Civic Holiday 2026: What’s Open and Closed in Canada?

Civic Holiday 2026 falls on Monday, August 3, creating a three-day weekend in many parts of Canada. Several regions will close government offices, Canada Post locations, libraries and some municipal facilities, while many grocery stores, restaurants, malls and tourist attractions may operate with regular or reduced hours.

However, provinces and territories across Canada observe Civic Holiday differently. It has different names and legal status depending on the province, territory or municipality. Residents should therefore confirm local hours before visiting a bank, store, government office or public attraction.

According to the Government of Canada’s 2026 public holiday calendar, the Civic Holiday is recognized on August 3, 2026, excluding Quebec.

Civic Holiday 2026: Quick Facts

When Is Civic Holiday 2026?

Civic Holiday will be observed on Monday, August 3, 2026.

It always falls on the first Monday of August and creates a long weekend for many Canadians. Depending on the location, Canadians may call the holiday Civic Holiday, BC Day, Heritage Day, New Brunswick Day, Natal Day, Terry Fox Day, Simcoe Day or Colonel By Day.

The Canada Revenue Agency recognizes the date as a public holiday in 2026, except in Quebec. However, this recognition does not make it a statutory paid holiday for every employee across the country.

What Is Civic Holiday Called Across Canada?

The name of the August holiday varies by province and municipality.

Canada Post’s official 2026 holiday schedule lists August 3 under several regional names, including Civic Holiday, Natal Day, New Brunswick Day, British Columbia Day and Heritage Day.

Is Civic Holiday a Statutory Holiday in Canada?

Civic Holiday is not one uniform federal statutory holiday across all of Canada.

Its employment status depends on provincial legislation, municipal policy, collective agreements and individual employers. Some government employees receive the day off, while private businesses may require their employees to work.

In Ontario, for example, the province’s employment standards legislation does not list Civic Holiday among its nine public holidays. Therefore, the legislation does not automatically require Ontario employers to give every employee a paid day off.

Employees should review their employment contract, workplace policy or collective agreement rather than assume they qualify for holiday pay.

What Is Open and Closed on Civic Holiday 2026?

The following table provides a general national guide. Exact operating hours will vary by province, city and individual location.

Are Banks Open on Civic Holiday 2026?

Bank branch hours will depend on the institution, province and local holiday policy.

Many physical branches may be closed or operate reduced hours on August 3. Customers should use their bank’s branch locator or call the branch directly before visiting.

Civic Holiday does not appear on the Payments Canada national system-closure schedule for 2026. Banks do not treat the holiday as a nationwide banking-system closure like Canada Day or Labour Day. However, individual retail branches may still close in regions that observe the holiday.

Customers should still have access to ATMs, mobile banking and online banking, although financial institutions may delay some transactions until the next business day.

Is Canada Post Open on Civic Holiday?

Canada Post will have no regular mail collection or delivery on August 3 in the provinces and territories listed on its regional holiday schedule.

The affected holiday listings include:

• Civic Holiday in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and Newfoundland and Labrador
• Natal Day in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island
• New Brunswick Day
• British Columbia Day
• Heritage Day in Alberta

Corporate Canada Post offices in these regions will generally be closed. However, postal counters located inside privately operated businesses, such as pharmacies or grocery stores, may follow the operating hours of the host business.

Customers can confirm local hours through the official Canada Post holiday schedule.

Are Government Offices Open?

Many federal, provincial and municipal offices will be closed where the August holiday is observed.

Several Service Canada locations list an upcoming Civic Holiday closure for Monday, August 3. Passport counters and other in-person federal services may therefore be unavailable at participating offices.

Municipal buildings, administrative counters, tax offices, licensing offices and public archives may also be closed. Online government services will usually remain available.

Because closures vary by department and region, residents should check the relevant government office’s official website before travelling.

Are Grocery Stores and Shopping Malls Open?

Many grocery stores, malls and retail businesses are expected to open on Civic Holiday, but some may use reduced hours.

There is no single national rule requiring all Canadian stores to close. Retail regulations differ by province and municipality.

In Toronto, for example, Civic Holiday is not included in the list of holidays on which retail businesses are generally required to close under the city’s Holiday Shopping Bylaw. Many Toronto retailers can therefore open voluntarily, although individual stores and malls may choose shorter hours.

Before leaving home, shoppers should check:

• The store’s official website
• Google Business hours
• The mall’s holiday schedule
• The location’s customer-service phone number

Hours shown on third-party websites may not always reflect last-minute holiday changes.

Are Pharmacies and Restaurants Open?

Many pharmacies, restaurants, cafés, convenience stores and gas stations will remain open on Civic Holiday.

Some pharmacy locations may operate reduced hours, particularly smaller branches. Prescription counters may also close earlier than the main retail store.

Restaurant opening hours are set by individual businesses. Restaurants in tourist districts and downtown areas are more likely to remain open, but reservations may be useful during the long weekend.

Hospitals and emergency departments will continue operating. Walk-in clinics, dental offices and other non-emergency health services may use reduced schedules.

Is Public Transit Running on Civic Holiday?

Public transit will operate in many Canadian cities, but holiday or Sunday schedules may apply.

Service frequency can be lower than on a regular Monday, and some commuter routes may not operate. Travellers should confirm schedules through their local transit agency before starting their journey.

For example, Toronto’s TTC will run on a holiday-service schedule, while Winnipeg Transit will operate on a Sunday schedule on August 3.

What’s Open and Closed in Toronto?

Toronto observes August 3 as Simcoe Day, also known as Civic Holiday.

