What Is Civic Holiday in Canada? (2025 Guide to Simcoe Day and Beyond)
Civic Holiday in Canada lands on Monday, August 4, 2025—giving many Canadians a welcome August long weekend. But what exactly is Civic Holiday all about? While most people enjoy the day off, fewer know the rich history and regional significance behind it.
What Is Civic Holiday?
Civic Holiday is not a national statutory holiday. Instead, it’s a municipally-declared day celebrated across much of Canada on the first Monday of August. Its original purpose? To give citizens a day for leisure, recreation, and community—a mid-summer break from work and routine.
The term “civic” reflects its municipal roots, as different cities and provinces recognize the day under unique local names that honor regional heroes, milestones, or cultural legacies.
Why Does Toronto Call It Simcoe Day?
In Toronto, Civic Holiday is officially known as Simcoe Day, named after John Graves Simcoe, the first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada. Simcoe played a key role in shaping what would become Ontario:
- He helped establish Fort York, the foundation of Toronto.
- He pushed for the abolition of slavery with the Anti-Slavery Act of 1793.
- He initiated the construction of Yonge Street and other major roads.
- He promoted trial by jury and modern governance.
Toronto officially adopted “Simcoe Day” in 1969 to celebrate his impact. However, not every city in Ontario uses this name.
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Different Names Across Canada
Here’s what Civic Holiday is called in other regions:
- Colonel By Day in Ottawa (honoring Lt. Col. John By of the Rideau Canal)
- Joseph Brant Day in Burlington
- John Galt Day in Guelph
- Heritage Day in Alberta
- Terry Fox Day in Manitoba
- New Brunswick Day in New Brunswick
- British Columbia Day in B.C.
- Natal Day in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island
- Regatta Day in Newfoundland
Some areas, like Quebec and the Yukon, do not observe the Civic Holiday at all.
Is It a Day Off for Everyone?
Not necessarily. Since it’s not a federal holiday, provinces like Ontario do not require businesses to close. Whether you get the day off depends on your employer and municipality.
That said, many people take advantage of the long weekend to go camping, travel to cottages, or attend festivals. It’s also one of the busiest highway weekends of the summer.
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A Look Back: The Origins of Civic Holiday
The holiday traces back to the mid-1800s when cities like London (1856), Toronto (1861), and Hamilton (1862) began organizing a day for residents to relax during the summer heat. The first official Civic Holiday in Toronto was declared in 1875.
In 1969, the city renamed the holiday Simcoe Day to highlight Simcoe’s legacy. Over time, other cities followed suit by renaming the holiday to reflect local history and culture.
So, what does Civic Holiday mean in your city?
Is it just a day off, or does it hold deeper meaning tied to your community’s roots? Let us know in the comments.
More…
- https://nationaltoday.com/civic-holiday-canada
- https://www.insidehalton.com/news/is-the-august-civic-holiday-monday-a-paid-holiday-and-who-gets-the-day-off/article_346dd52a-17de-5144-b6f1-8ef97d7a489b.html
- https://www.overheretoronto.com/whats-open-and-closed-in-toronto-on-civic-holiday-2025
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