Civic Holiday

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.