What Activities Are Best to Do on the Civic Holiday
Civic Holiday offers citizens a chance to spend some quality time with friends and family. They can go out for different activities and get some rest from the hectic work hours. In this guide, we will explore some activities you can do on the civic holiday to make the most of this public holiday.
What is Civic Holiday
A civic holiday is celebrated on the first Monday of August every year, mostly in Canada. It's a kind of break from work during the summer. Today, many Canadians choose to spend the long weekend with family or enjoy outdoor activities, such as camping, picnics, and the like. The roots of the Civic Holiday date back to the 19th century. The first official holiday celebrated in this regard was named “Simcoe Day” in Toronto.
The name was given in honor of John Gaves Simcoe (the lieutenant General of Upper Canada). The common theme of this holiday is to rest and go out to do some activity. However, different provinces have given this day different names..
In Alberta, it is a Heritage Day whereas in Manitoba, it is known as Terry Fox Day. However, a few provinces do not celebrate this day, including Quebec and Newfoundland & Labrador. So, the way it’s celebrated can vary depending on the province.
7 Best Activities for Civic Holiday
Here are few of the activities you might like to keep in mind while planning the Civic Holiday.
1. Go Camping
Camping is one of the most popular outdoor activities during the Canadian summer. There are many types of camping to choose from, including tent camping, RV camping, and backcountry camping. You can pick the option that best suits your budget and personal preferences.
It's important to check the weather forecast in advance and ensure you have all the essential gear packed. Here’s a typical tent camping checklist:
Bring a portable air conditioner to stay cool and prevent heatstroke.
Pack a portable power station to charge electric vehicles, devices, and cooking appliances.
Set up a tent for shelter.
Prepare food and cooking utensils in advance.
Bring folding chairs to relax at the campsite.
Use a cooler to keep food fresh and avoid spoilage.
Don’t forget toiletries, especially if you're staying for more than 2–3 days.
If you're camping in the summer, a portable air conditioner is a must-have to beat the heat and stay comfortable throughout your trip.
2. Picnic in a Local Park
Summer is the perfect season for picnics. Many parks host free outdoor concerts and community events on weekends, making the experience even more enjoyable. Picnics not only bring you closer to nature and help you unwind, but they can also reduce anxiety and stress, boosting your mental well-being.
Picnics often involve walking, playing games, or light physical activities, which improve blood circulation, flexibility, and endurance. To ensure a comfortable and safe summer picnic, consider bringing these essentials a picnic:
A picnic blanket.
Food and drinks.
Tableware and utensils.
A portable ice pack to keep food fresh.
A sun umbrella or portable air cooler to stay cool.
Entertainment items like a frisbee.
3. Hiking or Cycling
Hiking or cycling is also one of the best ways to enjoy your Civic Holiday. Explore the best routes on foot or ride a bicycle to explore the scenic areas. Hiking and achieving newer heights in the mountains make you feel happy.
Essential gear for hiking and cycling:
Backpack or Hydration Pack
Water Bottle and Energy Snacks
Breathable Clothing and Durable Footwear
Helmet
Sunscreen and Sunglasses
Lightweight Rain Gear
Headlamp or Flashlight
4. Outdoor Concerts
Concerts are always enjoyable. There are cities where outdoor concerts are arranged with a very low fee to have some fun. Go for these concerts if you are a music lover.
Must-Haves for Outdoor Concerts in Canada：
Lightweight Clothing
Sunscreen
Folding Chair Or Picnic Blanket
Portable Fan Or Cooling Towel
Insect Repellent
Earplugs
Weather Protection
Small Bag Or Crossbody
5. Host a Backyard BBQ
Canada’s winters are long, and summers are short, so people make the most of the warmer months by enjoying outdoor activities. Whether it’s a family gathering, a meal with friends, or a holiday celebration like Civic Holiday, barbecuing is one of the most popular ways to dine outdoors.
BBQ Essentials:
Gas grill.
BBQ food and seasonings.
Three-piece grilling tool set.
Cooler to keep food fresh.
Cooling equipment.
Thermometer.
Grill cleaning brush.
Pro Tips for Summer BBQs in Canada:
The ideal time for grilling is between 4 PM and 7 PM, avoiding both the midday heat and peak mosquito hours in the evening.
Always check local bylaws before firing up the grill. For instance, Toronto bans charcoal grills on balconies altogether, while Vancouver requires a minimum one-meter clearance between grills and structures.
6. Museum Visit
If you're looking to beat the heat this Civic Holiday, museums offer the perfect indoor escape. Many institutions roll out special holiday promotions, with free or discounted admission at select galleries and cultural sites.
Docents often lead engaging tours that bring exhibits to life-ideal for families seeking both education and entertainment. Pro tip: These guided walks tend to fill up fast on holiday weekends.
Smart Museum-Going Tips:
Verify special hours (some locations extend operating times).
Skip the queue with advance online booking.
Pack minimally due to strict bag restrictions.
