When is Civic Day?
In Canada, the first Monday in August is a holiday in all provinces except for Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario and Yukon.
Often referred to as the 'August Long Weekend', the holiday is officially and unofficially known by different names in different regions.
History of Civic Day
Civic Day is a public holiday that is not based on any particular historical or religious event. The intent of the Civic Holiday seems simply to be to "not work".
The tradition of a holiday in the middle of summer in Toronto dates back to 1869 and was formally created in 1875 when the first Monday in August became the August Civic Holiday in Toronto.
British Columbia was the last province to establish an August holiday when British Columbia Day was created in 1974.
Though there will be regional variations, typically banks and government offices will be closed on Civic Day and public transport may run on a reduced schedule.
Heritage Day (Alberta)
The first Monday in August is an optional general holiday known as Heritage Day to recognize and celebrate the varied cultural heritage of Albertans.
British Columbia Day
On August 2nd 1858, the Colony of British Columbia was created in London, England. One hundred and sixteen years later, it provided the impetus for a holiday Monday on the August long weekend, British Columbia Day. The first Bristish Columbia Day was observed on August 5th 1974.
Discovery Day (Newfoundland and Labrador)
Discovery Day is a provincial holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador. It replaces the Civic Holiday observed on the first Monday of August in other areas of Canada. It is celebrated on the Monday nearest June 24th, commemorating the discovery of the province in 1497 by John Cabot.
Discovery Day (Yukon)
Discovery Day is a provincial holiday celebrated on the third Monday in August in the Yukon. It is also known as Klondike Gold Discovery Day. It replaces the Civic Holiday observed on the first Monday of August in other areas of Canada.
Natal Day (Nova Scotia)
Natal Day is a non-statutory holiday in Nova Scotia. In 1895, a day was set to celebrate the anticipated arrival of the railway in Dartmouth in August of that year. The branch line was delayed, but the townsfolk decide to have the holiday anyway. They kept the date and named the day Natal ('birth') Day to commemorate the birthday of the municipality instead, even though that had historically been celebrated on June 21st to mark the founding of Halifax in 1749.
The status of Civic Day by Canadian province/territory
| Province/Territory | Name | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Heritage Day | Provincial Statutory Holiday | All government offices will be closed. |
| British Columbia | British Columbia Day | Provincial Statutory Holiday | All government offices will be closed. |
| Manitoba | Terry Fox Day | Not a General Holiday | All government offices will be closed. |
| New Brunswick | New Brunswick Day | Provincial Statutory Holiday | All Civic and most provincial offices will be closed. |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Not a holiday | Discovery Day is celebrated on the Monday nearest 24 June | |
| Nova Scotia | Natal Day | Non Statutory Holiday | An employer may agree to give Natal Day as a paid holiday. |
| Ontario | Civic Holiday | Provincial Statutory Holiday | Known as Colonel By Day in Ottawa |
| Prince Edward Island | Civic Day | Non Statutory Holiday | Federal government offices are closed, retail and most other businesses operate as usual. |
| Quebec | Not a holiday | ||
| Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan Day | Provincial Statutory Holiday | All government offices will be closed. |
| Northwest Territories | Civic Holiday | Territorial Statutory Holiday | All government offices will be closed. |
| Nunavut | Civic Holiday | Territorial Statutory Holiday | All government offices will be closed. |
| Yukon | Not a holiday | Discovery Day is celebrated on third Monday in August | |
This tells us that Civic Holiday is not as important as some other holidays, but still, it is celebrated as a statutory Canadian holiday and a welcome chance to enjoy some late summer weather.
