Things to Do During August Long Weekend in Canada

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Grand River Dinner Cruises

Looking for an idea of what to do this August long weekend? August long stands out as one of the most bustling days of the year for highway travel, primarily due to the influx of families embarking on camping and cottage trips.

The Civic holiday falls on the first Monday of August every year. Although it isn’t a statutory holiday across Canada, it is one across many. Hence, it earns its designation as a “civic” holiday, as each province and city retains the autonomy to declare it as they see fit.

British Columbia

August long is known as British Columbia Day in BC. Since it is a statutory holiday, you have three days to celebrate.
Many events and celebrations run all weekend on BC Day. There is the Harmony Arts Festival, Pride Parade, the Maple Ridge Caribbean Festival, and many fireworks.

Whether you plan to stay in Vancouver and hit up as many festivals as you can or retreat to one of the many provincial parks for a quiet weekend, there is plenty to do on BC Day.

Alberta

In Alberta, the first Monday of August is known as Heritage Day. Though it is not considered a statutory holiday, many businesses and people across the province will still take the day off. It was declared Heritage Day in 1974 as a day for the province to celebrate the different cultural heritage of Albertans.
The Crowsnest Pass Doors Open and Heritage Festival starts the Thursday before and continues into the weekend. There is the Calgary International Blues Festival and Heritage Festival in Edmonton, and in Camrose, there is the Big Valley Jamboree for all the country fans out there.

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan Day is what August long is known in the province of Saskatchewan. It is considered a statutory holiday in which the majority of the province has the day off. Many people go away for the weekend or stay to be entertained by some of the events and festivals that occur.
The biggest summer fair hits the capital city of Regina over the long weekend, Queen City Ex. In Saskatoon, Nutrien Fringe Theatre Festival takes over Broadway Street is a family-friendly event filled with entertainment.

Manitoba

In Manitoba, August long weekend is known as Terry Fox Day. It is not a statutory holiday. The name comes from the Manitoba-born Terry Fox, known across the country as a hero for his efforts to raise money for cancer in 1980.

Pioneer Days in Steinbach and Folkarama, are two of the biggest events this weekend.

Ontario

August long weekend is unique in Ontario. The major cities across the province each have a different name that is to honour important people in the province’s history. For example, Toronto calls the holiday Simcoe Day after John Graves Simcoe. Ottawa refers to the day as Colonel By Day in honour of John By. It is called Joseph Brant Day in Burlington, Alexander Mackenzie Day in Sarnia, McLaughlin Day in Oshawa, Benjamin Vaughan Day in Vaughan, George Hamilton Day in Hamilton, Founders’ Day in Brantford, James Cockburn Day in Cobourg, Peter Robinson Day in Peterborough, and John Galt Day in Guelph.

50+ Festivals happening across the province, from Ribfests to grand parades and fireworks during August Long Weekend in Ontario.
August Long Weekend in

Toronto

Niagara Falls Region

London

KW Region

Hamilton

Ottawa

Quebec

1st Monday in August is not a holiday in Quebec, but if you are heading to the La belle provincein August, here is a list of things to do: 50 Things to Do This August in Quebec.

Newfoundland and Labrador

As with Quebec, August long weekend is not a holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador. However, they have their own celebrations in St. John’s to celebrate Regatta Day (first Wednesday of August). It is also known as “The Largest Garden Party in the World.” Up to 50,000 people gather to watch the Royal St. John’s Regatta, a rowing race that is the oldest organized sporting event in North America. This event has been going on for roughly 200 years.

New Brunswick

Instead of being called a Civic holiday, August long is called New Brunswick Day in this province. It is a statutory holiday for residents to celebrate the history, culture, and landscape of their province.
Awards are presented to businesses and residents who work hard to improve the life where they live. Lots of communities hold birthday parties for New Brunswick. A notable event to check out is the Area 506 Festival which is full of music and food.

Nova Scotia

In Nova Scotia, the August long weekend is known as Natal Day. It is a day to celebrate Nova Scotia’s “birthday,” and many residents host birthday parties across the province.
In the communities of Halifax and Dartmouth, you usually will find large Natal Day celebrations that have fireworks, live entertainment, and even a large birthday cake.

Prince Edward Island

The first Monday in August is also known as Civic Day in Prince Edward Island and is observed as a statutory holiday.
Enjoy PEI Truck and Tractor Pull Championship, Atlantic Fiddlers Jamboree, Rock the Boat Music Festival, Jacques Cartier Sandcastle Building Competition and more during this long weekend.

