What do you call Canada’s first-Monday-in-August civic holiday? Well, that all depends on where you are. It’s technically not what Canadians call a “statutory” holiday, and different parts of the country celebrate in different ways. Some provinces and cities don’t celebrate at all.
For example, in Ottawa, it’s Colonel By Day — in honor of Lieutenant Colonel John By — who supervised the construction of Ottawa’s Rideau Canal. New Brunswick calls it New Brunswick Day, while it’s Simcoe Day in Toronto. John Graves Simcoe was the first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada. The civic holiday, which falls on August 3 this year, strives to help foster the spirit of community among residents.
Here are just some of the other names for Canada’s civic holiday:
- British Columbia Day
- Heritage Day (Alberta)
- Natal Day (Nova Scotia)
- Terry Fox Day (Manitoba)
Quebec, Newfoundland, and the Yukon don’t observe the first Monday in August as a civic holiday
Civic Holiday timeline
- 1869
Parks and recreation
The mayor of Toronto organizes a day of recreation for city residents in the middle of the summer.
- 1875
Toronto celebrates the first August civic holiday
The first Monday of August is officially formalized as a civic holiday by Toronto City Council.
- 1974
British Columbia joins in
British Columbia is the last Canadian province to officially observe the annual holiday.
Civic Holiday Activities
Go for a picnic
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, and thankfully, most parts of Canada have gorgeous outdoor locations. Grab your picnic basket, invite your friends, and head out for some time under the sun.
Join a conservation campaign
One of the ideas behind the Civic Day holiday is to make people aware of conservation efforts. Nonprofit campaigns always need volunteers. Do something meaningful this Civic Day.
Start the party on Sunday
Monday holidays are rare. Make the most of this occasion by staying up late the night before. Maybe look for a rave happening in your city, or just invite your friends over.
3 Amusing Facts About Canada
You might weigh less there
That's right! Studies have found out that the Hudson Bay region, for instance, has lower gravity than the rest of the world. Don't worry, though. It is not low enough to make you jump sky high.
Do drink the water
Tap water in Canada is actually better in quality than bottled water.
You can get a free ride on holidays
Parts of Canada have a volunteer service that offers free car rides to people who have too much to drink.
Why We Love Civic Holiday
It raises awareness of your surroundings
The idea behind Provincial Day is to make people aware of their community and their environment. By doing so, it encourages people to participate in community-led programs that work towards the betterment of the society
Outdoor dining
Provincial Day falls right in the middle of the summer, which means you can take your picnic baskets and enjoy the gorgeous Canadian outdoors.
Contributions to communities are recognized
Several provinces hold award ceremonies on this day, where residents who have made a positive impact on their community are rewarded for their diligence. We are all for community-driven initiatives.