Is British Columbia Day in Canada a Public Holiday?
British Columbia Day is given the status of a public holiday in the province of British Columbia, according to Holidays 2023. The celebration falls on the first Monday of August month. All businesses, retail stores, and shops, as well as the schools, and universities remain closed on this day. Public Transportations also do not follow their usual route, working reduced hours.
British Columbia Day Holiday History in Canada
Many provinces in Canada celebrate Civic Day on 7 August 2023, but British Columbia Day commemorates the history of the region. People relax on this long weekend and honour their achievements – individual as well as those as a community. The history of British Columbia plays an essential role in all celebrations.
History of British Columbia
Initially, the province which is now known as British Columbia was inhabited by Aboriginal groups of Canada. This changed in 1778, when the first English traveller, James Cook, arrived, paving the way for the British settlers. News of the gold rush reached the crown in 1858 and England decided to turn the region into a British colony. Now British Columbia, the province joined the Dominion of Canada in 1871.
An act focused on the contributions of essential people towards the development of the territory was introduced in 1974. This British Columbia Day Act included in the legislative assembly announced that this day will celebrate the key personalities of British Columbia who played a vital role in the history of British Columbia. Finally, the first British Columbia Day was observed in 1996.
Public Life on British Columbia Day in Canada
British Columbia Day in Canada celebrates its people who were essential in the development of the province, helping it reach the heights it has today. This day is dedicated to learning more about the culture and history of the place. The public life on this day majorly comprises festivities, parties, fireworks, parades, and so much more. The citizens of British Columbia spend the day discovering more about their local arts, heritage, and ancestry. Some events held on British Columbia Day in Canada are:
- Fireworks Display: Held throughout the province, these are an astounding way of ending your day.
- Gay Pride Parade: Celebrate equality on British Columbia Day by showing your support for all LGBTQIA2+ community in any of the various Pride parades held around the province. These include the Vancouver Pride Parade and Sunset Beach Festival, among others.
- Chilliwack Sunflower Festival: Explore approximately 20 acres of delightful sunflowers in the Fraser Valley.
- Markets: Pursue through local eccentricities, gorgeous souvenirs, and hundreds of things that will simply steal your heart. Visit the various stalls and bazaars set up on British Columbia Day in Canada. You can visit the Chinatown Night Market or the White Rock Farmers Market.
- Celebration of Light: Enjoy the pyrotechnics of the international fireworks competition just off English Bay Beach. But first, revel in the festivities and music at Second Beach in Stanley Park
- Abbotsford Agrifair: Glance at agricultural displays, go on amusement rides, and shop to your heart’s fill at Exhibition Park in Abbotsford.
- Powell Street Festival: Celebrate the British Columbia Day in Canada with Japanese-Canadian ethnicity. Relish their culture and heritage through live events, performances, and cultural activities around Powell Street in East Vancouver.
- Harmony Arts Festival: Commemorate British Columbia Day in Canada with arts, live music, and other festive activities. Their speciality is the nightly free movies throughout the long weekend, at John Lawson Park.
British Columbia Day Observances
| Year | Weekday | Date | Name | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Mon | 5 August | British Columbia Day | Common Local Holiday |
| 2020 | Mon | 3 August | British Columbia Day | Common Local Holiday |
| 2021 | Mon | 2 August | British Columbia Day | Common Local Holiday |
| 2022 | Mon | 1 August | British Columbia Day | Common Local Holiday |
| 2023 | Mon | 7 August | British Columbia Day | Common Local Holiday |
| 2024 | Mon | 5 August | British Columbia Day | Common Local Holiday |
| 2025 | Mon | 4 August | British Columbia Day | Common Local Holiday |
FAQs
1. What is open and closed on British Columbia Day in Canada?
British Columbia Day in Canada is a public holiday; however, most stores, malls, etc. remain open for reduced time on this day. Post and waste management services of Canadian government remain closed.
2. How do other provinces celebrate British Columbia Day in Canada?
The first Monday of August is collectively celebrated as Civic day in Canada. However, it is commemorated as New Brunswick Day and Saskatchewan Day in the respective provinces, Natal Day in Nova Scotia, and Terry Fox Day in Manitoba.
Tl;dr For those who only wish to know When is British Columbia Day in 2023? The date is 7 August, Monday.
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