Daylight Saving Time to Get Even More Confusing: B.C., Alberta, Manitoba Won’t Turn Clocks Back

Daylight saving time is the practice of moving clocks forward by one hour in the spring to create more daylight in the evening, then moving them back by one hour in the fall.

This twice-yearly clock change is common in Canada, but it may be unfamiliar if you recently moved here from a country that does not observe daylight saving time.

This year, however, B.C., Manitoba, and Alberta have ended seasonal clock changes. When Ontario, Quebec and several other parts of Canada turn their clocks back by one hour on November 1, 2026, clocks in most of B.C. and all of Alberta and Manitoba will stay exactly where they are.

The change will affect the time difference between major Canadian cities, which could matter when you are travelling, working remotely, or calling someone in another province.

Here is what you need to know.

Key Takeaways

• Most of B.C. and all of Alberta and Manitoba will not change their clocks on November 1, 2026.
• Ontario and Quebec will turn their clocks back by one hour as usual.
• This will change the time difference between some Canadian cities during the winter.
• Check meeting, travel, and appointment times carefully if you are dealing with people in another province.

What Is Daylight Saving Time?

Daylight saving time is a system where clocks are moved forward by one hour in the spring and moved back by one hour in the fall.

The mnemonic “Spring forward, fall back” makes it easier to remember which way the clock turns.

Traditionally, many parts of Canada have moved their clocks forward by one hour in March. This gives people more daylight in the evening during the warmer months.

In November, clocks move back by one hour and return to standard time.

For example, when clocks “fall back,” 2 a.m. becomes 1 a.m. again. In practical terms, you get an extra hour of sleep that night.

But Canada does not have one nationwide rule for changing clocks. Provinces and territories can follow different systems.

Why Is Daylight Saving Time Controversial?

There has been a long-running debate over whether changing the clocks twice a year still makes sense.

One concern is the impact on sleep. Moving clocks can temporarily disrupt the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Research has also linked the spring clock change, when people lose an hour, with increased risks of traffic accidents and some health problems.

However, there is also debate over which time should be used if seasonal clock changes end. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine supports permanent standard time because morning light more closely matches the body’s natural clock. Permanent daylight time, which B.C., Manitoba, and Alberta have now adopted, provides more evening daylight but also means darker winter mornings.

Ontario and Quebec Will Still Turn Their Clocks Back

Ontario and Quebec will continue to observe daylight saving time under their current rules. Clocks move forward on the second Sunday in March and back on the first Sunday in November.

This means people in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City will turn their clocks back by one hour on Sunday, November 1, 2026.

Most smartphones, computers and other connected devices should update automatically. However, you may need to manually change clocks in your car, appliances, and other devices.

Which Canadian Provinces and Territories Will Still Observe Daylight Saving Time?

As of November 2026, some parts of Canada will continue to observe daylight saving time (DST), while others will remain on the same time year-round.

Provinces and territories that will observe daylight saving time:

• Ontario
• Quebec, except the Lower North Shore
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• New Brunswick
• Nova Scotia
• Prince Edward Island
• Nunavut, except Southampton Island

Provinces and territories that will not observe daylight saving time:

• Alberta
• British Columbia, although some southeastern communities have different time arrangements
• Manitoba
• Northwest Territories
• Saskatchewan, except the Lloydminster area and some nearby communities
• Yukon

There are several local exceptions, so daylight saving time rules can vary even within the same province or territory. Nunavut, Quebec, Saskatchewan and B.C. are among the places where different communities may follow different time arrangements.

How Will the Time Difference Between Provinces Change?

This is where things can become confusing. Because B.C., Manitoba, and Alberta are staying on their current time while Ontario and Quebec move their clocks back, the time difference between some provinces will change during the winter.

For example, Calgary and Toronto are normally two hours apart during the summer. After Ontario changes its clocks in November and Alberta does not, they will be only one hour apart during the winter.

Vancouver and Toronto will similarly go from being three hours apart to two hours apart.

This could take some getting used to, particularly if you work remotely, have family elsewhere in Canada, or regularly travel between provinces.