Toronto turns its clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 1, 2026. At 2:00 a.m. local daylight time, the clock returns to 1:00 a.m., so the hour from 1:00 to 2:00 a.m. occurs twice. The City of Toronto confirms the November 1 change.
Here is what the change means for your clocks, appointments and evening travel—and why you should check local rules if you are outside Toronto.
When do the clocks go back in Toronto?
The change takes place at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 1. Clocks move back to 1:00 a.m. as Toronto returns to standard time. If you are awake during the transition, the same hour appears twice; be especially careful with overnight appointments, travel and work schedules.
The practical shift is that daylight moves toward the morning relative to the clock. Evening light arrives earlier by the clock, which can make the trip home feel darker.
Will my phone and computer change automatically?
Most current connected devices are expected to handle local time changes when their software and time-zone data are up to date. Check that automatic date, time and time-zone settings are enabled, then confirm the displayed time after the change. The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) notes that computer operating systems supply the local time-zone and daylight-saving adjustments.
Do not forget clocks that may need a manual adjustment, such as those in cars, ovens and bedside alarms. If a device shows the wrong time, check for software updates and follow its manufacturer's instructions.
Does all of Canada change its clocks?
No. Check the rules for your own community. Time rules differ across Canada, and changes in western provinces make a single national answer misleading. For example, Alberta says it will remain on Alberta Time year-round beginning in November 2026 rather than moving its clocks back to Mountain Standard Time. Travellers and people scheduling calls across provinces should check the applicable local time zone and the latest official guidance.
What about the United States?
In U.S. areas that observe daylight saving time, clocks also move back at 2:00 a.m. local time on November 1, according to NIST. Not every U.S. jurisdiction observes it: Hawaii and most of Arizona are among the exceptions. When arranging a call or trip, use the city and time zone rather than assuming that every location changes.
A quick time-change checklist
- Check automatic settings: Update devices and confirm the correct local time zone.
- Adjust manual clocks: Look at appliances, vehicles and any standalone alarm clocks.
- Review overnight plans: Clarify which occurrence of the repeated 1:00 a.m. hour applies to an appointment or journey.
- Plan for dimmer evenings: Toronto recommends working lights, caution at crossings and extra travel time when visibility is reduced.
- Confirm cross-border calls: Recheck both locations when an event spans provinces or countries.
Sources
- City of Toronto: Daylight Saving Time and road safety
- NIST: Daylight Saving Time Rules
- Government of Alberta: Alberta's new time system
Illustration generated with AI; the clock face is decorative.
