Remembrance Day observers across Canada will pause for two minutes at 11 a.m. local time on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
The annual silence honours Canadian Armed Forces members and veterans, including those who died in service and those who served in conflicts at home and abroad.
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What time is the Remembrance Day moment of silence?
The moment of silence begins at 11 a.m. in each Canadian time zone where people are observing it.
That means the observance follows local clock time rather than one single Canada-wide moment.
People in Atlantic Canada observe it at 11 a.m. Atlantic time, while those in Ontario and Quebec observe it at 11 a.m. Eastern time.
The same local-time approach applies in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and the territories, subject to the local time zone in effect on November 11.
The Royal Canadian Legion describes the two-minute silence as the central element of Remembrance Day observances.
It is held at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, reflecting the time the First World War armistice took effect in 1918.
How long does the silence last?
The official observance lasts two minutes.
At formal ceremonies, the silence is traditionally preceded by the Last Post and begins with the first gun.
It ends with the second gun and the playing of the Rouse.
People who are at work, at school, travelling or watching a ceremony from home can participate by standing or sitting quietly for the full two minutes.
Ottawa ceremony starts before the silence
The 2026 National Remembrance Day Ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa is scheduled to begin at approximately 10:30 a.m.
The Royal Canadian Legion’s program places the two-minute silence at 11 a.m., following O Canada, the Last Post and the first gun.
The ceremony continues after the silence with the Lament, the Rouse, the Act of Remembrance, a 21-gun salute, prayers and the laying of official wreaths.
A veterans’ march-past is scheduled to conclude the national ceremony at approximately 11:30 a.m.
Why Remembrance Day is observed at 11 a.m.
The timing is tied to the armistice that ended the fighting of the First World War on November 11, 1918.
The armistice came into effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, creating the tradition of pausing at 11 a.m. on November 11.
Canada’s Remembrance Day observance remembers those who served in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War and later military operations, as well as members of the Canadian Armed Forces who died while serving their country.
Where Canadians can observe
Legion branches and community organizations are holding ceremonies in communities across the country.
Many local ceremonies include a parade, wreath-laying, the Last Post, the two-minute silence and the Act of Remembrance.
Canadians can also watch the national ceremony online through the Royal Canadian Legion’s official channels.
The Government of Canada has also announced that the national flag will be flown at half-mast on federal buildings across the country from sunrise to sunset on November 11, 2026.
For anyone unable to attend a ceremony, observing the two-minute silence at 11 a.m. local time remains the central way to take part in Remembrance Day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the Remembrance Day moment of silence in Canada in 2026?
The two-minute silence begins at 11 a.m. local time on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
How long is the Remembrance Day silence?
The official silence lasts two minutes.
Does the silence happen at the same time across Canada?
It begins at 11 a.m. according to the local time zone in each part of Canada.
What time does the Ottawa Remembrance Day ceremony start?
The 2026 National Remembrance Day Ceremony at the National War Memorial is scheduled to start at approximately 10:30 a.m., with the silence at 11 a.m.
What is the Remembrance Day silence for?
It honours Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and others who served or died in military service.
Fact-Checked: The timing, two-minute duration and 2026 Ottawa ceremony schedule were checked against Royal Canadian Legion and Government of Canada information.
Disclaimer: Ceremony times outside Ottawa may vary, so attendees should confirm details with their local Legion branch or event organizer.