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How are you spending the long weekend? That's the question The Globe and Mail put to readers on our quest to find the quintessential method of enjoying the most popular weekend for summer travel. The three-day holiday is known by different names across the country – British Columbia Day in B.C., Heritage Day in Alberta, Simcoe Day in Ontario and Natal Day in Nova Scotia. Only Quebec, Newfoundland and Nunavut will not have an official holiday.
"This weekend will be the third weekend in Ramadan — the Muslim month of fasting. Muslims will be observing a fast from sunrise to sunset on all three days. There will be Taraweeah prayers at night for about an hour and a half after around 10:20 p.m. Because of unusually long summer days this summer, those who will be fasting will take it easy throughout Canada and most will be either spending the weekend at home or at the most have a gathering with friends and family for Iftar — breakfast at sunset. Wherever, there is a long weekend, it will give an extended break to those who are fasting. — Faisal Javaid, Mississauga, Ont.
"I'm lucky that my birthday always falls around the long weekend, and this year it is special enough to be the actual holiday. As I reflected on this last, momentous year in what was a poignant decade for me, I thought about leaving town, exploring a new city or celebrating in grand style elsewhere, but instead decided to stick around, add a few extra days to the weekend, and surround myself with friends and family. Next year will be the "big" birthday, the time to scratch something off the bucket list perhaps, but this year will be spent with the ones I care about most: dining, museum-ing, movie-ing, relax-ing, and maybe spoiling myself just a little bit." — Natalie, Toronto, Ont.
"I, like many others, will stir up a storm and get into fights with a few people during family barbecues. The red squares (those who support the student movement that forced this election) will confront those who support tuition hikes. Right-wing family members will talk of the ensuing anarchy in Montreal (really, it's not that bad) while those on the left spectrum will debate freedom of speech and social injustice. I will have a hard time ungluing myself from social media, not to miss any political mishaps and name-calling on Twitter! Driving on Quebec's atrocious roads, I will be reminded of the corruption in the construction industry and the many politicians who have benefited from this. Maybe I'll bang on a few pots and pans to show my discontent with the current political situation." — Melanie Holubowski, Montreal
"I'm going to the mountains climbing Mount Baldy near Nordegg, Alta. Flying my kite and setting it free from the top of the mountain. Will take a few pics of the freedom kite as it sails away. The hike is approximately 7.4 kilometres, and a 2,400 foot height." — Malcolm, Red Deer, Alta.
"I will be heading up to Muskoka to set on my favourite Adirondak chair and waterskiing. This weekend must include ice cream, barbecues and (absolutely) no Blackberry e-mails. However, with the Olympics, I might make an exception to the no-computer rule!" – Tiffany McKenzie, Toronto
"Upon realizing we had left hotel bookings too late for a long weekend, my husband and I decided to 'getaway' by touring our own province. Halifax is booming right now, so we had more than enough to inspire our long weekend itinerary. We plan to kick things off on Friday evening with the Halifax International Buskers Festival followed by some local eats. Our Saturday approach is to take a scenic drive from Halifax along the South Shore for the 30-mile yard sale; and a trip to the South Shore would not be complete without a stop in Lunenburg for some homemade strawberry ice cream! Saturday evening will be spent under the stars for Shakespeare By the Sea's interpretation of Titus Andronicus. We have decided that sleep is highly overrated, so, we have booked a four-hour kayaking excursion with East Coast Outfitters on Sunday morning, followed by a family barbecue. On Monday, we plan on enjoying a leisurely trip to the Museum of Natural History's current costume exhibit, and then heading over to the Darkside to try some of the famous cheese curds gourmet burgers (husband) and maritime seafood at John's Lunch (wife). Long live the long weekend!" — Lyndin Kane, Halifax
"I have recently just moved into a new little house on the Prairies. It has been a very hectic summer with all the preparations that went into selling my condo and the actual move and now settling into my house. At the insistence of a friend I included a front porch. This is were I plan to spend my long weekend visiting with friends and family and enjoy reading a good book with the aroma of a pine-scented candle burning on the console in front of me and later in the evening enjoying the company of the moon and some good glasses of red wine!" — Valerie Tinkler, Winnipeg
"I'll be surrounded by mountains,friends, and great music at the Canmore Folk fest. This annual event features talent from Canada and around the globe. This year Ian Tyson and Bruce Cockburn will be there." — Sandi Chalmers, Red Deer, Alta.
"I'm 37 weeks pregnant with my third son and my second book is due to my publisher 10 days after my due date — so I'm sending my husband, six-year-old and three-year-old away for the weekend in the hopes of having a writing marathon to get this draft done. At least I have air conditioning." — Reva Seth, Toronto
"A romantic getaway with my beautiful girlfriend. We''e heading to Nova Scotia to enjoy some waterfront, buskers and fireworks!" — Brad, Moncton, N.B.