According to the City of Toronto’s current long-weekend schedule:

Open in Toronto

• Outdoor pools
• Splash pads and wading pools
• Supervised beaches
• Toronto Zoo, from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Allan Gardens and Centennial Park conservatories
• Municipal golf courses
• Public tennis and pickleball courts
• Riverdale Farm
• High Park Animal Display
• Toronto Island Park and ferry service

Closed or operating differently

• Toronto Public Library will close its branches on August 2 and 3.
• Indoor pools and community centres will close on August 3.
• St. Lawrence Market will close on August 3.
• Cultural centres and galleries will close.
• Toronto History Museums will generally remain closed.
• TTC will operate on its holiday-service schedule

Residents can check the City of Toronto’s official August long-weekend update for location-specific information.

What’s Open and Closed in Ottawa?

Ottawa observes the holiday as Colonel By Day.

Many City administrative counters, archives and municipal services will be closed or operate modified schedules. Recreation facilities, garbage collection, parking rules and transit services may follow separate arrangements.

Residents should review the City of Ottawa’s official Colonel By Day schedule changes before travelling to a municipal facility.

What’s Open and Closed in Vancouver?

Vancouver observes BC Day on Monday, August 3.

Vancouver City Hall will close and reopen on Tuesday, August 4. Community centres, fitness facilities and pools will follow location-specific schedules. Many locations will close, while others will operate with reduced or regular holiday hours.

For example, the City’s schedule shows that some outdoor pools and fitness centres will remain open, while numerous community centres will close.

Visitors can check the City of Vancouver’s official BC Day facility hours before visiting.

What’s Open and Closed in Winnipeg?

Winnipeg observes the holiday as Terry Fox Day.

The City of Winnipeg has confirmed that all civic offices will be closed on August 3.

Open or operating in Winnipeg

• Regularly scheduled garbage and recycling collection
• Outdoor pools, weather permitting
• Spray pads and selected wading pools
• Municipal golf courses
• Some waste and recycling depots
• Winnipeg Transit on a Sunday schedule

Closed in Winnipeg

• Civic offices
• Winnipeg Public Library branches
• Indoor pools
• Fitness and leisure centres
• Animal Services Agency

Complete details are available through the City of Winnipeg holiday-hours page.

Are Attractions Open on Civic Holiday?

Many tourist attractions, parks, beaches, zoos and outdoor recreation facilities remain open during the August long weekend.

However, museums, libraries, indoor community centres and government-operated cultural facilities are more likely to close or use reduced hours.

Anyone planning to spend a long period outdoors should also prepare for summer heat. Review our extreme heat warning safety guide for hydration advice, heatstroke warning signs and practical outdoor-safety tips.

Sports fans staying home during the weekend can also follow the Commonwealth Games 2026 schedule and viewing guide, with the Glasgow Games continuing through Sunday, August 2.

Will Garbage and Recycling Be Collected?

Garbage, recycling and organics schedules vary by municipality.

Some cities maintain normal Monday collection, while others delay collection by one day or close public drop-off depots.

Winnipeg has confirmed that regularly scheduled Monday collection will continue. Other municipalities may follow different arrangements, so residents should check their city’s waste-collection calendar rather than assuming service is delayed.

Will Schools Be Open?

Most elementary and secondary schools are already closed for summer break in early August.

Daycare centres, private camps, colleges, universities and administrative offices may have their own holiday policies. Parents and students should check directly with the institution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. When is Civic Holiday 2026?

Civic Holiday falls on Monday, August 3, 2026.

Q2. Is Civic Holiday celebrated across Canada?

Many provinces and territories observe the holiday under different names. Quebec generally does not observe it, while Yukon celebrates Discovery Day later in August.

Q3. Is Civic Holiday a statutory holiday?

Not everywhere. Its statutory and employment status depends on the province, territory, municipality, employer or collective agreement.

Q4. Are banks open on Civic Holiday?

Some bank branches will be closed or use reduced hours, while others may open. Online banking and ATMs should remain available.

Q5. Does Canada Post deliver on Civic Holiday?

Canada Post will not provide regular collection or delivery in the provinces and territories included on its August 3 regional holiday schedule.

Q6. Are grocery stores open?

Many grocery stores will be open, although some may operate reduced holiday hours.

Q7. Are shopping malls open?

Many malls may open with reduced hours. Customers should check the individual mall’s official schedule.

Q8. Is public transit operating?

Yes, in many cities, but holiday or Sunday schedules may apply.

Q9. Is Civic Holiday observed in Ontario?

Yes, many Ontario municipalities observe it. However, it is not one of Ontario’s statutory public holidays under provincial employment standards legislation.

Q10. What is Civic Holiday called in Toronto?

Toronto calls the holiday Simcoe Day.

Q11. What is Civic Holiday called in Ottawa?

Ottawa calls it Colonel By Day.

Q12. What is Civic Holiday called in British Columbia?

It is called BC Day.

Q13. What is Civic Holiday called in Manitoba?

It is commonly called Terry Fox Day.

Final Advice Before the Long Weekend

Civic Holiday 2026 will affect government offices, postal services, libraries, bank branches and municipal facilities across many parts of Canada. At the same time, numerous stores, restaurants, attractions and outdoor facilities will remain open.

Because authorities regulate the holiday differently across Canada, readers should confirm operating hours directly with the business, transit agency or government department they plan to visit.

Editor’s note: We researched and updated this guide on July 31, 2026. Operating hours can change at short notice, so readers should confirm local information before travelling.

Sources and References

• Government of Canada 2026 public holidays
• Canada Post official holiday schedule
• Payments Canada system-closure schedule
• City of Toronto August long-weekend update
• City of Ottawa Colonel By Day schedule
• City of Vancouver BC Day holiday hours
• City of Winnipeg Terry Fox Day hours