Civic Holiday

The Civic Holiday is a public holiday celebrated in most provinces and territories across Canada on the first Monday of August. It is not a federally mandated holiday, so its name and significance vary by region. For example, it is known as **Simcoe Day** in Ontario (honoring John Graves Simcoe, the first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada), **British Columbia Day** in BC, **Saskatchewan Day** in Saskatchewan, and **Natal Day** in parts of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. In other areas, it is simply referred to as the **Civic Holiday**. The holiday serves as a mid-summer break, offering Canadians a long weekend to enjoy outdoor activities, festivals, and time with family and friends. While it lacks a unified national theme, it is widely embraced as a day to celebrate local culture, history, and community. Many businesses and government offices close, but retail stores often remain open, sometimes offering special sales. The Civic Holiday is a cherished opportunity for Canadians to relax and enjoy the warm summer weather before the onset of fall.