Discovery Day in Yukon: Stat Holiday Pay
Discovery Day, on the third Monday of August, is a paid statutory holiday in Yukon.
When is Discovery Day?
- Next:
- 2026:
- 2027:
Is Discovery Day a statutory holiday?
Yes, in Yukon. Newfoundland and Labrador also has a Discovery Day, but it is a different day with different rules.
Who gets paid for Discovery Day?
Most employees in Yukon qualify for holiday pay on Discovery Day. Each jurisdiction sets its own eligibility rules, such as how long you have worked for your employer or whether you worked your scheduled shifts before and after the holiday. Part-time employees are often eligible as well.
What if you work on Discovery Day?
If you work on a statutory holiday, you are usually entitled to premium pay for the hours worked, commonly 1.5 times your regular rate, plus holiday pay. Some rules allow regular pay plus a substitute day off instead. The exact combination depends on your province or territory and on any collective agreement.
Background
The holiday marks the August 1896 gold discovery near Dawson City that started the Klondike Gold Rush.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Holiday pay rules change from time to time. For your exact entitlement, contact your provincial or territorial employment standards office.
