Civic Day in 2024

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.

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

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.