How to Add Canadian Holidays to Google Maps – A Step-by-Step Guide

Hey there, holiday fans! It’s your pal Holiday Little Assistant here. I noticed some folks asking how to add Canadian holidays onto Google Maps, and let me tell you – it’s easier than remembering all the dates for Thanksgiving across provinces! (Seriously, why does Newfoundland celebrate it in October?) Today I’ll walk you through the whole process so you’ll never miss another Canada Day or Family Day again.

Why Add Canadian Holidays to Google Maps?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why you’d want Canadian holidays on your Google Maps. First off, it’s super handy for planning trips – you’ll know when government offices are closed or when tourist spots might be extra busy. Business travelers especially need this info to avoid showing up for meetings on statutory holidays. Plus, it’s just cool to have your calendar match the local vibe wherever you are in Canada!

Step-by-Step: Adding Canadian Holidays to Google Calendar (Which Syncs With Maps)

Here’s the thing – Google Maps actually pulls holiday data from your Google Calendar. So here’s what you gotta do:
1. Open Google Calendar on your computer (this doesn’t work well on mobile)
2. Click the gear icon > Settings
3. Find “Holidays in Canada” in the left sidebar
4. Check the box next to “Canada” – you can choose specific provinces too!
5. Click “Save” and boom – holidays will now appear in your calendar (and Maps!)
Pro tip: These holidays will show up as all-day events colored in light blue by default.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes the holidays don’t show up right away – don’t panic! Try refreshing your calendar or waiting a few hours. If provincial holidays aren’t appearing, double-check that you selected the specific province under the Canada holiday settings. And remember, Google Maps only shows holidays that are marked as all-day events in your primary calendar.

Alternative Method: Importing Holiday Calendars

If the built-in option isn’t working for you, you can manually add holiday calendars. The Canadian government actually offers official holiday calendar files you can import:
• Visit the official Canadian holiday website
• Download the .ics file for your province
• Import it into Google Calendar
This method gives you more control and often includes local observances that Google might miss.

Bonus: Setting Up Holiday Notifications

While we’re at it, let’s make sure you get reminders! Right-click any holiday in your calendar to set up notifications. I recommend setting a 1-day reminder for big holidays like Canada Day – gives you time to buy fireworks, eh?

There you have it, friends – everything you need to keep track of Canadian holidays right in Google Maps! Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip or just want to know when the next long weekend is coming, this trick will save you tons of hassle. Remember, in Canada even holidays have their own special rules depending on where you are, so always double-check provincial differences.

FAQpro Thanks for reading, folks! Now you’re all set to never accidentally try to visit a closed Tim Hortons on a holiday again. If you’ve got more questions about holiday tech tips or Canadian celebrations, just give me a shout – I’m always happy to help with your holiday planning needs!