Territories

Nunavut celebrates August long as a Civic holiday and is a provincial statutory holiday.

As with Nunavut, the Northwest Territories has a Civic holiday, a provincial statutory holiday. There are two well-known events over the weekend.

The Old Town Ramble and Ride brings together Old Town merchants, artists and musicians to show off the uniqueness of the area. There is also the Slave River Paddlefest for guided river trips.

Yukon does not have a civic holiday on the first Monday of August. Instead, they celebrate Klondike Gold Discovery Day on the third Monday of August. The day is there to celebrate the history of the gold discovered at Bonanza Creek in 1896.

Celebrations are held in Dawson City, the heart of the Klondike gold rush. The Discovery Days Festival brings exhibitions, art and craft fairs, parades, and more.

05 Aug

Edmonton Exhibition Lands and Borden Park, Edmonton

August 5, 2023 To August 7, 2023

Free

The Edmonton Heritage Festival is a three-day event to sample delicious food, see creative performances, and experience Canada's multiculturalism. Enjoy the tastes, smells, sights and sounds from 100 ...  »

05 Aug

Centennial Park, 5 Avenue, Canmore

August 5, 2023 To August 7, 2023

403-678-2524

$22 & up

The Canmore Folk Music Festival is the longest running folk music festival in Alberta and one of its finest. Adhering to a philosophy and legacy of folk, ...  »

04 Aug

Sparks Street, Ottawa

August 4, 2023 To August 7, 2023

Free

The annual Ottawa International Buskerfest will play host to the biggest lineup of international street performers! World-class performers from all over the world will grace and amazing ...  »

03 Aug

110 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa

August 3, 2023 To August 7, 2023

Free

2023 Capital Ribfest at Festival Plaza in beautiful downtown Ottawa! A fun, family-friendly celebration of delicious BBQ and Smokehouse experience at Ottawa City Hall in the heart of ...  »

04 Aug

Thomson Memorial Park, 1005 Brimley Rd, Scarborough

August 4, 2023 To August 7, 2023

Donations Appreciated

Enjoy delicious ribs, hot dogs, french fries, corn on the cob and more… Midway rides, and skill testing games, Creative designs by crafters and vendors, All day ...  »

07 Aug

Garden Square, Brampton

August 7, 2023

Free

JAMBANA™ One World Festival, represents Canada’s growing cultural diversity in its finest form through performances by internationally acclaimed bands, artists and JUNO Award winners. Feel the ...  »

07 Aug

Olympic Plaza, 228 8 Ave SE, Calgary

August 7, 2023

Free

Come join us for the annual Heritage Day Festival at Olympic Plaza! Come for 6 hours of multicultural performances, ethnic foods, and unique handicrafts. Explore the artisan booths, ...  »

04 Aug

Strathmore Stampede Grounds, 33 Wheatland Trail, Strathmore

August 4, 2023 To August 7, 2023

Free to $40

The Strathmore Stampede includes Rodeo, Chuckwagon races, and our signature Running with the Bulls event.  »

05 Aug

Chinese Cultural Center of Greater Toronto, 5183 Sheppard Ave E, Scarborough

August 5, 2023 To August 6, 2023

We are a youth-oriented dance festival, featuring dance schools local and international. We want to showcase the variety in dance, which often mirrors the diversity in the ...  »

08 Jun

Vanier Park, Whyte Avenue, Vancouver

June 8, 2023 To September 30, 2023

$30 & up

The festival’s 34th season brings back the most successful production in Bard’s history, plus a famous tale of political intrigue, a sweeping historical drama, and ...  »

05 Aug

Lakeshore Blvd W & Exhibition Place, Toronto

August 5, 2023

Free & Ticketed Areas

The Grand Parade is the largest event of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival. This event continues to attract local, regional, national, and international attention by visitors and media. ...  »

02 Aug

Canadian Museum of History, 100 Rue Laurier, Gatineau

August 2, 2023 To August 19, 2023

$14.50 & up

In this 26th edition, enjoy 4 hours of fire-themed entertainment including world-class pyromusical shows, fiery culinary experiences, prodigious artistic performances, striking digital and multimedia art installations and more! ...  »

05 Aug

Fort Langley National Historic Site, 23433 Mavis Avenue, Langley

August 5, 2023 To August 7, 2023

Regular Admission

Explore the encampment of re-enactors showcasing the Hudson’s Bay Company era as they swap stories, play music, and show off traditional skills during the B.C. ...  »

05 Aug

Oppenheimer Park, 400 Powell St, Vancouver

August 5, 2023 To August 6, 2023

Free

Canada's largest celebration of Japanese Canadian arts & culture held in Vancouver's historic Japanese Canadian neighbourhood.   »

