Islander Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Islander Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Islander Day is observed on February 20th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Islander Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as amusing facts you should know about Islander Day.

📅 What day is Islander Day 2024?

In 2024, Islander Day is on Monday, February 20th. It is the 3rd Monday in February; in 2024, it is Tuesday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all the cool details and facts about February 20, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Islander Day is a yearly holiday in Prince Edward Island, Canada, observed on the third Monday of February (this year on February 20). It is specifically for the residents of the province and typically, provincial offices and educational institutions are closed on this day, giving the staff a day off. The purpose of this holiday is to give individuals some well-deserved time to unwind, indulge in their personal hobbies, spend quality time with their loved ones, and engage with their community. It’s a great opportunity to relax with a book or catch up with a friend, as it’s your day to do whatever you please.

📜 Islander Day History

Originally, Islander Day was planned to be celebrated on the second Monday of February, beginning in 2009. However, this caused an issue for federal government employees who had to choose between observing Islander Day or a federal holiday in August. Carolyn Bertram, the Community and Cultural Affairs Minister at the time, discussed this problem with Rona Ambrose, the Federal Minister of Labour. Bertram believed that Islander Day should be a paid holiday for all workers in the province. Ambrose agreed to look into the matter, as the decision fell under the jurisdiction of federal collective bargaining agreements. After further discussions, the federal committee decided to move the date of Islander Day to the third Monday of February, starting in 2010. Thanks to the efforts of Ghiz and Bertram, we now have a long weekend to enjoy and take a break from work.

✅ Islander Day Facts

🔖 Home to Lucy Maud Montgomery
Lucy Maud Montgomery, the renowned writer behind the beloved novel “Anne of Green Gables,” was born in the beautiful Prince Edward Island.

🔖 The first inhabitants
The Mi’kmaq people were the first ones to live on the island, and they called it “Epekwitk,” which translates to “lying on the sea.”

🔖 Canada’s smallest province
PEI, which stands for Prince Edward Island, holds the distinction of being the smallest province in Canada when it comes to both its population and total land area.

👍 Why Is Islander Day Important

The Island Day long weekend allows us to relax after a busy week of work. Consider curling up in your favorite nook with a blanket and reading that long-awaited book. What a relief!

The long weekend is when residents of Prince Edward Island organize brief getaways to the capital and the island’s various beaches. It’s the ideal reason to take a vacation!

Every year, many islanders flock to Charlottetown for the lively Islander Day Festival. The event is most well-known for its extravagant pancake brunch.

🙂 How To Observe Islander Day

⚡ Enjoy a snoga retreat

⚡ Relax and enjoy a day to yourself
Give yourself a well-deserved break from your busy schedule and unwind on your day off by indulging in a warm cup of hot chocolate. We absolutely love the idea of snuggling up with your children and enjoying a movie marathon of the “Harry Potter” series.

⚡ Go for a snowy adventure
You’ve probably heard of yoga, but have you heard of snoga? This is yoga in the snow! Doesn’t it sound intriguing? Wrap up warmly and enjoy a refreshing round of yoga amid the snowy beauty on Islander Day.

📅 When is Islander Day?

See all 🔗 February holidays, including 🔗 Federal and other 🔗 Canadian holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about Islander Day. So be sure to check back soon.