Canada’s 2025 school year comes with a series of planned breaks that follow the rhythm of the seasons — from spring break in March to winter holidays in December. While every province and territory manages its own education calendar, most follow similar schedules, giving families and students enough time for travel, rest, and academic preparation.
This guide provides a full list of school holidays across Canada in 2025, including spring, summer, and winter breaks for every major province. Whether you’re a parent planning vacations, an international student organizing travel, or simply curious about Canada’s academic calendar, here’s everything you need to know.
Overview: School Holidays in Canada 2025
Most schools in Canada operate on a September–June academic cycle, with breaks spread throughout the year. The three main holidays are:
- Spring Break (March) — mid-term rest period before exams.
- Summer Vacation (June–September) — the longest annual holiday.
- Winter Break (December–January) — year-end holiday closure.
Each province sets its own dates through local school boards, though most follow a similar pattern.
Spring Break 2025: Mid-Term Holiday Across Canada
Spring break is one of the most anticipated school holidays for Canadian students. In 2025, most provinces will observe spring break in March, usually during the second or third week of the month.
Typical Spring Break Schedule (March 2025)
- Ontario: March 10–14, 2025
- British Columbia: March 17–28, 2025
- Alberta: March 24–28, 2025
- Quebec: March 3–7, 2025
- Nova Scotia: March 10–14, 2025
This short pause offers a breather between terms and is often used for family travel or outdoor activities as winter transitions into spring. However, parents are advised to confirm specific dates with their local school boards, as regional variations may occur.
Summer Holidays 2025: End-of-Term and Long Break
The summer holidays mark the longest school closure of the year in Canada. For 2025, classes will typically end in late June and resume in early September, giving students around two months off for rest, work, or travel.
Estimated Summer Break Start Dates (June 2025)
- Ontario: June 27, 2025
- British Columbia: June 27, 2025
- Alberta: June 26, 2025
- Quebec: June 20, 2025
- Nova Scotia: June 26, 2025
This period is ideal for families planning summer camps, part-time jobs, or extended vacations. Some provinces, like Quebec, may end slightly earlier due to different academic structures, but all maintain a similar two-month gap before the new term starts in September.
Winter Break 2025–2026: Year-End Closure
The winter holiday break concludes the academic year and allows time for celebrations such as Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s Day.
In 2025, winter break will generally begin around December 22, 2025, and end in early January 2026.
Expected Winter Break Dates (December 2025–January 2026)
- Ontario: December 22, 2025 – January 3, 2026
- British Columbia: December 22, 2025 – January 3, 2026
- Alberta: December 20, 2025 – January 5, 2026
- Quebec: December 22, 2025 – January 6, 2026
- Nova Scotia: December 23, 2025 – January 5, 2026
This two-week period provides valuable rest before classes resume in early January. Some northern or rural districts may extend the break slightly depending on local weather conditions.
Quick Reference: 2025 Canadian School Holiday Table
| Province | Spring Break 2025 | Summer Break Starts | Winter Break | School Reopens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Mar 10–14 | June 27 | Dec 22–Jan 3 | Jan 6 |
| British Columbia | Mar 17–28 | June 27 | Dec 22–Jan 3 | Jan 6 |
| Alberta | Mar 24–28 | June 26 | Dec 20–Jan 5 | Jan 6 |
| Quebec | Mar 3–7 | June 20 | Dec 22–Jan 6 | Jan 7 |
| Nova Scotia | Mar 10–14 | June 26 | Dec 23–Jan 5 | Jan 6 |
How Canadian School Holidays Work
Each province determines its academic calendar based on climate, local holidays, and curriculum requirements.
- Elementary and secondary schools generally share the same schedule.
- Post-secondary institutions (colleges/universities) have their own academic calendars, which may differ slightly.
- Some private or international schools follow different term systems (e.g., trimesters or extended semesters).
For accurate, up-to-date details, parents should consult official education ministry websites or their school district calendars.
Tips for Parents and Families
- Bookmark your province’s academic calendar early each year to avoid last-minute surprises.
- Plan vacations well in advance — flights and accommodations are often costlier during March and July.
- Enroll children in camps or skill programs during long breaks to keep learning active.
- Coordinate childcare during short breaks by connecting with community programs or relatives.
- Stay updated via local school board announcements, as weather-related closures can affect term schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is spring break in Ontario for 2025?
Spring break in Ontario will be held from March 10 to March 14, 2025.
2. How long is summer vacation in Canada?
Most provinces enjoy around eight to nine weeks of summer holidays, starting in late June and ending in early September.
3. Are school holidays the same across Canada?
No — each province manages its own calendar, though most follow similar seasonal patterns.
4. When does school reopen after winter break?
Most schools reopen between January 6 and January 7, 2026, depending on the province.
5. Where can I find the official 2025 school calendar?
You can access detailed academic calendars on the provincial Ministry of Education websites or through your local school board portal.
Final Thoughts
School holidays in Canada provide families with well-timed opportunities to rest, explore, and reconnect. The 2025 Canadian school calendar follows familiar patterns, with March spring breaks, June summer closures, and December winter holidays.
Whether you’re in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, or Quebec, planning ahead ensures smoother travel, better childcare coordination, and a stress-free school year. Keep this guide handy — your all-in-one reference for school holidays in Canada 2025.
