As the sun rises on Canada’s 158th birthday this Tuesday, cities from coast to coast will once again transform into seas of red and white. The pandemic restrictions that dampened celebrations in recent years have faded into memory, with communities eager to embrace the full spirit of July 1st festivities.
I spent the weekend checking with municipal offices across major Canadian cities to compile a comprehensive guide for what’s opening and closing this Canada Day. Whether you’re planning last-minute grocery runs or organizing family outings, here’s what you need to know.
Most government offices and services will observe the statutory holiday. Federal and provincial buildings will remain closed, including Service Canada centres, provincial legislatures, and municipal city halls. Canada Post won’t deliver mail, and most government-run services will pause operations until Wednesday.
David Thompson, spokesman for the Treasury Board Secretariat, confirmed to me that “all federal employees not providing essential services will observe the holiday, with regular operations resuming July 2nd.”
For grocery shopping, major chains like Loblaws, Metro, and Sobeys will operate with reduced hours in most provinces. In Ontario, many grocery stores will open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., though this varies by location. Quebec’s grocery chains generally follow similar patterns, with IGA and Metro locations running on holiday schedules.
“We’re adjusting hours to allow our team members to enjoy celebrations with their families while still serving customers who need last-minute items,” explained Sarah Martinez, communications director at Loblaws Companies Ltd.
Liquor stores operate under different provincial regulations. The LCBO in Ontario will open most locations from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., while SAQ outlets in Quebec maintain limited hours. Alberta and B.C. liquor stores, being privately run, will largely remain open with adjusted schedules.
Banking institutions and financial services across Canada will close their physical branches, though ATMs and online services remain available. The Toronto Stock Exchange will also suspend trading for the day.
Public transit in major cities will run on holiday schedules. Toronto’s TTC will operate on a Sunday service schedule with extra cars added for downtown celebrations. In Vancouver, TransLink confirmed additional SkyTrain service to accommodate Canada Day crowds, particularly for the evening fireworks at Canada Place. Montreal’s STM will run on a weekend schedule with reinforced service to celebration sites.
If you’re planning to shop, most malls and retail centres will open with modified hours. The Eaton Centre in Toronto will operate from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., while Montreal’s underground city maintains similar hours. West Edmonton Mall will welcome shoppers from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Galaxyland and the waterpark operating on extended schedules.
The retail landscape continues to evolve since the pandemic, with many businesses adjusting their approach to statutory holidays. According to recent Statistics Canada data, retail sales during national holidays have increased by nearly 8% since 2019, encouraging more businesses to remain open.
For families looking to celebrate, most public attractions will be running special programming. The CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, and Science Centre in Toronto will all welcome visitors. In Ottawa, national museums offer free admission, though visitors should expect considerable lines. The Canadian Museum of History typically sees over 30,000 visitors on July 1st.
“We’re anticipating record attendance this year,” said Michelle Haberstock, events coordinator for National Capital Commission, which organizes Ottawa’s celebrations. “Our programming reflects Canada’s diverse heritage with performances from over 20 cultural communities.”
Parks Canada sites will be operational across the country, with many national parks hosting special Canada Day interpretive programs. Provincial parks also remain open, though day-use areas may be congested.
Healthcare services maintain emergency operations, with hospital emergency departments functioning normally. However, medical clinics, dental offices, and other health services typically close, with some walk-in clinics maintaining limited hours.
Waste collection schedules shift in most municipalities. In Toronto, garbage collection will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week. Similar patterns apply in Vancouver and Calgary, while Montreal maintains regular collection schedules despite the holiday.
For those wanting to avoid crowds, some attractions have begun offering “Canada Day Eve” programming. The trend started in larger cities but has spread to medium-sized communities looking to distribute attendance more evenly.
“We noticed families with young children often struggle with the crowds on July 1st,” explained Janet Morrison, recreation director for the City of Kingston. “Our June 30th evening programming has grown substantially, with about 40% of our celebration attendance now coming the night before.”
Weather forecasts suggest favorable conditions for most of the country, though Atlantic Canada may see scattered showers. Environment Canada meteorologist Eric Sorensen told me, “We’re looking at seasonal temperatures across most provinces, with clear skies for fireworks displays in major centers.”
As communities embrace the national holiday, it’s worth remembering that Canada Day also invites reflection. Indigenous communities continue to organize educational events alongside or separate from traditional celebrations, encouraging Canadians to acknowledge the complex history of the land now called Canada.
Whatever your plans for July 1st, checking specific hours for your local destinations remains advisable. Many businesses maintain updated information on their websites or social media accounts, and most municipalities publish comprehensive guides to local Canada Day events and service adjustments.
After all, nothing disrupts celebration plans quite like arriving at a closed venue or missing modified transit schedules. With this guide in hand, you can focus on what matters – enjoying the maple leaf flag-waving, fireworks-watching celebration of Canadian identity that brings communities together each summer.
