British Columbia Day in Canada ― Date, History, and Details

British Columbia Day in Canada

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Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of British Columbia Day in Canada and why people celebrate or observe it.

History of British Columbia Day in Canada and How to Celebrate/ Observe It

British Columbia Day is a Canadian holiday celebrated on the first Monday in August. It commemorates the 1858 establishment of the Colony of British Columbia, the original Mainland colony of the British Empire on the Pacific coast of North America.

In 1866, the Colony of Vancouver Island was merged with the Colony of British Columbia, and the new united colony was renamed the Colony of British Columbia.

In 1871, the colony became the Province of British Columbia upon Confederation.

The first official celebration of BC Day was held on July 20, 1894, to mark the 25th anniversary of the province’s entry into Confederation.

Since then, the holiday has been celebrated annually on the first Monday in August.

BC Day is a statutory holiday in the province of British Columbia, and most businesses are required to close.

The day is also marked by community events and fireworks displays.