How to learn about today is a banking holiday in Canada
The fastest way is to check your bank's website or call their customer service line — they will tell you immediately whether branches are closed and whether online services are running. Canadian banks observe federal statutory holidays, but the exact list varies slightly by province and by bank. Some banks also close on additional days like Boxing Day (December 26) or Family Day, depending on where they operate.
If you need to know right now, your bank's app or website usually shows holiday hours under "Branch Locator" or "Hours." You can also text your bank's customer service number or check their social media accounts, where they post holiday schedules weeks in advance.
The federal government publishes the official list of statutory holidays each year on the Government of Canada website under "Statutory holidays." However, banks may close on different days than federal offices do, so do not assume a government holiday means your bank is closed.
Key Takeaways
- Canadian banks close on federal statutory holidays, but the specific days vary by province and by which bank you use.
- Your bank's website or app shows holiday hours under "Branch Locator" or "Hours" — this is the most reliable source for your specific branch.
- Some banks close on provincial holidays or additional days like Boxing Day, so checking your own bank is faster than checking a general list.
- Online banking, bill payments, and transfers usually work on banking holidays, but deposits and withdrawals at branches will not be processed until the next business day.
- If you need to deposit a cheque or withdraw cash on a holiday, use your bank's ATM or mobile deposit feature if available.
Federal statutory holidays when Canadian banks close
Banks across Canada close on these federal holidays: New Year's Day (January 1), Family Day (third Monday in February, observed in most provinces), Good Friday (Friday before Easter), 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), and Boxing Day (December 26).
Not every bank closes on every one of these days. Some banks skip Family Day or observe it only in provinces where it is a statutory holiday. A few banks remain open on Boxing Day. The safest approach is to check your specific bank's holiday schedule rather than relying on a general list.
Easter Monday is not a federal statutory holiday, but some banks in Quebec and Atlantic Canada close anyway. If you bank in those regions, confirm with your branch before the long weekend.
What still works when your bank is closed
Online banking, bill payments, and money transfers through your bank's app or website usually process on banking holidays, though they may not clear until the next business day. ATMs work 24/7 on holidays, so you can withdraw cash or deposit cheques using mobile deposit if your bank offers it.
Debit and credit card transactions go through normally on holidays — the merchant processes them, and your bank settles the transaction the next business day. Cheques deposited at an ATM or through mobile deposit on a holiday will be processed when the bank reopens.
If you need to speak to someone at your bank on a holiday, most banks run a customer service line. Check your bank's website for the holiday phone number, as it may differ from the regular line.
Provincial holidays that affect banking hours
Some provinces observe holidays that federal banks do not. For example, British Columbia closes banks on BC Day (first Monday in August), Alberta observes Heritage Day (first Monday in August), and Quebec closes on St-Jean-Baptiste Day (June 24). Banks operating in those provinces usually close on those days, but banks headquartered elsewhere may stay open.
If you live near a provincial border or bank with an institution that operates across multiple provinces, check whether your specific branch observes the provincial holiday. A branch in British Columbia will likely close on BC Day, but an online-only bank may not.
Planning ahead for holiday banking
If you know a holiday is coming and you need to deposit a cheque or withdraw a large amount of cash, do it the business day before. This prevents delays if you need the money on the holiday itself.
For bill payments or transfers that need to clear by a specific date, submit them at least one business day before the holiday. A payment submitted on a Friday before a long weekend will not clear until Tuesday or later, depending on how many holidays fall in that stretch.
If you receive a paycheque by direct deposit on a holiday, it will still arrive in your account on the scheduled day — direct deposits process automatically regardless of banking holidays.
What to do if you need banking services on a holiday
Use your bank's ATM to withdraw cash, deposit cheques (if mobile deposit is available), or check your balance. Most ATMs work around the clock on holidays. If your bank offers mobile deposit, you can photograph and submit a cheque through the app without visiting a branch.
If you need to speak to someone, call your bank's customer service line. Most banks staff a holiday line, though wait times are often longer than on regular business days. Check your bank's website before the holiday to find the correct number.
If you have an urgent issue that cannot wait until the branch reopens, ask whether your bank can handle it by phone or email. Some transactions, like stopping payment on a cheque or reporting fraud, can be done over the phone on a holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my direct deposit come through on a banking holiday?
Yes. Direct deposits are processed automatically by the banking system and are not affected by branch closures or holidays. Your paycheque will arrive on the scheduled day even if it falls on a holiday.
Can I use my debit card on a banking holiday?
Yes. Debit and credit card transactions process normally on holidays. The merchant's system processes the transaction, and your bank settles it the next business day. ATMs also work 24/7 on holidays.
What happens if I deposit a cheque on a banking holiday?
If you deposit through an ATM or mobile deposit, the cheque is processed when the bank reopens, usually the next business day. If you need the funds immediately, mobile deposit is faster than waiting for a branch to reopen.
Do all Canadian banks close on the same holidays?
Most close on federal statutory holidays, but some banks close on additional provincial holidays or days like Boxing Day. Check your specific bank's website to confirm which days your branch is closed.
Can I pay bills on a banking holiday?
Yes, through online banking or your bank's app. The payment is submitted on the holiday but may not clear until the next business day. If the payment has a due date, submit it at least one business day early to ensure it clears on time.