Is Islander Day a Public Holiday?
Islander Day is a public holiday in the province of Prince Edward Island, according to Holidays 2025. The celebration falls on the third Monday of February month. All businesses, retail stores, and shops, as well as the schools, and universities remain closed on this day. Public Transportations also do not follow their usual route. However, the holiday is optional for the employees of the federal government. They can choose between Islander Day and Natal Day in August to take their day off.
Islander Day Holiday History in Canada
Islander Day in Prince Edward Island is a part of a week-long celebration, known as the Heritage Week. The holiday was announced as a way of giving families a day to relax and have fun. Since it falls on the third Monday of February, the long weekend thus allows people to take time off and go out to celebrate. Skiing, skating, and swimming are some activities that the citizens partake in on these days. Winter fests are another popular way of celebrating Islander Day in Canada.
Public Life on Islander Day in Canada
The holiday that is Islander Day in Canada was introduced in 2009 with the sole motive of giving the families in the Prince Edward Islands a day to relax. This day is about celebrating community and family. People usually make this into a short winter break. Many would take the opportunity to go out and connect with their relatives far from them. Conversely, others would make this a day about sports, activities, and things which bring their household closer together. Although malls and stores remain closed on this day; however, some restaurants may open for dinner. However, most places stay shut, giving their employees time with their family.
Things To Do On Islander Day in Prince Edward Island
If you are hoping to enjoy the holiday of Islander Day in Prince Edward Island, and are looking for something fun to do with your family, then here is a list of activities that you may appreciate:
1. Winterfest
The Jack Frost Winterfest, named after the literary character, in Charlottetown, is a delightful place to be. As the website claims, this festival was instituted in the name of Jack Frost, the very personification of frosty winter, and is for those who love this weather. Packed with a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities, this celebration is a must-attend, if you are in the area.
2. Trekking
The Bonshaw Hills Provincial Park is an astounding winter wonderland. This place also has an 18 km long trail, which would allow you to trek in the snow while taking in nature in its purest form. Move along the river, follow the Ji’ka’we’katik trail, or if you’re an expert, maybe you can think about The Road Not Taken. In any case, this picturesque venue is a place-to-be, during the long weekend of Islander Day in Prince Edward Island.
3. Ice Skating
There would be no fun if a town was to be covered in snow and we could not enjoy some ice skating. Therefore, if you are in Canada and are looking for something to do on Islander Day in Prince Edward Island, then ice skating can be one answer to your query. Charlottetown offers several opportunities in this field. You can go family skating with your entire family, holding up the spirit of the holiday. Another alternative is disco skating. Yes, and it is as amusing as it sounds. Go skating with your family, then enjoy some snacks, music, and hot chocolate afterwards.
Brookvale is another place with some fun ice skating options. As a matter of fact, the Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park offers a wide range of winter activities to choose from: You can go cross country and alpine skiing, snowboarding, or even snowshoeing. No matter what your proficiency level may be (good news for first-timers), there will be lots of fun to be had.
4. Take a Tour
The most popular alcoholic beverage in Canada is beer, making up about 45% of the total alcohol served in the country. Well then, if you are free on Islander Day in Prince Edward Island, and have the opportunity, you can take a tour through the PEI Brewing Company. Traverse across the brewery and discover all the hard work that goes in making your favourite drink. Then, have one (or two) to celebrate the tour and acknowledge their tough job.
5. Snoga
No, we did not say Yoga, we said Snoga! Enjoy a refreshing course of Yoga, under the tutelage of an experienced trainer in the middle of the winter wonderland that is Canada at this time. If you are on the lookout for some fun things to do on Islander Day in Prince Edward Island, then this is the way to go. Dress up warmly, and then go strike a pose (as the trainer suggests) to keep yourself further warm in the cold snow surrounding you. What better way to enjoy the landscape while getting healthier?
Islander Day Observances
| Year | Weekday | Date | Name | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Mon | 18 February | Islander Day | Common Local Holiday |
| 2020 | Mon | 17 February | Islander Day | Common Local Holiday |
| 2021 | Mon | 15 February | Islander Day | Common Local Holiday |
| 2022 | Mon | 21 February | Islander Day | Common Local Holiday |
| 2023 | Mon | 20 February | Islander Day | Common Local Holiday |
| 2024 | Mon | 19 February | Islander Day | Common Local Holiday |
| 2025 | Mon | 17 February | Islander Day | Common Local Holiday |
FAQs
1. What are some activities that Canadians indulge in on Islander Day in Prince Edward Island?
Skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, snowboarding, etc. are some of the fun winter sports that citizens of PIE partake in on Islander Day in Canada. Some more of these include touring breweries, coffee houses, snogs, ice hockey, and more.
2. What is open and closed on Islander Day in Canada?
Islander Day in Prince Edward Island is a statutory holiday; therefore, all provincial and municipal government offices, schools, stores, malls, and bars remain closed. However, Souris Co-op, Murphy’s Queen Street Pharmacy and Food Market, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Lawton’s Drug Store opens; while garbage collection is moved to Saturday.
3. How do other provinces celebrate Islander Day in Canada?
The third Monday of February is collectively celebrated as Family day in Canada. However, in Manitoba it is known as Louis Riel Day, in Nova Scotia, it is Nova Scotia Heritage Day, while Yukon also commemorates it as Yukon Heritage Day.
Tl;dr For those who only wish to know When is Islander Day in 2025? The date is 17 February, Monday.
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