Easter Sunday—the movable feast celebrating Jesus's resurrection—falls on the first Sunday after the Paschal full moon. In Canada, spring's chill often lingers: families attend candlelit dawn vigils, then children race through snow-dappled gardens hunting chocolate eggs before feasting on seasonal brunch delights.
Sunrise Services & Candlelit Vigils
- Coastal dawn: In Halifax and St. John's, worshippers gather by the Atlantic for sunrise communion and hymns.
- Prairie plains: Winnipeg churches host outdoor vigils, lighting hundreds of candles against open skies.
- Urban cathedrals: Toronto's St. Michael's and Vancouver's Christ Church Cathedral fill for midnight-to-dawn services, blending choir anthems with incense and prayer.
Egg Hunts & Springtime Fun
- Estate egg hunts: Historic sites—Rideau Hall, Butchart Gardens—stage elaborate chocolate-egg quests for all ages.
- Community parks: Local recreation centres hide painted eggs and prize tokens among budding tulips.
- DIY backyard hunts: Families craft homemade eggs and small prizes, turning gardens into festive treasure maps.
Brunch Feasts & Cultural Traditions
- Honey-glazed ham: Centerpiece of many Canadian tables, often paired with scalloped potatoes and spring greens.
- Maple-roasted vegetables: Carrots, parsnips and Brussels sprouts tossed in local maple syrup for a sweet-savory side.
- Paska bread: In Ukrainian Prairie communities, rich egg bread decorated with religious symbols signals Easter joy.
- Hot cross buns redux: Leftover buns from Good Friday reappear toasted with butter and jam.
Family & Community Gatherings
- Intergenerational meals: Grandparents share stories while grandchildren compare chocolate-stash hauls.
- Park picnics: When weather permits, families picnic under budding trees with blankets and thermoses of pea soup.
- Charity egg-rolls: Some towns host fundraising egg-rolling contests on gentle slopes—eggs that travel furthest win prizes for local causes.