Islander Day

Categories:: Federal
Tags:: Canadian Festivities Fun
Where:: Canada
Date change rule:: 3rd Monday of February
Holiday emoji:: 🇨🇦

Islander Day offers a provincial holiday to Prince Edward Islanders every third Monday of February. This special occasion provides a much-needed break from work and school, encouraging residents to relax, pursue hobbies, and connect with family and community. Take advantage of the day to explore local attractions, enjoy winter activities, or simply unwind with a good book.

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Expected Islander Day Deals

While specific 2027 promotions for Islander Day are still emerging, expect local businesses across Prince Edward Island to offer special deals and activities. Many restaurants might feature cozy dine-in specials, while retail stores could host flash sales on leisure items like books, games, or craft supplies. Look for promotions from local attractions such as The Confederation Centre of the Arts or Cows Creamery, encouraging islanders to enjoy their day off. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as February approaches.

Platform Guide for Islander Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #IslanderDayPEI. Share photos of your favorite PEI winter activities or how you’re relaxing on your day off.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #IslanderDay. Share community events happening across PEI or post about your family’s plans for the holiday.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #IslanderDay. Tweet about what makes PEI special to you or share news about provincial closures and events.

Islander Day Hero

George Coles

George Coles (1808–1875) was a prominent Prince Edward Island politician and one of the Fathers of Confederation. As the first Premier of PEI, he championed responsible government and advocated for the island's interests during the formation of Canada. His legacy is deeply intertwined with the political identity and self-governance of Prince Edward Island.

History of Islander Day

Wondering how this chilled holiday came into being? Let’s give you a sneak peek into the background. Islander Day was commemorated for the first time in 2008. When Robert Ghiz was elected premier of PEI in 2007, he made a promise to declare a new holiday for the island. He made good on his promise the next year, saying that the holiday would give everyone in his province an opportunity to celebrate family/personal time and community life. It was officially declared as a statutory holiday on November 28, 2008, after getting approval from the province’s legislature.

Initially, it was the second Monday of February that was decided to be the holiday and its first observance was to be February 9, 2009. However, this became an issue for federal government employees. Officials of the Public Service Alliance of Canada decided that these employees would have to choose between Islander Day and a federal government holiday in August. Later, Carolyn Bertram, the then Community and Cultural Affairs Minister of the island, raised the matter with Rona Ambrose, Federal Minister of Labour. Bertram stated that Islander Day was supposed to be a paid holiday for workers across the province. Ambrose agreed to look into the matter as a federal collective agreement fell outside provincial jurisdiction. Having further considered the issue, the federal committee changed the date to be the third Monday of February, which took effect from 2010.

Thanks to Ghiz’s promise and Bertram’s efforts, we now have a long weekend to take a much-needed break from work to chill and have fun.

Islander Day timeline

1534

Prince Edward Island is Discovered

Jacques Cartier discovers the island and it becomes a part of the French colony of Acadia.

1798

The Island Gets Its Current Name

The island’s name is changed from St. John’s Island to Prince Edward Island to distinguish it from St. John’s in Newfoundland and Saint John in New Brunswick.

1864

The Island Hosts the Charlottetown Conference

The island hosts the famed Charlottetown Conference which leads to the Quebec Resolutions and the eventual creation of Canada.

1997

The Confederation Bridge is Opened

The Confederation Bridge, joining Prince Edward Island with New Brunswick, opens to the public.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Islander Day

Local businesses on Prince Edward Island can embrace Islander Day by offering special discounts or hosting family-friendly events. Restaurants might feature ‘Islander Day’ menus with local ingredients, while shops could promote cozy winter items or PEI-themed gifts. Consider organizing a community-focused activity, like a free workshop or a donation drive, to foster goodwill and celebrate the spirit of the island.

Islander Day FAQs

When is Islander Day?

In 2027, Islander Day is observed on Monday, February 15. Islanders can look forward to a long weekend dedicated to relaxation and community activities.

How many people live on Prince Edward Island?

The population of Prince Edward Island continues to grow, with current figures around 176,000 residents. This close-knit community enjoys a unique island lifestyle.

Is Islander Day a statutory holiday?

As a statutory holiday, Islander Day means that most workers in PEI are entitled to a paid day off. It’s a day when the community collectively takes a pause.

What is the history behind Islander Day?

The holiday’s inception in 2009 followed a push to provide a much-needed respite during the long winter months. It quickly became a cherished tradition for Prince Edward Islanders, offering a day for rest and local engagement.

Islander Day Activities

Relax and enjoy a day to yourself
On this day off, take a break from your busy schedule and laze around with a cup of hot chocolate. We love the idea of sharing a warm huddle with your kids and maybe enjoying a “Harry Potter” movie marathon.
Go for a snowy adventure
If you love the outdoors, this is a good day to take a hike up the Cardigan trail, go sledding in Souris, or visit Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park in Brookvale. Alternatively, enjoy a day out at the Alberton Winter Carnival.
Enjoy a snoga retreat
You must have heard of yoga, but have you ever heard of snoga? That’s Yoga in the snow! Sounds interesting, doesn’t it? This Islander Day, wrap up warmly and enjoy a refreshing course of Yoga in the snowy wonderland.

5 Important Facts About Prince Edward Island

Canada’s smallest province
PEI is Canada’s tiniest province, both in terms of population and land size.
Home to Lucy Maud Montgomery
The author of the famed novel “Anne of Green Gables,” Lucy Maud Montgomery, was born in PEI.
The first inhabitants
The Mi’kmaq were the first residents of the island and they gave it the name ‘Epekwitk,’ which meant ‘lying on the water.’
Tale of two cities
Being Canada’s smallest province, PEI houses only two cities — Summerside and its capital, Charlottetown.
No land boundary
The island is the only province in Canada with no land boundary.

Why We Love Islander Day

A day to rest
The Island Day long weekend gives us a chance to unwind after a tiring week of work. Imagine snuggling in your blanket at your favorite corner and reading that long-pending book. Ah, such comfort!
It’s vacation time
The long weekend is when people of PEI plan short vacations to the capital and the many beaches in and around the island. It’s the perfect excuse for a getaway!
Feast and fun
A lot of islanders head to Charlottetown, where a lively Islander Day Festival is held every year. The festival is best known for its lavish pancake breakfast.