As winter conditions continue across Ontario, the switch to daylight saving time (DST) is just weeks away.
In 2026, daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 8, at 2 a.m., when clocks are moved forward by one hour. Most people will need to set their clocks ahead before going to bed on Saturday, March 7, while smartphones, computers and other network-connected devices will update automatically.
The change brings longer daylight in the evenings throughout spring and summer. Clocks will remain on daylight saving time until Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, when they are set back one hour overnight.
Most of Canada, including Ontario, observes daylight saving time. However, Yukon, most of Saskatchewan, and parts of British Columbia and Quebec remain on standard time year-round.
Health experts note the time change can have short-term effects. Research from Johns Hopkins University has linked the spring shift to disrupted sleep, increased stress and a temporary rise in traffic accidents.
Ontario passed legislation in 2020 to adopt permanent daylight saving time, but the change has not taken effect. The move is contingent on neighbouring jurisdictions, including Quebec and New York, making the same decision — something neither has finalized.
To ease the transition, experts recommend gradually shifting bedtime earlier in the days leading up to the change, getting plenty of daylight exposure, and avoiding caffeine or alcohol in the evening. Even with preparation, many people may still feel tired when the clocks spring forward.