Victoria Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer in Canada—think backyard BBQs, fireworks, and finally some patio time. Falling on Monday, 可能 19, 2025, the holiday gives many Canadians a three-day break, but it can leave you wondering: what’s open, what’s closed, and what’s worth planning for?
Here’s your quick, coast-to-coast guide to what’s open, closed, and happening on Victoria Day 2025.
What Is Victoria Day All About?
Victoria Day honors Queen Victoria’s birthday—she reigned from 1837 到 1901. Though she’s long gone, the holiday is still widely celebrated, often marking the start of summer across Canada.
Most provinces treat it as a statutory holiday, but not all:
- Stat holiday in: Ontario, B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Yukon, Northwest Territories.
- Not a stat holiday in: Quebec (they celebrate Journée nationale des patriotes), Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia.
What’s Open on Victoria Day 2025?
Retail & Grocery Stores
Urban shopping malls (like Toronto’s Eaton Centre or Vancouver’s Pacific Centre): Mostly open with reduced hours.
Smaller malls and suburban stores: Many closed.
Grocery chains: Some Loblaws, Sobeys, and Metro locations open (reduced hours); No Frills and FreshCo likely closed.
Convenience stores: Open, including 7-Eleven and Circle K.
Restaurants & Fast Food
Chains like McDonald’s, Tim Hortons, Starbucks: Open.
Local restaurants: Some open, some closed.
Delivery apps (Uber Eats, SkipTheDishes): Running, but possibly with longer wait times.
Tourist Attractions & 娛樂
Open: Toronto Zoo, Vancouver Aquarium, Canada’s Wonderland, Science World, Niagara Falls attractions.
Museums: Large ones open (e.g. Canadian Museum of History); smaller ones may close.
Parks & Outdoor Spaces
City parks, trails, and beaches: Open. But most beaches won’t have lifeguards yet.
Provincial/national parks: Open, but check availability—campgrounds may be full.
What’s Closed on Victoria Day 2025?
Government Services
Closed: City halls, licensing offices, passport services, courts.
Many government websites remain functional if you need digital services.
Banks & Post Offices
Banks: RBC, TD, BMO, and CIBC closed in most provinces.
Post offices (Canada Post): Closed; no mail delivery.
Shipping carriers (FedEx, UPS): Likely closed or operating reduced hours.
Libraries & Community Centres
Most public libraries and rec centres are closed, though a few in larger cities may run limited programs or events.
Schools & Universities
All K-12 schools: Closed nationwide.
Post-secondary campuses: Closed unless otherwise noted.
In Quebec, closures line up with Journée nationale des patriotes.
Public Transit on Victoria Day
Transit runs but usually on a holiday schedule:
- TTC (Toronto): Sunday/holiday schedule.
- OC Transpo (Ottawa), TransLink (Vancouver), STM (Montreal): Reduced service and longer wait times.
Pro tips:
- Use real-time tracking apps like Transit or Citymapper.
- Follow your local transit authority on social media for live updates.
Victoria Day Events & Fireworks
If you’re sticking close to home, there are still ways to enjoy the day.
Fireworks Shows
Toronto: Ashbridges Bay fireworks are a major draw—expect traffic.
Niagara Falls: Fireworks over the falls at 10 PM.
Ottawa suburbs: Look for smaller displays in areas like Kanata.
Vancouver: No official show, but community events in Burnaby and Richmond may have displays.
Reminder: Check local bylaws before setting off personal fireworks.
Parades & Local Events
Victoria, B.C.: Live music, food trucks, and cultural festivities.
Toronto & Hamilton: Neighborhood parades and community fairs.
Farmers’ markets and festivals: Many kick off their summer season this weekend—check municipal websites or Facebook Events for details.
Long Weekend Planning Tips
Maximize your time off with a little pre-holiday strategy:
Travel & Accommodation
Highways like the 401, QEW, and Highway 1 get congested Friday afternoon and Monday night.
VIA Rail, GO Transit, Megabus: Book tickets in advance.
Hotels and Airbnbs: Expect price surges—search outside the city core for better deals.
Last-Minute Shopping
Stock up early: Many grocery stores close early Sunday or remain closed Monday.
Gas, propane, essentials: Grab them ahead of time.
Sunscreen and bug spray: Handy for unexpected outdoor time.
Safety & 天氣
天氣: May can be unpredictable—check the forecast and bring layers.
Campfire bans: Check local regulations if heading outdoors.
Minor injuries? Keep a basic first-aid kit handy—walk-in clinics may be closed.
Quick Province-by-Province Snapshot
| Province | Stat Holiday? | Retail Open? | Alcohol? | Fireworks? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | ✅ | Some stores | ✅ (LCBO limited) | ✅ |
| Quebec | ❌ | Mostly open | ✅ | ❌ |
| B.C. | ✅ | Some open | ✅ | ✅ |
| Alberta | ✅ | Varies | ✅ | ✅ |
| Nova Scotia | ❌ | Mostly closed | ✅ | Limited |
| Manitoba | ✅ | Mostly closed | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sask. | ✅ | Some open | ✅ | ✅ |
| N.L. | ❌ | Closed | ✅ | ❌ |
Always check local sources for the latest updates.
最後的想法
Victoria Day 2025 is the perfect excuse to get outside, take a break, or hit the road. Whether you’re looking for fireworks, relaxing at the lake, or just making sure the store’s open, a little planning goes a long way. Bookmark this guide and share it around—it might just save someone’s long weekend.
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