Daylight saving time means moving clocks ahead by one hour in the spring to get more evening daylight, then turning them back in the fall for more morning light.
In 2026, daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 8 at 2 a.m. Clocks will move forward overnight on Saturday, March 7. Most phones, computers and smart devices will update automatically, but manual clocks need to be set ahead before bed.
Clocks stay on daylight saving time until Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, when they are turned back one hour.
Most of Canada, including Ontario, follows daylight saving time. Yukon, most of Saskatchewan, and parts of British Columbia and Quebec do not change their clocks.
Changing the clocks can affect more than sleep. Studies show the time change can disrupt sleep, increase stress and lead to more traffic accidents for a short time.
Ontario passed a law in 2020 to stay on daylight saving time year-round, but it has not taken effect because Quebec and New York have not agreed to do the same.
To adjust more easily, experts suggest going to bed a little earlier, getting daylight during the day, and avoiding caffeine or alcohol in the evening. Even with preparation, many people still feel tired when the clocks change.
