British Columbia statutory holidays in 2026 include ten public holidays that every employer must observe, with specific premium pay and vacation entitlement rules. BC has some of Canada’s most detailed holiday employment standards.
Here’s everything BC employers need to know about the 2026 statutory holiday calendar.
Key Takeaways
- BC observes ten statutory holidays in 2026 that all employers must recognize
- Employees are entitled to premium pay (1.5x) for work on statutory holidays
- BC has a unique “statutory holiday pay” calculation that differs from other provinces
- BC Day falls on the first Monday in August and is unique to the province
- Easter Sunday and Christmas Day are not statutory holidays but are commonly observed
BC Statutory Holiday Calendar 2026
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday |
| BC Day | August 3 | Monday |
| Family Day | February 16 | Monday |
| Good Friday | April 3 | Friday |
| Victoria Day | May 18 | Monday |
| Canada Day | July 1 | Wednesday |
| Labour Day | September 7 | Monday |
| Thanksgiving Day | October 12 | Monday |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | Saturday |
Note: BC Day (first Monday in August) is unique to British Columbia. When a statutory holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the rules for substitute days apply.
Employer Obligations for BC Holidays
Mandatory Observation
BC employers must observe all ten statutory holidays under the Employment Standards Act. You cannot choose which holidays to follow.
Statutory Holiday Pay
Eligible employees receive statutory holiday pay calculated as:
(Total wages earned in the last calendar month before the holiday ÷ Number of days worked in that month) × 1
This is a straightforward calculation based on the previous month’s earnings.
Premium Pay for Working on a Holiday
If an employee works on a statutory holiday, they are entitled to:
- Premium pay — At least 1.5x their regular wage for each hour worked
- Statutory holiday pay — In addition to premium pay, unless the employee agrees to a substitute day off
When the Holiday Falls on a Weekend
If a statutory holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday that is not the employee’s normal working day, the employer and employee may agree on a substitute day off with statutory holiday pay. The rules depend on the employee’s work schedule.
BC-Specific Holidays
BC Day
BC Day is celebrated on the first Monday in August. It gives British Columbians a long weekend in the middle of summer. This holiday is unique to BC and is not observed in other provinces.
Family Day
BC’s Family Day is celebrated on the second Monday in February, which is different from Ontario’s Family Day (third Monday). This distinction matters for multi-province employers.
Common Mistakes BC Employers Make
- Miscalculating statutory holiday pay — BC’s formula differs from other provinces
- Not observing BC Day — This holiday is unique to the province
- Confusing Family Day dates — BC’s Family Day falls on a different Monday than Ontario’s
- Not paying premium rates — Working on a holiday triggers premium pay obligations
- Ignoring substitute day rules — When holidays fall on weekends, substitute days may apply
This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult an employment lawyer for guidance specific to your situation.