Grandparents Day Canada 2025

Grandparents’ Day in Canada is observed on the second Sunday of September. In 2025, that falls on Sunday, September 14. While some sources list Sunday, September 7, 2025 as Grandparents’ Day, those appear incorrect: the most authoritative—such as Holiday API—specifically state September 14, 2025 for Canada

So, to be clear:

• Date (2025): Sunday, September 14

• Pattern: Always the second Sunday in September

• Status: Not a statutory public holiday—schools and workplaces typically remain open

2. Historical Origins and Recognition

• How it started in Canada

In 1995, Canadian Member of Parliament Sarkis Assadourian introduced Motion No. 273 in the House of Commons, recommending that the Government “consider designating the second Sunday in September of each year as Grandparents’ Day” to honor grandparents’ role in nurturing and educating children

Although not a federal legal holiday, this motion paved the way for annual observance across Canada.

• International Inspiration

The idea of recognizing grandparents with a special day was championed earlier in the United States, largely thanks to Marian McQuade, who launched a grassroots campaign in the 1970s to combat loneliness among older adults and honor grandparents’ contributions

In 1978, U.S. President Jimmy Carter officially proclaimed the first National Grandparents’ Day, observed on the first Sunday after Labor Day, establishing a precedent that Canada would later mirror by placing its observance on the second Sunday in September

3. What Does Grandparents’ Day Mean for Canadians?

• Celebrating Family Bonds

Grandparents’ Day offers families a meaningful occasion to pause and reflect on the wisdom, love, and values passed from grandparents to younger generations. It fosters intergenerational connections, strengthens familial bonds, and honours cultural heritage

• Family Engagement & Social Trends

Statistics Canada data from 2021 reveals notable trends:

• Nearly half a million Canadian children (ages 0–14) lived in multigenerational households with at least one grandparent—about 9% of all children

• Among grandparents, 1 in 5 unpaid caregivers reported providing care to grandchildren, averaging approximately 15 hours per week

These numbers highlight grandparents’ often vital role in caregiving and familial support—making Grandparents’ Day particularly resonant for many Canadian families.

4. Ways to Celebrate Grandparents’ Day

While not formalized as a holiday, many Canadians embrace Grandparents’ Day with personal and community-focused activities. Here are some thoughtful ideas:

• Create Meaningful Gifts

• Memory Books or Scrapbooks: Gather old photos, letters, and share stories—ideal for children to prompt storytelling and reflection

• Matching Custom Apparel: Design and print t-shirts featuring handwritten drawing, favorite snapshots, or tribute messages

• Coupon Books: Have grandchildren create redeemable vouchers—for assistance, quality time, or fun activities—all year round

• Share Hobbies and Skills

Encourage grandparents to pass down a hobby—cooking a traditional recipe, gardening tips, instrument lessons—fostering connection and learning

• Virtual Celebrations

For families separated by distance:

• Video calls can be spiced up with party props or themed backgrounds.

• Digital or physical scrapbooks and yearly video slideshows can be shared at a specific moment during the day

• School and Community Engagement

Many schools host Grandparents’ Day events—students perform songs, share artwork, or host refreshments for visiting grandparents or special elder friends

5. Date Ambiguities and Why They Arise

Some sources mistakenly cite September 7, 2025 as Grandparents’ Day in Canada—likely confusing it with the first Sunday after Labor Day (which falls on September 1, 2025). However, holiday databases like Holiday API and Holidays‑info confirm September 14 as the correct, second‑Sunday observance

Canada adopted the U.S.–style framework, but consistently marks it on the second Sunday of September—a nuance that matters for accurate calendaring.

Summary Snapshot