What to know about 2026 vacation rights and stat days Canada

As 2026 approaches, many Canadians already think about time off work. A little planning can help workers enjoy longer breaks without using too many vacation days. By knowing your vacation rights and understanding statutory holidays, you can stretch your time away and still protect your pay.

Below is a clear guide to help you plan ahead and make the most of your days off in the year ahead.

Know Your Paid Vacation Rights

Canadian law gives workers paid vacation time, but the amount depends on how long you stay with the same employer. After one full year of work, you qualify for paid vacation. Each extra year adds more time.

Most employees receive at least two weeks of paid vacation after one year of work. After five years, this increases to three weeks. After ten years, workers receive four weeks. One province stands out, as it requires three weeks after the first year.

Employers calculate vacation pay as a percentage of your earnings. Two weeks equal four per cent of your pay. Three weeks equal six per cent. Four weeks equal eight per cent.

Some employers offer more vacation than the law requires. Always check your contract or workplace policy to know what applies to you.

Booking and Carrying Vacation Time

Workers can usually take vacation all at once or split it into smaller blocks. Employers often ask for at least two weeks’ notice. Both sides must agree on the dates.

In many cases, unused vacation can carry over to the next year, but limits apply. The rules depend on whether federal or provincial laws apply to your job. Extra vacation days beyond the legal minimum often follow workplace rules, so review your employee handbook carefully.

Some workers can delay or waive vacation for a year with written agreement, but conditions apply.

Personal Leave Days

Federal labour rules also give many workers five personal leave days each year. Three of these days come with pay after three months on the job. Provincial rules decide personal leave for other workers. These days can help fill gaps when planning longer breaks.

Understanding Statutory Holidays

Statutory holidays give many workers a paid day off or extra pay if they work. Provinces, territories, and federal rules decide which holidays apply and how pay works.

New Year’s Day, Canada Day, and Christmas Day apply widely across the country. Other holidays, like Family Day, depend on where you live. Rules also differ for Easter-related holidays.

Eligibility rules matter. Many workers must work their scheduled shifts before and after the holiday. If a holiday falls on a day you usually do not work, employers often give another day off instead.

Turn Holidays Into Longer Breaks

Smart scheduling can turn one holiday into a long vacation. Many workers book vacation days around a statutory holiday to connect two weekends.

A Monday holiday can give you nine days off by using only four vacation days. Two holidays near each other can give you even more time away with fewer vacation days used.

Plan Early for Best Results

When you understand your vacation time and statutory holidays, you gain control over your schedule. Early planning helps you rest more, travel better, and avoid last-minute stress in 2026.