Civic Holiday 2026
Do you get the day off?
Federally regulated jobsBanks, airlines, telecoms, federal offices — off nationwide
- The date, and why
- Civic Holiday 2026 falls on Monday, August 3 — the first Monday of August. This creates a 3-day long weekend (Sat Aug 1 – Mon Aug 3).
- What kind of holiday
- Civic Holiday is NOT an Employment Standards Act (ESA) statutory holiday in Ontario. Employers are not legally required to provide the day off or pay public holiday pay. However, many employers treat it as a paid holiday.
- Where it counts as statutory
- Optional in Ontario. Called different names across Canada: British Columbia Day (BC), Heritage Day (AB), Saskatchewan Day (SK), New Brunswick Day (NB). Each province sets its own rules.
- Long weekend
- August 2026 calendar: Sat Aug 1 – Sun Aug 2 – Mon Aug 3 (Civic Holiday). The long weekend is popular for camping, cottage trips, and summer festivals.
- What closes
- Since Civic Holiday is not ESA statutory in Ontario, closures vary widely. Most banks, government offices, and schools close. Retail businesses often remain open. Check with your employer about your specific entitlement.
- Where the name comes from
- In Ontario, Civic Holiday is also known as Simcoe Day (Toronto), Colonel By Day (Ottawa), or simply the August long weekend. It honors local civic heritage and provides a summer break.
Read from Northwest Territories Employment Standards - Statutory Holidays · Last checked · Report a wrong date → · About