What’s Open and Closed in Ontario on Victoria Day – Monday, May 19, 2025

It’s Victoria Day across Ontario—an official stat holiday and the long weekend we’ve all been waiting for. Whether you’re staying local, heading to the cottage, or hunting down fireworks, it’s always handy to know what’s open and what’s taking a break today. Here's your province-wide guide to services, stores, and attractions this Victoria Day.

Closed Today

As expected, many key services and businesses are closed across Ontario today, including:

• All government offices at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels

• Canada Post (no mail delivery or open post offices)

• Most banks and credit unions

• Public libraries

• LCBO and Beer Store locations (most are closed for the day, though a few may open in select tourist areas)

• Schools and colleges

Most municipal transit systems may be running on holiday schedules or not at all—check with your local transit authority for specifics

Open – With Modified Hours

While some places are closing their doors for the day, others are keeping things running, even if it’s on a reduced schedule:

• Pharmacies: Select Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall locations are open, often with shortened holiday hours

• Grocery Stores: Large chains like Metro, Loblaws, and No Frills are mostly closed, but some independent stores and 24/7 options (like Rabba Fine Foods) remain open

• Convenience Stores and Gas Stations: Most across the province are open today

• Restaurants and Fast Food: Many locations are open, especially in urban and tourist areas, but holiday hours may apply

• Tourist Attractions: Major destinations like the Toronto Zoo, Ripley’s Aquarium, the CN Tower, and Niagara Falls attractions are open and often busier than usual

• Shopping Malls: A few large malls like CF Eaton Centre (Toronto), Vaughan Mills, and Toronto Premium Outlets are open with reduced hours, though many malls across the province will be closed

• Transit

• Most major city transit systems are operating on a holiday schedule, meaning fewer buses, subways, and trains.

• TTC (Toronto): Running with reduced service starting around 6 a.m.

• GO Transit: Operating on a Saturday schedule

• Other systems like OC Transpo (Ottawa), HSR (Hamilton), and Grand River Transit (Kitchener-Waterloo) are typically on holiday service too—check your local system online

Planning to Celebrate?

Victoria Day fireworks are a staple across Ontario. While some cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Niagara Falls may host public shows, many communities leave it to private celebrations or local organizers. Check your city or town’s website or local news for events near you.

A Quick Note

This overview is based on typical Victoria Day closures and operations observed in previous years across Ontario. Holiday hours vary from business to business, and rural areas may operate differently from larger cities. When in doubt, check directly with the store or service provider before heading out.

No matter how you’re celebrating, Small Town Productions wishes everyone across Ontario a fun, safe, and sunny Victoria Day!

Tuck This in Your Back Pocket

Ran into someone wondering what’s open today? Slide them this guide and save them the guesswork. Whether you’re the planner of the group or just stumbled across this while looking for an open patio—sharing is always in season.

And hey, if you like staying in the know without all the noise, keep an eye on Small Town Productions. We keep it non biased, non judgemental, and as fact based as possible — just the way news should be.