British Columbia Day in British Columbia in 2025

British Columbia Day in British Columbia in 2025
  How long until British Columbia Day?
British Columbia Day
  Dates of British Columbia Day in British Columbia
2026 Mon, Aug 3Regional Holiday
2025 Mon, Aug 4Regional Holiday
2024 Mon, Aug 5Regional Holiday
2023 Mon, Aug 7Regional Holiday
2022 Mon, Aug 1Regional Holiday
  Summary

Throughout Canada, the first Monday in August is generally a holiday though it is known by different names in different areas


British Columbia Day in British Columbia

British Columbia Day is observed on the same day as Civic Day and is celebrated in the same manner. It was instigated in 1974 as a day to honour the province's pioneers and its history.

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 HolidayFederal 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.


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