Balance indoor/outdoor time - utilize museum gardens or adjacent parks.
7. Watch Fireworks or Outdoor Performances
Civic Holiday allows you to enjoy the fireworks and the local theater arranged by the organizers. The outdoor functions and performances allow you kids to have a fun day.
Tips for Outdoor Performances in Canada During Summer:
Choose lightweight, breathable summer clothing, and bring a light jacket in case the temperature drops in the evening.
Bring a blanket or folding chair, useful for sitting comfortably while waiting for the show to start.
Pack insect repellent to help keep the bites away.
Taking a portable fan or wet wipes can help you beat the heat during the day.
On Civic Holiday, many people head out to watch fireworks. It’s best to arrive 1–2 hours early to secure a good spot.
If you're bringing children, consider packing ear protection like earmuffs or earplugs to keep them comfortable during the loud fireworks.
Essential Checklist for Civic Holiday
It is vital to keep a few things with you while going out on the Civic Holiday to make your day even better. You might spend a lot of time outside, so keeping these awesome tools with you will make your holiday stress-free.
1. The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Stations
The Civic Holiday is your perfect excuse to get outside, explore, and enjoy time with family and friends. But staying off the grid doesn’t mean staying off power. The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Stations offer reliable, fast-charging, and long-lasting portable power, making them the ultimate companion for any Civic Holiday activity.
Whether you're setting up an outdoor movie night, charging your phone while hiking, or keeping the mini-fridge running on a lakeside picnic, EcoFlow has you covered. With up to 15 output ports and expandable battery capacity up to 3kWh, you can power nearly anything from phones and laptops to coffee makers, cameras, even electric vehicles. The 1800W AC output (2200W with X-Boost) ensures over 90% of home and outdoor appliances are supported.
Key Features:
1-3kWh Expandable Capacity with optional DELTA 2 Smart Extra Battery
Fastest AC Recharging: 7x faster than traditional portable power stations
Portable Yet Powerful: Lightweight and compact design without compromising output
Safe and Smart: Built-in battery management system and remote app control
Green and Clean Energy: Solar panel compatibility for off-grid adventures
Reliable Backup: Functions as an EPS (emergency power supply) for home blackouts
Built to Last: Up to 10 years of use and covered by a 5-year warranty
2. EcoFlow WAVE 3 Portable Air Conditioner
Such a portable device is quite helpful for you while camping. No matter you're heading out for a camping adventure, enjoying an RV getaway, or setting up a cozy backyard retreat, temperature comfort can make or break your Civic Holiday plans. A portable Air conditioner like EcoFlow WAVE 3 Portable Air Conditioner is a go-to device to have for your civic holiday which brings cooling and heating to any off-grid location without compromising portability or performance.
With an impressive 6100 BTU cooling and 6800 BTU heating capacity, EcoFlow WAVE 3 delivers exceptional climate control in tents, small rooms, trailers, or cabins. It's built to handle the extremes, whether you're escaping summer heat or braving chilly nights.
EcoFlow WAVE 3 Portable Air Conditioner
Key Features:
Dual Function: Efficiently cools and heats your space in minutes
Portable and Compact: Easy to carry, fits perfectly in small spaces
8 Hours of Wireless Use: Go off-grid without worry
Fast Cooling in 15 Minutes: Enjoy rapid temperature changes on hot days
Smart App Control: One-click remote operation via smartphone
AC + DC Charging Options: Compatible with your car, wall outlet, or EcoFlow batteries
Hassle-Free Installation: Flexible exhaust duct system fits any outdoor scene
The Final Words
Civic Holiday is a well-needed break every Canadian might need every summer. It gives you an opportunity to explore and visit different places and perform different activities to spend time with your loved ones.
While going out for the picnic, camping, and visiting a lake, you might need some tools like a charger, freezer, and air conditioner. EcoFlow offers such tools to make your trip worthwhile and enjoyable.
FAQ
1. Is Civic Holiday a paid day off?
It depends on the province you are living in. Some provinces and territories treat it as a regular working day, so in those provinces, it is not a paid off holiday. In other provinces, it is a paid off holiday for the citizens. Always check your local labour laws or employer's policy for clarification.
2. Are stores open on Civic Holiday?
Yes, most of the retail stores and restaurants are open during the Civic Holiday. The public services like gas stations are open, however, you need to check the local business hours for smooth experience.
3. Is public transportation available on the Civic Holiday?
Yes, public transportation typically operates, but often on a reduced or holiday schedule. Check with your local transit provider for exact timings.
4. Can I bring portable appliances to public parks or campsites?
Yes, as long as they’re battery-powered or solar-compatible. Products like EcoFlow DELTA 2 are ideal because they offer silent, clean energy without generators.
5. Are businesses and services open on Civic Holiday?
Most major shopping malls, grocery stores, and tourist attractions remain open on Civic Holiday, though hours may be reduced. However, banks, post offices, and government offices are typically closed. It’s a good idea to check local schedules in advance, as services can vary by city or province.