St. Stephen's Day

📣 Traveler notes

Canada is known for its vast, naturally beautiful, and multicultural landscapes, including extensive forests, numerous lakes, the Rocky Mountains, the Prairies, and three oceanic coasts. It is the world's second-largest country.

• New Year's Day (Jan 1) is a major national holiday.
• Other recognized national holidays include Family Day (3rd Monday in February), Victoria Day (Last Monday in May), and often Good Friday and Easter Monday.
• Local observance dates and names may vary across provinces.
• While largely secular, cultural sensitivities related to identity and religion are present.
• The country's vast size means specific local customs should be researched for accuracy.
• When visiting a private home, remove your shoes unless told otherwise. Be mindful of regional sensitivities, especially regarding Quebec. Respect the diverse cultures and history of Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) by using specific, preferred terminology. Generally, Canada is polite, but understanding its diverse cultural and historical sensitivities is important.