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 province in August, here is a list of things to do: 50 Things to Do This August in Quebec.

Newfoundland and Labrador

As with Quebec, the long weekend of August is not a holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador. However, they have their own celebrations in St. John’s to celebrate Regatta Day.

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.

01 Aug

William Hawrelak Park, 9330 Groat Rd NW, Edmonton

August 1, 2026 To August 3, 2026

Free

The Edmonton Heritage Festival is a three-day event to sample delicious food, see creative performances, and experience Canada's multiculturalism. The Edmonton Heritage Festival is the world's largest ...  »

01 Aug

Centennial Park, 5 Avenue, Canmore

August 1, 2026 To August 3, 2026

$51.52 & up

Ahi, Barney Bentall, Begonia, Cat Clyde, Miko Marks, The Felice Brothers, Sarah Harmer, Steve Poltz, Wild Rivers, William Prince, Ahmed Moneka, Aladean Kheroufi, Allison de Groot & Tatiana ...  »

31 Jul

Woodbine Park, 1695 Queen St E, Toronto

July 31, 2026 To August 3, 2026

Free

Entertain yourself with some of Toronto’s best local talent, participate in our live-eating challenges and enjoy a cold beer!  »

31 Jul

Thomson Memorial Park, 1005 Brimley Rd, Scarborough

July 31, 2026 To August 3, 2026

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 ...  »

03 Aug

Brampton Sports Park, 7575 Kennedy Rd S, Brampton

August 3, 2026

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 ...  »

30 Jul

Calgary Parking Lot #6, 311 8 Street S.W., Calgary

July 30, 2026 To August 3, 2026

Free

Taste of Calgary is the city’s most appetizing festival, giving visitors the chance to sample the city’s food, beverages, music and other cool things. Discover ...  »

23 Jul

Various Venues, Ottawa

July 23, 2026 To August 2, 2026

Varies

From timeless classics to fearless new sounds, watch as world-renowned artists, rising stars, and trailblazing Canadian legends come together for a vibrant festival that blends tradition with ...  »

03 Aug

Eau Claire Plaza, 3rd Street & Riverfront Ave SW, Calgary

August 3, 2026

Free

“DIVERSITY IN TRADITIONS WOVEN TOGETHER” Come one, come all—young and old—to the Annual Heritage Day Festival at Eau Claire Plaza in beautiful Calgary on Monday, ...  »

01 Aug

Max Bell Centre Grounds, 1001 Barlow Trail SE, Calgary,

August 1, 2026 To August 2, 2026

Weekend: $225.00 & up+fees

The premiere outdoor dance music event in Western Canada returns to Calgary for its seventh anniversary…a new chase, a new experience…bigger and better than ever. 2026 ...  »

31 Jul

Strathmore Stampede Grounds, 33 Wheatland Trail, Strathmore

July 31, 2026 To August 3, 2026

$19.25 - $54 +fees

Join us for Running with the Bulls, Professional Rodeo, World Professional Chuckwagon Races & more! Chayce Beckham kicks off the weekend at the Friday Night Round-Up Concert  »

09 Jun

Vanier Park, Whyte Avenue, Vancouver

June 9, 2026 To September 19, 2026

$30 & up

The 2025 Season will include four dynamic productions including Much Ado About Nothing, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again], and ...  »

31 Jul

Downsview Park, 35 Carl Hall Rd, Toronto

July 31, 2026 To August 2, 2026

$235.58 & up

Above & Beyond, Armin Van Buuren, ARTBAT, Beauz, Black Tiger Sex Machine, Boys Noize, Charlotte de Witte, Crankdat, Dana Vicci, Disco Lines, Effin, Fallon, Fisher, Frank Walker, Galantis, ...  »

31 Jul

Mississauga Celebration Square, 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga

July 31, 2026 To August 1, 2026

Free

The award winning festival of Mississauga brings you the best of art, culture and cuisine from South Asia. The two day free festival will feature music, dance, ...  »

01 Aug

Lakeshore Blvd W & Exhibition Place, Toronto

August 1, 2026

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. ...  »

31 Jul

Various Venues, Calgary

July 31, 2026 To August 8, 2026

(403) 451-9726

Varies

Enjoy uncensored, unexpected, unforgettable theatre. Bringing 30+ bold theatre artists to Calgary. Fringes are uncensored, non-juried theatre festivals that are focused on creativity, performance, expression, and pushing boundaries. ...  »

