Valentine's Day 2026 in Canada

Valentine’s Day—also known as St. Valentine’s Day or Saint Valentine’s Day—falls on February 14 and is a time to celebrate love and affection in all of its forms.

Is Valentine's Day a Public Holiday?

Even though Valentine's Day falls on Saturday, February 14, 2026, it is a working day. Most businesses follow regular opening hours in Canada.

When Is Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day is celebrated annually on February 14 in Canada and many other countries. It is a celebration of love and affection shared among romantic partners, family members, friends, and other loved ones.

How Do Canadians Celebrate Valentine’s Day?

Gift-giving and romantic gestures are common ways to mark the day. Many couples exchange flowers, chocolates, or Valentine’s Day cards with their significant others.

Some people who choose to celebrate Valentine's Day may treat their partner to a candlelit dinner in a nice restaurant or a night in a luxury hotel. Others opt for a more relaxed celebration and enjoy a romantic Valentine’s Day together at home.

For some, Valentine's Day can also be an occasion for a more general celebration of love and appreciation of loved ones who are important to them. For example, Galentine’s Day—a non-official celebration on February 13—is gaining popularity as a way to honor friendships, especially among women.

In schools, Valentine’s Day is often marked with classroom activities. Children may help decorate their classrooms with hearts and exchange cards with classmates, focusing on fun and friendship, rather than romance.

The phrase “Happy Valentine’s Day” is commonly written on cards and spoken during greetings.

What’s Open, What’s Closed?

Valentine's Day is not a public holiday, so schools, businesses, organizations, post offices, and stores are open as usual. However, if it falls on a Sunday, many places follow their regular Sunday schedule.

Public transport services run to their usual timetables. Restaurants may be busy as many people take their partner out for a romantic dinner.

A Brief History of Valentine’s Day

The exact origins of Valentine’s Day are unclear. It likely stems from early Christian commemorations of one or more saints named Valentine, including:

• Valentine of Rome, a priest martyred under Roman Emperor Claudius II.
• Valentine of Terni, a bishop also executed during the 3rd century.

Many historians believe the holiday may have been established in the 5th century when Pope Gelasius I replaced the ancient Roman fertility festival Lupercalia with a Christian feast day honoring Saint Valentine.

In the Middle Ages, the English poet Geoffrey Chaucer wrote a poem believed to commemorate the first anniversary of King Richard II’s engagement to Anne of Bohemia. However, there remains scholarly debate regarding the accuracy of this claim. This is thought to be the first association between celebrations of romantic love and St Valentine's Day on February 14.

Commercial interest in Valentine’s Day surged in the mid-19th century, especially in the United States and later in Canada. Early traditions of handwritten love notes evolved into the mass-produced greeting cards we see today.

Valentine’s Day Symbols

• Flowers: Red roses or tulips are a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
• Heart shapes: Often on cards or decorations, it is a timeless symbol of love and affection.
• Cupid: The Roman god of love, often shown with his iconic bow and arrow.

About Valentine's Day in Other Countries

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.