The Easter weekend is often the first real long weekend of spring in Québec. Egg hunts, sugar shacks, family brunches, nature getaways, or spa days: this holiday is the perfect opportunity to get out after winter. Here are the dates for the Easter holiday in 2027, what's open or closed, and our activity ideas to make the most of it.

When is the Easter weekend in 2027?

Easter is a movable feast: it falls on the first Sunday following the first full moon of spring. In 2027, the calendar is as follows:

  • Good Friday: March 26, 2027;
  • Holy Saturday: March 27, 2027;
  • Easter Sunday: March 28, 2027;
  • Easter Monday: March 29, 2027.

The Easter weekend in 2027 arrives early, at the end of March. For reference, in 2026, Easter Sunday fell on April 5.

Easter Holiday: Good Friday or Easter Monday?

In Québec, according to the Act respecting labour standards, most employees are entitled to a paid holiday: Good Friday or Easter Monday, at the employer's choice. In other words, not everyone has a four-day weekend! Depending on your workplace, your long Easter weekend stretches from Friday to Sunday, or from Saturday to Monday. For schools, check your school service center's calendar.

For details (compensation, compensatory leave), consult the CNESST holiday page.

Stores open or closed on Easter?

On Easter Sunday, most retail stores must close their doors, according to the Act respecting hours and days of admission to commercial establishments. This includes stores and large grocery stores. Some establishments are exceptions, such as bookstores, florists, antique shops, and small grocery stores. Restaurants, however, can remain open.

On Good Friday, Saturday, and Easter Monday, stores generally follow their usual schedule. If in doubt, the Québec.ca site presents the updated rules. So make your chocolate purchases and Easter meal shopping before Sunday.

Family activity ideas for the Easter weekend

The Egg Hunt

It's impossible to talk about Easter without the traditional egg hunt. At home, in the yard, or at the park, hide chocolate eggs and let the little ones search for the Easter Bunny. Several places also organize their own egg hunts during Easter week. Two recurring examples:

  • Easter at the Mountain, at Mont SUTTON, in the Eastern Townships: in a previous edition, the resort offered spring skiing, an egg hunt on the slopes, maple taffy on snow, and entertainment at the base of the slopes;
  • The Easter Agri-Food Rendezvous, in Granby: in 2026, the event brought together more than thirty local producers at the Centre Notre-Dame, with an egg hunt for children and tastings.

The 2027 dates have not yet been announced: keep an eye on official sites as spring approaches.

A Visit to the Sugar Shack

Since Easter falls during the peak of the sugaring-off season in 2027, it's the perfect time for a meal at the sugar shack: crispy pork rinds, baked beans, and maple taffy. Book early, as the Easter weekend is very popular with families. A few ideas: Érablière St-Henri, in Sainte-Marthe, or Cabane à sucre Bouvrette, in the Laurentians.

Indoor Outings in Case of Bad Weather

Québec spring is unpredictable. If rain comes, consider museums and indoor attractions, like the Biodôme in Montréal or the Museum of Illusions. Always check their Easter holiday schedule on their website before heading out.

Easter Brunch and Gourmet Meals

Easter brunch is a tradition for many families. Many restaurants offer a special menu or buffet for the occasion, with ham, eggs, and chocolate desserts. Since spots fill up quickly, reserve your table one to two weeks in advance.

For an Easter meal at home, public markets and local producers are a great source of local products: meats, cheeses, artisanal chocolates. For the sweet side, local chocolatiers, like Mam'zelle Joséphine Chocolaterie in Laval, often offer seasonal creations.

Getaways for a Long Easter Weekend

Want to get away? The long Easter weekend is perfect for a short getaway:

  • in nature: forest walks, still snowy trails at higher altitudes, or early spring hikes in the Laurentians, Lanaudière, or the Eastern Townships;
  • at the spa: a relaxing stay as a couple or with friends, like at Spa santé Le Baluchon, in Mauricie;
  • in Montérégie: the region of orchards and cider houses, like Cidrerie Michel Jodoin, in Rougemont.

Book your accommodation in advance: many regions are fully booked during the Easter holiday.

Practical Information

  • 2027 Dates: from Good Friday, March 26 to Easter Monday, March 29, 2027.
  • Holiday: Good Friday or Easter Monday, at the employer's choice (Act respecting labour standards).
  • Stores: most closed on Easter Sunday; restaurants open.
  • To Plan: reservations for sugar shacks, brunches, and accommodations.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Easter Weekend

When is the Easter weekend in 2027?

Easter Sunday falls on March 28, 2027. Good Friday is on March 26, and Easter Monday is on March 29.

Which day is a holiday at Easter in Québec?

Only one of the two days is a paid holiday for most employees: Good Friday or Easter Monday, at the employer's choice.

Are stores open on Easter Sunday?

No, most retail stores and large grocery stores are closed. Small grocery stores, bookstores, florists, and restaurants may open.

Where to go for the Easter weekend?

A sugar shack, a ski resort for spring skiing, a spa, or a region like the Eastern Townships or the Laurentians: there's no shortage of choices for the whole family.

Also Read

For more outing ideas, check out our articles on spring break, snowshoeing, and Érablière Charbonneau.