowds arrive.
🗓️Friday, May 15th to Monday, May 18th
✔️Vacation Days Taken So Far: 14, 10 Left of Annual Leave
Looking for suggestions on where to travel in May?
Vacation Time in July
Canada Day falls on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Take Monday, June 29 and Tuesday, June 30 off to combine with the prior weekend, giving you a five-day break.
✨Travel idea: Celebrate at home by joining Canada Day festivities across the country. A coastal getaway to Halifax, Nova Scotia is a perfect choice—enjoy fireworks, live music, and ocean views.
🗓️Saturday June 27th to Wednesday, July 1st
✔️Vacation Days Taken So Far: 19, Eight Left of Annual Leave
Looking for suggestions on where to travel in July?
Vacation Time in August
The Civic Holiday falls on Monday, August 3, 2026. Take Friday, July 31 off to create a four-day summer weekend from July 31–August 3.
✨Travel ideas: Head to Vancouver Island for unforgettable whale watching and coastal adventures or fly east to Prince Edward Island for warm beach days, fresh seafood, and a relaxed island vibe.
🗓️Friday, July 31st to Monday, August 3rd
✔️Vacation Days Taken So Far: 23, Seven Left of Annual Leave
Looking for suggestions on where to travel in August?
Vacation Time in September
Labour Day falls on Monday, September 7, 2026. Take Tuesday, September 8 off and enjoy a four-day weekend at the end of summer.
✨Travel idea: Celebrate fair season across Canada or head to Newfoundland, the “Ireland of Canada,” for coastal hikes and cultural charm.
🗓️ Saturday, September 5th to Tuesday, September 8th
✔️ Vacation Days Taken So Far: 27, Six Left of Annual Leave
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Take Thursday, October 1 and Friday, October 2 off to create a five-day weekend.
✨Travel idea: Ride the two-night sleeper train from Winnipeg to Churchill, Manitoba, to see polar bears before they migrate to the ice.
🗓️ Wednesday, September 30th to Sunday, October 4th
✔️ Vacation Days Taken So Far: 32, Four Left of Annual Leave
Looking for suggestions on where to travel in September?
Vacation Time in October
Thanksgiving lands on Monday, October 12th. Make it another four-day weekend by taking Friday, October 9th off.
🗓️ Friday, October 9th to Monday, October 12th
✔️ Vacation Days Taken So Far: 36, Three Left of Annual Leave
Looking for suggestions on where to travel in October?
Vacation Time in November
Remembrance Day is a public holiday on Wednesday, November 11th so, we are going to take Monday, November 9th and Tuesday, November 10th off and make it a five-day weekend. Five days offers enough time to fly out to Europe and experience European Christmas Markets, such as the ones in Munich, Vienna, or Budapest.
🗓️ Saturday, November 7th to Wednesday, November 11th
✔️ Vacation Days Taken So Far: 41, One Left of Annual Leave
Looking for suggestions on where to travel in November?
Vacation Time in December
Now, comes the last month of the year where people gather over the holiday season to celebrate Christmas and other winter holidays. You have one last public holiday with Christmas Day falling on a Friday, December 25th. Take Thursday, December 24th (Christmas Eve) off as well and enjoy one last four-day weekend.
🗓️ Thursday, December 24th to Sunday, December 27th
✔️ Vacation Days Taken So Far: 45, Zero Left of Annual Leave
Looking for suggestions on where to travel in December?
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