Vacations are something we never seem to get enough of. So, it might please you to know that you can more than double your vacation days in 2026 by planning around stat holidays and long weekends. What are you waiting for? Get out your calendars! We’re sharing how to maximize your vacation days with memorable family trips, romantic getaways, beach vacations and more.
Contents
February: The Family Day weekend
Book 1 day off for a 4-day vacation
If you live and work in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, New Brunswick or Saskatchewan, you can escape for a mini vacation right when winter is at its most bitter. Tack on a Friday to the Family Day long weekend and book a cheap flight to Miami, Los Angeles, Phoenix or Las Vegas for some much-needed heat.
Book off this date:
- Friday, February 13
Vacation from:
- Friday, February 13 – Monday, February 16
April: The Easter escape
Book 5 days off for a 10-day vacation
Hey, couples! Skip the madness of March break and opt for an extended Easter escape instead. An April trip to the Caribbean offers shoulder-season prices, fewer crowds and ever-so-slightly cooler weather (and by that we mean 26–30 degrees instead of 30+ degrees). Since hurricane season won’t start for another few months, this really is one of the best times to go.
Book off these dates:
- Monday, April 6
- Tuesday, April 7
- Wednesday, April 8
- Thursday, April 9
- Friday, April 10
Vacation from:
- Friday, April 3 – Sunday, April 12
May: The Victoria Day getaway
Book 4 days off for a 9-day vacation
Spring is officially sprung, and warmer days are right around the corner. Now’s your chance to get a jump on popular Canadian destinations before the tourism season kicks into full gear. An extended Victoria Day getaway is the perfect time to catch a flight to Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto, Calgary or Halifax, and explore the True North however you please.
Book off these dates:
- Tuesday, May 19
- Wednesday, May 20
- Thursday, May 21
- Friday, May 22
Vacation from:
- Saturday, May 16 – Sunday, May 24
July: The big summer trip
Book 9 days off for a 16-day vacation
It’s the best time of year for a family vacation. Celebrate the end of the school year and the beginning of summer over the Canada Day weekend! If you’ve been saving up your vacation time for something extra special, this is it. Treat yourselves to a two-week getaway in Europe, New Zealand, or Costa Rica.
Book off these dates:
- Monday, June 29
- Tuesday, June 30
- Thursday, July 2
- Friday, July 3
- Monday, July 6
- Tuesday, July 7
- Wednesday, July 8
- Thursday, July 9
- Friday, July 10
Vacation from:
- Saturday, June 27 – Sunday, July 12
September: The Labour Day break
Book 1 day off for a 4-day vacation
A quick break from the routine is often all you need. Take care of that travel craving with an extended Labour Day weekend to close out the summer. It’s the perfect time for one more fishing trip, hiking spree, golf tournament, concert or food festival. With any luck, you can catch a back-to-school flight deal and save on cash and paid time off.
Book of this date:
- Tuesday, September 8
Vacation from:
- Saturday, September 5 – Tuesday, September 8
October: The Thanksgiving retreat
Book 1 day off for a 4-day vacation
Feel even more grateful over the Thanksgiving weekend, with an extra day or two off! Fill up on turkey and travel memories, as it’ll be a while before the next public holiday in December. Use this opportunity to book a visit with the family you don’t usually get to see, a fun night in a Canadian capital, or some local tours that you’ve always had your eye on.
Book off this date:
- Friday, October 9
Vacation from:
- Friday, October 9 – Monday, October 12
December: The extended holiday
Book 7 days off for a 16-day vacation
Since Christmas falls on a Friday in 2026 (and since the Boxing Day public holiday will be observed on the following Monday), you might as well book time off in both weeks. But why stop there? New Year’s Day is also on a Friday, so you have the perfect excuse to book an extra-long holiday. Enjoy a full 16 days of relaxation in a sunny destination, fly out and visit friends, or ring in the new year in a winter wonderland. With the kids off from school, this is one of your best opportunities to book some quality family time.
Book off these dates:
- Monday, December 21
- Tuesday, December 22
- Wednesday, December 23
- Thursday, December 24
- Tuesday, December 29
- Wednesday, December 30
- Thursday, December 31
Vacation from:
- Saturday, December 19 – Sunday, January 3
Now that you know the best dates to travel, it’s time to find the best deal! Check out our latest offers or or chat with a Travel Expert today.