As the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH begins across Canada, the timing of Iftar—the meal to break the daily fast at sunset—is shifting into a winter schedule, offering shorter fasting durations for the Canadian Muslim community compared to previous years.
Today, 19 February 2026, marks the second day of Ramadan for many across the country. Because Iftar coincides exactly with the Maghrib (sunset) prayer, the precise timing varies by several minutes depending on your specific longitudinal location within Canada.
Today’s Iftar Times Across Canada (19 February 2026)
Based on current astronomical data and local prayer schedules, here are the Iftar timings for major Canadian hubs this evening:
| City | Iftar (Maghrib) Time |
|---|---|
| Toronto, ON | 5:55 PM |
| Oshawa, ON | 5:51 PM |
| Ottawa, ON | 5:38 PM |
| Edmonton, AB | 5:52 PM |
| Vancouver, BC | 5:44 PM |
The Significance of a Winter Ramadan
For the first time in several years, Ramadan is falling deep within the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere. This shift means that Canadian Muslims are experiencing significantly shorter fasting windows—roughly 12 hours—compared to the 18-hour stretches seen during summer cycles. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Minister Marc Miller both issued statements this week acknowledging the start of the holy month, highlighting the spirit of gratitude and community that Iftar represents.
Community and Dining Trends
In cities like Ottawa and Toronto, the local food scene has adjusted to the 2026 schedule. Several restaurants, such as Sultan Suleyman Turkish Cuisine, have announced extended hours, staying open around the clock to accommodate both Iftar and Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal). Community leaders note that Iftar has become an increasingly public celebration in Canada, with many non-Muslims invited to join “Open Iftar” events hosted by mosques and community centres to foster interfaith dialogue.
Iftar Best Practices
- Traditional Opening: Following the Sunnah, most break their fast with dates and water before performing the Maghrib prayer.
- Hydration: With the dry winter air, health experts recommend focusing on electrolyte-rich fluids during the non-fasting hours.
- Time Verification: While the times above are accurate for today, Iftar moves approximately 1–2 minutes later each day as the days begin to lengthen toward spring.
Note: For precise timings in smaller municipalities, residents are encouraged to consult their local mosque or use verified mobile applications like Muslim Pro or IslamicFinder, as slight variations in calculation methods (Fiqa Hanafi vs. Fiqa Jafria) may exist.