The first Monday of August is a public holiday in many areas of Canada, where schools and businesses have a day off. In other parts, however, it is a normal working day. The holiday is referred to by several names, including Civic Holiday, August Holiday, and Provincial Day.

The celebrations last throughout the entire first week of August in some places, where divers inconspicuous and unostentatious events are organized by community members, such as sports events and barbecues. Bigger events are also held, including fireworks display, cultural festivals, and road races.