06 Aug

Robson Square, 800 Robson St, Vancouver

August 6, 2023

Free

Listen up, party people! Join us for an all-out, full-day extravaganza of street dance battles, mind-blowin' showcase performances, live music that'll make your speakers bump, and a ...  »

03 Aug

Various Venues, Squamish

August 3, 2023 To August 6, 2023

Free & Ticketed Events

Squamish Days is a weekend full of excitement, fun and action aimed to make every member of the family smile. There are children's activities, a parade, wacky ...  »

05 Aug

Albion Fairgrounds, 23448 Jim Robson Way, Maple Ridge

August 5, 2023 To August 6, 2023

Free

The Annual Maple Ridge Caribbean Festival will heighten all your senses with many Caribbean flavours, right here in your own “backyard” at the Fairgrounds. On our stages, ...  »

05 Aug

Various Venues, Delta

August 5, 2023 To August 7, 2023

Free

Join for the largest community festival in South Delta. There's fun for the whole family including a parade on Monday,y, marketplace, slow-pitch tournament, main stage entertainment, ...  »

09 Jul

Christie Pits Park, Bloor Street West, Toronto

July 9, 2023 To August 27, 2023

Free/PWYC

This summer at Christie Pits Film Festival, audiences can look forward to eight Sunday evenings of curated short and feature film pairings in a programme titled Another ...  »

06 Aug

Earl Bales Park, 4169 Bathurst St, North York

August 6, 2023

Free

Ghanafest will present its annual showcase of the rich culture and heritage of the Ghanaian community in Earl Bales Park (North York). Ghanafest includes traditional food, language ...  »

04 Aug

AGRIFAIR Exhibition Park, 32470 Haida Drive, Abbotsford

August 4, 2023 To August 6, 2023

$8 to $14

2019 new events include a Pirate Ship Show, a Tank car-crush event, a Tractor/Truck Pull Show, Yule Kids and so much more! Our 4-H programming has been ...  »

05 Aug

Beltine, Calgary

August 5, 2023 To August 26, 2023

FREE

BUMP self-guided mural tours are a perfect way to explore the murals and experience new works of art as they are being created right before your eyes. ...  »

06 Aug

Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie Street, Toronto

August 6, 2023

Free

Annual Toronto Black Vegan Festival allows you to enjoy vegan meals and delicacies with unique African and Caribbean flavours. The menus range from vegan versions of traditional ...  »

02 Aug

1700 Elphinstone Street, Regina

August 2, 2023 To August 6, 2023

306-781-9200

$0 - $18

Join us for five days of incredible food, fun, music, shopping and more at Queen City Ex-Saskatchewan's fair!  »

04 Aug

Hilah Ayers Wilderness RV Park, 473008 Range Road 10, Mulhurst Bay

August 4, 2023 To August 6, 2023

$40 to $90

The Pigeon Lake Music Festival is a celebration unlike any other that takes place each summer on the August long weekend in Mulhurst Bay. The event features ...  »

04 Aug

Lake Minnedosa, Minnedosa

August 4, 2023 To August 6, 2023

888-330-8333

General Admission Weekend Pass $279

Three nights of Rock & Roll in the beautiful Lake Minnedosa at the August long weekend. Adding to the music, RFM provides great onsite vendors, camping opportunities and ...  »

07 Aug

Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West, Toronto

August 7, 2023 To August 8, 2023

Free Admission

The Toronto Diversity Festival promotes our region’s richly diverse culture and heritage through arts and cultural performances; by showcasing foods from different ethnic countries that bring ...  »

04 Aug

202 Scotch Mountain Road, Meaford

August 4, 2023 To August 5, 2023

$97.18 & up

Electric Eclectics is a festival of experimental music and sound art every Civic Holiday Weekend. Enjoy three days of camping, music, art installations, DJs, and film. Electric ...  »

28 Jul

Glencolton Farms, 393889 Concession 2 RR1, Durham

July 28, 2023 To August 6, 2023

5193697183

$43.11 & up

The critically acclaimed Symphony in the Barn Festival at Glencolton Farms, Canada's leading biodynamic farm, brings together music, performance installations, and the tastes and sounds of idyllic ...  »

04 Aug

Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W, Toronto

August 4, 2023 To August 5, 2023

Free

You have 10,000 Taste buds, Fire-Up all of them at Taste Of India Food Festival Toronto @ Nathan Phillips Square. Come for Musical Melodies and mind blowing Dance Performances ...  »

