Remembrance Day
Canada · 2026
About Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day is observed on November 11th in Canada, Australia, and many Commonwealth countries to honor the men and women who died in military service, particularly in the First and Second World Wars.
The day commemorates the armistice signed on November 11, 1918, ending World War I. In Canada, Remembrance Day is a federal statutory holiday; in Australia, it is observed as a public holiday only in some states.
The red poppy is the primary symbol of Remembrance, drawn from the poem 'In Flanders Fields' by Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. Poppies are sold and worn in the weeks leading up to November 11th.
Quick Facts
- Date 2026
- November 11, 2026
- Day
- Wednesday
- Type
- Public
- Scope
- Regional
- Fixed Date
- No — date changes each year
- Traditions
- Two-minute silence · Poppy wearing · National War Memorial ceremony · Last Post bugle call
When is Remembrance Day?
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | November 11, 2025 | Tuesday |
| 2026This year | November 11, 2026 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | November 11, 2027 | Thursday |
How is Remembrance Day Celebrated?
At 11:00 AM on November 11th, Canadians observe a two-minute silence to honor the fallen. Ceremonies at the National War Memorial in Ottawa are broadcast nationally, with the Governor General and Prime Minister in attendance.
Across the country, Legion branches, schools, and communities hold Remembrance Day ceremonies featuring the Last Post bugle call, wreath layings, and readings of 'In Flanders Fields.' Many Canadians wear poppies in the days before November 11th.
Did You Know?
- •Over 66,000 Canadians died in World War I and over 44,000 in World War II — the losses that Remembrance Day primarily honors.
- •The National War Memorial in Ottawa, unveiled in 1939, honors Canadians who served in WWI.
- •The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was added to the National War Memorial in Ottawa in 2000.
- •Poppies were first sold to support veterans by the Great War Veterans' Association in 1921.
- •In Canada, it is prohibited by law to wear or sell artificial poppies other than the official Poppy of Remembrance except for educational or commemorative purposes.
Regional Observance
Remembrance Day is not observed nationwide — it applies to the following regions of Canada:
Other Holidays in Canada 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
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