When Is Daylight Saving Time in Canada? (2025)

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is a time adjustment that shifts clocks forward in spring and back in fall to make better use of daylight. While many assume DST was introduced for farmers, its origins tell a different story. Here’s everything you need to know about DST in Canada, including key dates, history, and ongoing debates about its future.

When Does Daylight Saving Time Start and End in Canada?

In Canada, DST begins on the second Sunday of March and ends on the first Sunday of November.

Spring Forward: On Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 2:00 AM, clocks move forward one hour to Daylight Time (DT).
Fall Back: On Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 2:00 AM, clocks move back one hour to Standard Time (ST).

To remember the change, many use the phrase: “spring forward, fall back.”

Why Does DST Exist?

The primary goal of Daylight Saving Time is to maximize daylight hours during the evening in warmer months. This shift allows for more daylight in the evening during summer and brighter mornings in winter once the clocks are set back.

History of Daylight Saving Time in Canada

1918: Canada first introduced Daylight Saving Time during World War I as an effort to conserve energy.
1942-1945: It was reinstated during World War II.
1960s-1970s: Provinces and territories adopted DST at different rates, leading to inconsistencies across Canada.
2007: Canada aligned with the United States, extending DST by a few weeks.

Today, most provinces observe DST, but there are some exceptions.

Which Provinces and Territories Do Not Observe DST?

Saskatchewan does not observe Daylight Saving Time. The province stays on Central Standard Time (CST) year-round.

Parts of British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario also have regions that do not follow DST. The Yukon permanently moved to Daylight Time (DT) in 2020 and no longer changes clocks.

Why Does DST Start at 2:00 AM?

The 2:00 AM change was chosen for minimal disruption. Historically, railroad schedules played a key role in determining this time. When DST was introduced, trains were not operating at 2:00 AM, making it the most practical time for the shift.

Debates and Possible Changes to DST

There has been ongoing debate about whether Canada should eliminate Daylight Saving Time altogether. The main arguments include:

Pros of Eliminating DST:

Reduces health risks (e.g., sleep deprivation, heart attacks, and strokes).
Lowers risk of car accidents associated with time changes.
Eliminates confusion and improves business efficiency.

Cons of Eliminating DST:

Some studies suggest energy savings during longer daylight hours.
Aligning with U.S. time zones is beneficial for trade and business.
More daylight in the evening supports tourism and retail industries.

Several provinces, including Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta, have considered making Daylight Time permanent, but these changes often depend on coordination with U.S. states.

The Sunshine Protection Act and its Impact

In 2022, the U.S. Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which aimed to make Daylight Time permanent. However, the bill stalled in Congress. If the U.S. eventually adopts permanent Daylight Time, Canada may follow suit to maintain synchronized time zones.

For now, Daylight Saving Time remains in effect across most of Canada. While some provinces are considering changes, a nationwide shift is unlikely without U.S. alignment. Until then, Canadians should prepare to spring forward on March 9, 2025, and fall back on November 2, 2025.

For more updates on time changes and potential policy shifts, check with your provincial government websites.

More…