James Cook Arrives in British Columbia

A nice place to visit…

“There’s gold in them hills!”

The Act formally proposed

Official recognition

Yes, it is one of five nationwide provincial holidays in British Columbia.

British Columbia Day, celebrated on the first Monday of August every year, is meant to recognize the contributions of such people in shaping the social, cultural, and political landscape of the region.

November 11 is Remembrance Day and is a statutory holiday in Canada.

Today is a great day for trying new foods, meeting new friends, perhaps taking in a concert or play from a genre you’ve been unfamiliar with, all in connection with your Canadian province or territory’s culture and heritage. The more open your mind, the more you’ll learn and enjoy!

British Columbia Day came about to recognize the efforts of pioneers that shaped the region. Take inspiration and become a pioneer yourself, campaigning for a cause you identify with, or exploring a new part of your city, or even building a prototype of a nifty invention you’ve been thinking about.

Be an active part of your city’s living history. Look up and read some relevant articles or watch a documentary on a figure from your province’s history. If you’re planning on participating in events for British Columbia Day, you’ll go armed with facts your friends might not know!

Population-wise, Vancouver is the third-largest metropolitan area in Canada, and the fifth-most densely populated.

The yearly four-night “Celebration of Light” takes place in Vancouver, where three of the best fireworks companies in the world are each given one night to show off their best pyrotechnics, with all three manufacturers coming together on the fourth night for an incredible display set to music.

Vancouver is one of the warmest and wettest cities in Canada, its climate being classified as “oceanic” or “marine west coast” according to the Köppel classification system, and very nearly equivalent to the “Mediterranean climate” warm-summer class.

After the Panama Canal was completed, Vancouver became internationally significant as a trading port, and in fact, still holds the distinction of being the busiest seaport in Canada.

Seminal cyberpunk author William Gibson, credited with coining the term “cyberspace” in his fiction from the 1980s, lives with his wife in Vancouver.

Right around British Columbia Day, plenty of street fairs and cultural activities take place. From a street dance festival to a Caribbean festival, there are many opportunities to join in the revelry of the occasion.

Summertime is the perfect time to enjoy British Columbia's scenic beauty, from rugged coastlines to scenic mountain hiking trails. The fact that British Columbia Day falls smack in the middle of the summer season means you can always plan that adventurous weekend getaway.

British Columbia is a melting pot of cultures, and the holiday recognizes the various ethnicities that make the region such a vibrant place. In fact, just for one example, there's a dedicated festival for anime lovers in Vancouver. Other celebrations are just as specifically targeted, and all are a good time!