30 Jul

The Confluence, 750 - 9th Avenue SE, Calgary

July 30, 2026 To August 2, 2026

$50 & up

The 22nd annual Calgary International Blues Festival celebrates the best in blues with a full week of workshops, concerts and special events, culminating in 4 days & nights ...  »

30 Jul

Camrose Regional Exhibition, Exhibition Drive, Camrose

July 30, 2026 To August 2, 2026

$63 and up

Spend your August Long Weekend with 90,000 music fans, more than 50 artists on multiple stages, and special events and entertainment for everyone. Experience a star-studded lineup: Old Dominion, ...  »

30 Jul

Various Venues, Squamish

July 30, 2026 To August 2, 2026

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 ...  »

01 Aug

Various Venues, Delta

August 1, 2026 To August 3, 2026

Free

Join for the largest community festival in South Delta. There's fun for the whole family including drone show, a parade on Monday, marketplace, main stage entertainment, and ...  »

30 Jul

Prairieland Park, 503 Ruth St W, Saskatoon

July 30, 2026 To August 6, 2026

306-931-7149

2-Day General Admission $36 - $40

The Saskatoon EX is the 6 best days of summer with one-of-a-kind fair foods, first-rate attractions and an amazing concert series!  »

31 Jul

AGRIFAIR Exhibition Park, 32470 Haida Drive, Abbotsford

July 31, 2026 To August 2, 2026

$12.90 to $23.69

Head on out the Fraser Valley for the “best little country fair on earth!” Voted Abbotsford’s top community event, the Abbotsford Agrifair has been entertaining families, ...  »

01 Aug

Beltine, Calgary

August 1, 2026 To August 17, 2026

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. ...  »

29 Jul

REAL District, 1700 Elphinstone Street, Regina

July 29, 2026 To August 2, 2026

306-781-9200

Advance Gate Admission – $20 all in

From thrilling midway rides and live entertainment to agricultural showcases, family attractions, fair food, and nightly concerts, QCX is Saskatchewan’s summer tradition and the highlight of ...  »

31 Jul

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

July 31, 2026 To August 2, 2026

$80 to $120+fees

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 ...  »

31 Jul

Lake Minnedosa, Minnedosa

July 31, 2026 To August 2, 2026

888-330-8333

General Admission Weekend Pass $323

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 ...  »

31 Jul

202 Scotch Mountain Road, Meaford

July 31, 2026 To August 2, 2026

$40 to $62.50 +fees and taxes

Quinton Barnes, Aaron Dilloway, Parade, MAGELLA, Friendly Rich & Nihilist Spasm Band, Atonal, New Chance, Matt & Mark Thibideau, Twin Mask, Grief Debt, Jabe Ledoux, Colby Richardson, Garrett Gilbart, ...  »

03 Aug

Bow Cycle, 6411 Bowness Rd NW, Calgary

August 3, 2026

Free

Get ready for a thrilling day of bike racing and street festivities at the Tour de Bowness Race + Street Festival! Celebrating our 23rd year of the Tour ...  »

16 Apr

24 St. Andrew Street, Stratford

April 16, 2026 To December 23, 2026

$35.88 - $41.25

The 2026 edition of Here For Now Theatre Festival season brings together award-winning playwrights, celebrated directors, new collaborators, and returning favourites, offering a of theatre that’s thoughtful, ...  »

21 Apr

Queen Street, Stratford

April 21, 2026 To November 1, 2026

Varies

North America’s largest classical repertory theatre, presenting the works of William Shakespeare and other great writers.  »

24 Jul

Various Venues, Calgary and Area

July 24, 2026 To August 3, 2026

Free

Welcome to Historic Calgary Week 2026, our 36th edition.Our theme this year, Chinook Country: Influences and Icons, will explore the places, events and personalities that have been ...  »

30 Jul

Victoria Park, London

July 30, 2026 To August 3, 2026

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 ...  »

31 Jul

Dinosaur Downs Speedway, 5 St SE, Drumheller

July 31, 2026 To August 2, 2026

Weekend: $190

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, ...  »