05 Aug

Richmond Country Farms, 12900 Steveston Hwy, Richmond

August 5, 2023 To September 3, 2023

$12 to $15

Wander the sunflower and dahlia fields and discover all the hidden photo-op moments. Enjoy a cool drink from the lemonade stand, the perfect ice cream cone and ...  »

28 Jun

Falstaff Family Centre, 35 Waterloo Street N, Stratford

June 28, 2023 To September 23, 2023

$32.50

Here For Now Theatre Company is thrilled to announce their 2023 Season, which features six one-act plays. This will be the fourth annual season of the little Stratford ...  »

04 Aug

Various neighbourhoods in Vancouver

August 4, 2023 To August 13, 2023

Free & Ticketed

The Vancouver Mural Festival returns with a spectacular celebration of creativity and community across multiple locations, with the festival epicentre at the iconic City Centre Artist Lodge ...  »

21 Jul

Lakeland Flowers, No 4 Road, Abbotsford

July 21, 2023 To September 4, 2023

$10

Home of the Abbotsford Tulip Festival, Lakeland Flowers is hosting its first Abbotsford Summer Flower Festival and the largest summer floral experience in the Lower Mainland. Guests ...  »

04 Aug

Louise McKinney Riverfront Park9999 Grierson Hill Rd, Edmonton

August 4, 2023 To August 6, 2023

Fully licensed, food available, surrounded by trees, lots of room to spread out, and unreal DJ sets and live performances all day from local talents and headlining ...  »

28 Jul

Various Venues, Calgary and Area

July 28, 2023 To August 7, 2023

Free

Chinook Country Historical Society, a chapter of the Historical Society of Alberta, is pleased to present the 33rd annual Historic Calgary Week (HCW) from July 28 through August 7, 2023. 2023 ...  »

03 Aug

Victoria Park, London

August 3, 2023 To August 7, 2023

Free

London RibFest features an array of ribs for your tasting, fun exhibits, and rides. Join us every year at Victoria Park, London, Ontario on the Civic Holiday ...  »

04 Aug

Dinosaur Downs Stampede Grounds, Drumheller

August 4, 2023 To August 6, 2023

Weekend: $150

LAH always works their hardest to deliver the best lineup in the West ready to melt your face off. Featuring bands from across Western Canada and beyond, ...  »

05 Aug

Alberta Beach, AB

August 5, 2023 To August 7, 2023

Free

Polynesian Days (Poly Days) is an annual family event that, for four decades, has continually drawn over 6,000 people every August long weekend to the community of Alberta ...  »

02 Aug

Cégep de l'Outaouais, 333 Bd de la Cité-des-Jeunes, Gatineau

August 2, 2023 To August 6, 2023

$26.85 & up

For all fans of country music. Come celebrate with us our 31st edition of country shows and activities at the Grand Gatineau Country Festival. On Thursday, Lipstick ...  »

08 Jul

Kinsmen Amphitheatre, 101 Water St W, Prescott

July 8, 2023 To August 16, 2023

$15 to $38

We produce professional productions in an outdoor amphitheatre against the backdrop of the St. Lawrence River in Prescott, Ontario makes for a unique summer theatre experience.  »

05 Aug

Marden Park, 7368 Wellington County Road 30, Guelph

August 5, 2023 To August 7, 2023

$12 - $17, depending on age

Come visit the pirate village of Dry Bluffs - a glorious day out for the whole family. There's food and ale; merchants and crafters, and more entertainment ...  »

07 Aug

The Westin Calgary Airport, 671 Aero Dr Ne, Calgary

August 7, 2023

FREE

The Incredible India Fest will feature cultural performances, vendors, live music, traditional singing and dance, a range of activities for kids and authentic food stalls. Visitors will ...  »

14 Jun

Blyth Festival, 377 Gypsy Lane, Blyth

June 14, 2023 To September 9, 2023

$20-$50

With seven productions, two world premieres, and a rare chance to see The Donnellys: A Trilogy back-to-back, there’s never been a better reason to experience the ...  »

24 Jun

7 Queens Quay East, Toronto

June 24, 2023 To September 9, 2023

Free Admission

Smorgasburg is the largest weekly open-air food market in America, attracting thousands of people to Brooklyn, Manhattan, Jersey City, Los Angeles and Miami each weekend to eat ...  »

27 Jul

Various Venues, Vancouver

July 27, 2023 To August 5, 2023

604-732-1610

Varies

Inspired by Christine de Pizan (1364-ca.1430) – the revolutionary writer who questioned the centuries-old treatment of women and their prescribed place and role in society, this year’s ...  »

