What’s Open and Closed in Canada on Victoria Day 2026?

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published May 14, 2026

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Canada is heading into a long weekend as Victoria Day falls this year on Monday, May 18, 2026. The holiday is observed in most Canadian provinces and territories, while Quebec marks National Patriots’ Day on the same date.

The holiday means changes to government services, banks, mail delivery, public transit, stores and local facilities. Residents are advised to check hours before heading out, especially for shopping, transit or city services.

In most cities, government offices, banks, Canada Post services, schools and public libraries will be closed. In Ottawa, city client service counters, social services offices, municipal child care centres, Ottawa Public Library branches and several cultural facilities will be closed on Monday, May 18. There will also be no regular curbside green bin, recycling, garbage or bulky item collection that day, with pickup delayed by one day for the rest of the week.

Ottawa transit will operate on a Sunday schedule. OC Transpo buses and O-Train Lines 1, 2 and 4 will run on reduced holiday service, while the Rideau Centre OC Transpo Customer Service Centre will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

In Toronto, banks, government offices and Toronto Public Library branches will be closed, and there will be no mail delivery. GO Transit will run on a Saturday schedule, TTC routes will operate on Sunday service with an earlier start around 6 a.m., and UP Express will run on its weekend and holiday schedule.

Shopping will vary by location. Several malls in the Greater Toronto Area are expected to open, including Eaton Centre, Yorkdale, Vaughan Mills, Square One and Scarborough Town Centre, though hours differ by mall and should be checked before visiting.

Most major grocery chains will be closed or operating with limited hours, but some selected locations may open. In Toronto, some Rabba Fine Foods and Farm Boy locations are expected to open, along with selected Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall stores.

For alcohol sales, Toronto listings indicate LCBO stores will be closed on Monday, while some Beer Store locations will remain open. However, some LCBO updates have indicated selected Ontario locations may open this Victoria Day, so residents should check the official store locator before making plans.

Many restaurants, cafés and smaller businesses may open with modified hours. Several Toronto attractions are also expected to remain open, including the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto Zoo and Art Gallery of Ontario.

The practical message is simple: handle banking, mail and city service needs before the holiday. For groceries and shopping, check your local branch. For attractions and restaurants, many will open, but holiday hours may vary.