31 Jul

Various Venues, Alberta Beach

July 31, 2026 To August 3, 2026

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 ...  »

12 Jun

Jackson-Triggs Amphitheatre, 2145 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake

June 12, 2026 To September 19, 2026

$125 & up

Jackson-Triggs, one of Canada’s leading wine producers, is celebrating its 30th anniversary with the most extensive Jackson-Triggs Concert Series performances, that continue into mid-September for the ...  »

16 Jul

Kinsmen Amphitheatre, 101 Water St W, Prescott

July 16, 2026 To August 8, 2026

PWYC to $39

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.  »

01 Aug

Marden Park, 7368 Wellington County Road 30, Guelph

August 1, 2026 To August 3, 2026

$12 - $20, 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 ...  »

10 Jun

Blyth Festival, 377 Gypsy Lane, Blyth

June 10, 2026 To September 13, 2026

The Flex Pass (4) $225.00 + HST

Blyth Festival’s 2025 season features powerful storytelling, Canadian voices, and bold new works tthat ake centre stage. Nestled in the heart of rural Ontario, the Blyth Festival ...  »

17 Jul

Various Shops, Calgary

July 17, 2026 To August 16, 2026

Cost of Food

This summer, participating cafés, restaurants, and creameries compete for the coveted titles of YYC’s Best Scoop, Best Non-Dairy Scoop, and special Golden Scoop award. Support ...  »

01 Aug

Various Venues, Calgary

August 1, 2026 To August 3, 2026

Free to Watch

2026 will mark the 23rd edition of the Tour de Bowness. On Saturday, watch the cyclists from many great viewing points along the road course just outside of ...  »

31 Jul

Vancouver Convention Centre, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver

July 31, 2026 To August 2, 2026

$60 to $70

Anirevo hosts a variety of programs that encourage and motivate the community to participate in culture exchange. The creation of new experiences allows individuals to meet, socialize, ...  »

01 Aug

Port Stanley

August 1, 2026 To August 3, 2026

Free

Bring the entire family to Port Stanley and enjoy all of the unique local offerings that make us such an amazing village and commercial fishing port on ...  »

31 Jul

Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto

July 31, 2026 To August 3, 2026

Free & Ticketed Events

Huge Fête, Big Soul! Soak up some island flavour, food, music and dancing at Island Soul.  »

31 Jul

West Vancouver waterfront, 1564 Argyle Ave, West Vancouver

July 31, 2026 To August 9, 2026

Free

Enjoy visual arts, live music, great children’s workshops, food, and entertainment at the annual Harmony Arts Festival. Whether it’s world-class musical performances, inspiring visual art, ...  »

01 Aug

Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W, Toronto

August 1, 2026 To August 2, 2026

Free

Discover the vibrant tapestry of Indian culture at theAnnual Taste of India Festival! recognized as the largest food festival of North America and awarded with WORLD BOOK ...  »

02 Aug

Various locations, Winnipeg

August 2, 2026 To August 15, 2026

4312948505

$7.50 per ticket (plus applicable service fee)

Multicultural event with traditional meals to lively performances by local, national and international entertainers. Experience over 40 cultural pavilions that feature amazing hospitality and a fun, celebratory atmosphere.  »

01 Aug

Fort Malden National Historic Site, 100 Laird Ave S, Amherstburg

August 1, 2026 To August 2, 2026

$5.75-$10.75

Visit period encampments as re-enactors and volunteers recreate the lifestyles of several different time periods. Experience live cooking demonstrations, musical performances, featured talks and historic weapons demonstrations ...  »

19 Jun

Various, Metro Vancouver

June 19, 2026 To August 3, 2026

6048051615

Free

Discover Vancouver’s Yummiest Scoops To Beat The Summer Heat! The Vancouver Ice Cream Festival invites you to its third year to embark on an extraordinary, self-guided ...  »

01 Aug

Oppenheimer Park, 400 Powell St, Vancouver

August 1, 2026 To August 2, 2026

6047399388

Free

Come celebrate Japanese Canadian art and culture with us on the BC Day long weekend! Powell Street Festival is a free 2-day public event, which attracts over 23,000 ...  »

01 Aug

Rundle Park, 2909 113 Ave NW, Edmonton

August 1, 2026

$42.99 to $66.99 plus fees

Water Lantern Festival is a floating lantern event that is all about connections. Water Lantern Festival is filled with fun, happiness, hope, and great memories that you’...  »

