British Columbia Day is a local public holiday in the province of British Columbia in Canada that falls on the first Monday in August. It’s a day on which residents of the area can take pride in their local heritage and/or take the day to kick back and relax. It’s one of a group of Civic Holidays that are celebrated in Canada and some of the other ones include New Brunswick Day, Saskatchewan Day, and Heritage Day. The roots of these civic holidays can be traced back to the mid-1970s as a way to recognize the cultural achievements and the pioneers in each province.
The History Of British Columbia Day
During the 1970s, several Canadian provinces declared the first Monday in August to be an annual holiday that would recognize the achievements and cultural heritage of people living in those provinces. In 1974, the Executive Council of Alberta declared the day Heritage Day. That same year, Surrey MLA Ernie Hall introduced legislation to the legislature to create British Columbia Day-a provincial statutory holiday that celebrates the heritage, culture, and history of British Columbia.
Fun Facts About British Columbia
Since we know that people reading about British Columbia Day might be looking for a little bit more information about this province, we thought that we would go ahead and list some of the fun facts about the area that we uncovered during the course of our research. We’ve listed these facts below.
- The length of British Columbia’s coastline is over 27,000 kilometers.
- BC is the most westerly province in Canada. It is also the third-largest province.
- Approximately half of the people in British Columbia live in Vancouver.
- British Columbia has more than four hundred provincial parks, conservation areas, and recreation sites.
- British Columbia also has six National Parks and is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- BC falls into the top three of cranberry and blueberry production in the world.
- The first child born in Canada on the 100th celebration of Canada Day is known as a Centennial Baby.
- Although Pamela Anderson is usually cited as being the Centennial Baby because she was born on July 1, 1967, at 4:08 am, Kara Ffolliott was born at 12:18 am-making her the Centennial Baby.
- From 1917 through 1921, alcohol was prohibited in BC.
- The wettest city of Canada is Prince Rupert in British Columbia. It receives over 239-days of rain per year and an average of 2,500 mm of rain each year.
- The highest waterfall in Canada is located on Vancouver Island.
Observing British Columbia
British Columbia Day is sometimes referred to as the “long weekend.” Since it falls on a Monday, it gives many residents a three-day weekend that they can use for camping, hiking, or canoe trips. In some areas, firework displays, cultural events, and parades may be held. On this day, post offices, some businesses, and libraries are closed. Public transportation in certain areas may also be running in a reduced capacity or not run at all.
When is British Columbia Day? | |
This year (2022) | August 1 (Monday) |
Next year (2023) | August 7 (Monday) |
Last year (2021) | August 2 (Monday) |
Where is British Columbia Day celebrated?
Canada - British columbia
Statutory holidays in British Columbia
Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Boxing Day are not statutory holidays in B.C.
2022 statutory holidays
New Year's Day | Saturday, January 1 |
Family Day | Monday, February 21 |
Good Friday | Friday, April 15 |
Victoria Day | Monday, May 23 |
Canada Day | Friday, July 1 |
B.C. Day | Monday, August 1 |
Labour Day | Monday, September 5 |
Thanksgiving Day | Monday, October 10 |
Remembrance Day | Friday, November 11 |
Christmas Day | Sunday, December 25 |
2023 statutory holidays
New Year's Day | Sunday, January 1 |
Family Day | Monday, February 20 |
Good Friday | Friday, April 7 |
Victoria Day | Monday, May 22 |
Canada Day | Saturday, July 1 |
B.C. Day | Monday, August 7 |
Labour Day | Monday, September 4 |
Thanksgiving Day | Monday, October 9 |
Remembrance Day | Saturday, November 11 |
Christmas Day | Monday, December 25 |
2021 statutory holidays
New Year's Day | Friday, January 1 |
Family Day | Monday, February 15 |
Good Friday | Friday, April 2 |
Victoria Day | Monday, May 24 |
Canada Day | Thursday, July 1 |
B.C. Day | Monday, August 2 |
Labour Day | Monday, September 6 |
Thanksgiving Day | Monday, October 11 |
Remembrance Day | Thursday, November 11 |
Christmas Day | Saturday, December 25 |
2020 statutory holidays
New Year's Day | Wednesday, January 1 |
Family Day | Monday, February 17 |
Good Friday | Friday, April 10 |
Victoria Day | Monday, May 18 |
Canada Day | Wednesday, July 1 |
B.C. Day | Monday, August 3 |
Labour Day | Monday, September 7 |
Thanksgiving Day | Monday, October 12 |
Remembrance Day | Wednesday, November 11 |
Christmas Day | Friday, December 25 |
2019 statutory holidays
New Year's Day | Tuesday, January 1 |
Family Day | Monday, February 18 |
Good Friday | Friday, April 19 |
Victoria Day | Monday, May 20 |
Canada Day | Monday, July 1 |
B.C. Day | Monday, August 5 |
Labour Day | Monday, September 2 |
Thanksgiving Day | Monday, October 14 |
Remembrance Day | Monday, November 11 |
Christmas Day | Wednesday, December 25 |
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Substitute a different day
Employers and employees may agree (in writing) to substitute another day for a statutory holiday. The substitute day must be treated the same as a statutory holiday.