03 Aug

Various venues, Toronto

August 3, 2023 To August 13, 2023

Varies

SummerWorks is thrilled to announce a passionately curated selection of artists and creative collaborators. Celebrating the joys of togetherness, SummerWorks Festival 2023 will feature diversified works through a ...  »

02 Aug

Yaletown and West End, 1198 Mainland St, Vancouver

August 2, 2023 To August 7, 2023

Free

Join us in Vancouver as we return for the second time with Fleurs de Villes PRIDE presented by Porsche Cars Canada – a floral celebration of joy and ...  »

05 Aug

Various Venues, Calgary

August 5, 2023 To August 7, 2023

Free to Watch

2023 will mark the 20th edition of the Tour de Bowness. On Saturday, watch the cyclists from many great viewing points along the road course just outside of ...  »

04 Aug

Predator Bay Water Ski Club, Predator Bay, Foothills County

August 4, 2023 To August 6, 2023

Free to Watch

Calgary will play host to the men and women of the WWS Overall Tour at the site of the 2009 World Water Ski Championships, The Lake of Cast ...  »

06 Aug

PNE Amphitheatre, 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver

August 6, 2023

$59.00 - $99.00 plus fees

Timbre Concerts and Sunrise Series present the second annual HAPPYLAND Festival, a fully inclusive Pride celebration festival taking place at PNE Amphitheatre and Playland Amusement Park with ...  »

05 Aug

Rosebud Park, 301 Secondary Highway 582, Didsbury

August 5, 2023 To August 6, 2023

403-335-9445

$10 to $30

Be entertained at the largest living history festival in Central Alberta! Days of Yore is an outdoor living history festival entertaining and educating the public to cultural ...  »

04 Aug

Fox Mountain Camping Park, 6128 Aylesford Road, Aylesford

August 4, 2023 To August 6, 2023

$110.00-125.00

Fox Mountain Country Music Festival is one of the largest music festivals in Nova Scotia. Featuring country music legends, rising stars, and local acts, this festival has ...  »

04 Aug

1564 Argyle Ave, West Vancouver

August 4, 2023 To August 13, 2023

Free

Harmony Arts Festival celebrates summer on August 4-13, 2023 Harmony Arts Festival features ten days of events and activities showcasing arts and culture during a celebration of summer ...  »

06 Aug

Various, Winnipeg

August 6, 2023 To August 19, 2023

204-982-6210

$7.50 + Service Fees

The Folklorama Festival is back! 💜 We are so excited that we get to celebrate with you again! Folklorama is back and happy to announce that we are ...  »

04 Aug

Heritage Park Stony Plain, 5100 41 Ave, Stony Plain

August 4, 2023 To August 6, 2023

780-718-3070

$55 – $65 per day

Blueberry hosts three stages over three days. Bring everyone in your family, a chair, everything you play and a great big smile. On-site dry camping. Welcome to ...  »

04 Aug

The Good Shepherd Chaldean Cathedral, 2 Meadow Place, Scarborough

August 4, 2023 To August 6, 2023

4169706041

$10

Welcome to Our Annual Summer Festival! This year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever before. Get ready to enjoy live music, delicious food, ...  »

04 Aug

Various Venues, Toronto

August 4, 2023 To August 12, 2023

4166869707

$35-$47

The Danforth Comedy Festival is happening in August. We will be bringing world class comedy to the east end of Toronto. The Danforth, a burgeoning comedy hotspot ...  »

03 Aug

River Cree Resort & Casino, 300 East Lapotac Blvd, Enoch

August 3, 2023 To August 6, 2023

$26.25+fees & up

Edmonton Indigenous Fashion Week (EIFW) is a unique and important event that showcases the creativity, diversity, and traditions of Indigenous fashion designers, models, and artists from across ...  »

04 Aug

Port Stanley

August 4, 2023 To August 7, 2023

Free

A weekend filled with food, fun and Drinks. The Calipso weekend ends with fireworks in Port Stanley Ontario. WHEN & WHERE Date & Time: August 4-7 2023 Venue: ...  »

03 Aug

Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto

August 3, 2023 To August 7, 2023

Free & Ticketed Events

Huge Fete, Big Soul! Soak up some island flavour on Toronto’s waterfront as Harbourfront Centre celebrates the vibrant people and culture of the Caribbean with the 25...  »

07 Aug

Queen Street, Fredericton

August 7, 2023

Free

This New Brunswick Day, we will be celebrating our province together through our music, our food and our experiences with friends and family. A full day of ...  »