31 Jul

The Rose, 1 Theatre Ln, Brampton

July 31, 2026 To August 1, 2026

$30 to $40+fees

Back 2 Roots Youth Festival 2026 is Ontario’s first-ever two-day Punjabi Folk Arts Festival, celebrating the rich traditions of Punjabi dance, music, and culture.The festival will bring ...  »

03 Aug

Town Centre Park, 1299 Pinetree Wy, Coquitlam

August 3, 2026

Free

Celebrate BC is packed with fun for everyone! From soaring on the zipline and dancing to live music, to tasting delicious local food , there’s something exciting ...  »

02 Aug

St. Lawrence Market, 92-95 Front Street East, Toronto

August 2, 2026

Free

The vibrant flavours, sounds, and culture of the Caribbean return to St. Lawrence Market for an unforgettable day of food, community, and celebration.  »

29 Jul

Canadian Museum of History, 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau

July 29, 2026 To August 15, 2026

$8.50 - $41

Experience the 29th edition of Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy, a spectacular celebration of fire, culture, and creativity! Taking place every Wednesday and Saturday from July 29 ...  »

24 Jul

The Forks CN Stage & Field, Winnipeg

July 24, 2026 To September 6, 2026

Free Admission

Experience the inaugural season of Crave Nite, a reimagined late-night festival designed to satisfy your hunger for culture, craft, and connection. This is a curated summer destination ...  »

31 Jul

Bayfront Park, 200 Harbour Front Drive, Hamilton

July 31, 2026 To August 2, 2026

6479940665

Free

Lucky Lion is returning to Bayfront Park! 🔥 100+ Food Items (including brand-new eats you’ve never seen! 🏮 All-New Nightly Lion Dances and Giveaways 🛍️ Marketplace & Bar Tent 📸 Photo ...  »

31 Jul

English Bay Beach Park, Vancouver

July 31, 2026

Free

Vancouver’s waterfront will light up this summer with Summer Lights in English Bay, a free, one-night fireworks celebration. Summer Lights in English Bay will bring people ...  »

22 Jul

Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts, 2 Bay St, Parry Sound

July 22, 2026 To August 8, 2026

705-746-2410

$20 - $80

Festival of the Sound is one of Ontario’s premier summer classical music festivals, taking place annually in the picturesque Georgian Bay community of Parry Sound. From ...  »

27 Jul

Carlton Cinemas, 20 Carlton Street, Toronto

July 27, 2026 To August 2, 2026

9056165033

$ 10

The Peruvian Film Festival (PFF) returns for its second edition from July 27 to August 2, 2026, showcasing an exceptional lineup of 24 films at Toronto’s Carlton Cinema. Celebrating the ...  »

03 Aug

The Westin Calgary Airport, 671 Aero Dr NE, Calgary

August 3, 2026

FREE

Experience the magic of India under one roof!! * Meet our absolutely wonderful community businesses. They can’t wait to meet with you and showcase what they have ...  »

03 Aug

NOTL Museum, Castlereagh Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

August 3, 2026

9054683912

Free

Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum invites you to our annual Heritage Festival! Join us for live music, treasures sale, historic demonstrations, artisans, and much more. Our vendors have been expertly ...  »

23 Jul

Grouse Mountain, 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver

July 23, 2026 To August 2, 2026

Regular Admission

Grouse Mountain is celebrating its 100th anniversary with our biggest event of the year: the Grouse Mountain Centennial Festival, presented by CIBC. Join us at The Peak ...  »

01 Aug

Prairie Gardens & Adventure Farm, 56311 Lily Lake Road, Bon Accord

August 1, 2026 To August 3, 2026

$15 to $59

One of our longest-running festivals, our Fairy Berry Festival celebrates the traditional end of the strawberry u-pick season. The last berries of the season as known as “...  »

01 Aug

Muslim Neighbourhood Nexus, 3520 Odyssey Dr, Mississauga

August 1, 2026 To August 2, 2026

Free

A vibrant two-day community celebration bringing together families, food lovers, local businesses, and the multicultural community Join us for Taste of Mississauga – Summer Festival 2026, a vibrant two-day ...  »