Do Canadians Call It Vacation or Holiday?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re planning a trip to Canada, you might be wondering whether Canadians refer to their time off work as vacation or holiday. The answer is both! While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are some subtle differences in how they’re used.

What’s the Difference

In Canada, vacation and holiday are both used to refer to time off work. However, vacation typically refers to a longer period of time off, such as a week or more, while holiday usually refers to a shorter period of time off, such as a long weekend.

For example:

– “I’m taking two weeks of vacation in July.”
– “I’m looking forward to the Canada Day holiday next week.”

Canadian Holidays

Canada has several national holidays throughout the year that are recognized by the federal government. These include:

– New Year’s Day (January 1st)
– Good Friday (the Friday before Easter Sunday)
– Victoria Day (the Monday before May 25th)
– Canada Day (July 1st)
– Labour Day (the first Monday in September)
– Thanksgiving Day (the second Monday in October)
– Remembrance Day (November 11th)
– Christmas Day (December 25th)

Some provinces also have additional holidays that are specific to their region. For example, Quebec celebrates Saint-Jean Baptiste Day on June 24th.

Planning Your Time Off

Whether you call it vacation or holiday, taking time off work is important for your well-being. It allows you to recharge and come back to work feeling refreshed and motivated.

When planning your time off in Canada, keep in mind that many businesses and services may be closed on national holidays. This can include restaurants, stores, and public transportation. It’s always a good idea to check ahead of time so you can plan accordingly.

Conclusion

In Canada, both vacation and holiday are commonly used to refer to time off work. While there are some subtle differences in how the terms are used, they are often interchangeable.

Whether you’re planning a week-long vacation or a long weekend holiday, taking time off is important for your mental health and well-being. So go ahead, book that trip and enjoy your time off!