Key Takeaways:
- Christmas Day and New Year’s Day are statutory holidays in every province and territory, with most shops, businesses, and offices closed nationwide.
- Boxing Day is a statutory holiday in some provinces, but not others, resulting in varying store and workplace closures.
- Most shops and malls are closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, but may be open on Boxing Day with sales and door crasher deals.
- Grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores may have reduced hours or be closed on certain days.
- Restaurants, bars, and movie theaters may be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, but open on Boxing Day.
- Tourist attractions, nature parks, and outdoor activities like skiing and skating may be open, but with reduced hours.
Introduction to Holiday Closures
Christmas Day and New Year’s Day are statutory holidays in every province and territory, meaning that most shops, businesses, and offices are closed nationwide. However, the status of Boxing Day varies across the country, with some provinces observing it as a statutory holiday and others not. This discrepancy affects the operation of stores, workplaces, and various services during the holiday season.
Store and Mall Hours
While most shops and malls are closed nationwide on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, closures on Boxing Day depend on the province or territory. In the Atlantic provinces, Boxing Day is not a statutory holiday, but it is still a designated retail closing day, resulting in most shops and malls being closed. In other parts of Canada, most shops and malls are allowed to be open on Boxing Day, with many offering sales and door crasher deals. Retail workers in Ontario, where Boxing Day is a statutory holiday, are entitled to receive 1.5 times their regular wage.
Grocery Stores and Pharmacies
Most grocery stores and pharmacies in Canada are closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, but open on Boxing Day. Convenience stores and smaller food shops may stay open throughout the holidays or operate on reduced schedules. It is essential to check the hours of operation for specific stores before heading out to purchase essential items.
Outdoor Activities
For those looking to spend time outdoors, ski resorts and outdoor skating rinks tend to remain open throughout the holiday season. However, it is crucial to check schedules online before leaving home to confirm operating hours. The Rideau Canal, a popular skating destination in Ottawa, is typically open during the holidays, but may have reduced hours.
Dining and Entertainment
Restaurants and bars are typically closed nationwide for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, but open on Boxing Day. Fast food outlets and hotel bars and restaurants often stay open throughout the holidays. Movie theaters usually remain open, but it is best to check their websites to confirm schedules. Local exceptions are always possible, so it is essential to call ahead or check online before visiting a specific restaurant or theater.
Tourist Attractions and Nature Parks
The operation of tourist attractions and nature parks varies widely across the country. Major tourist sites like the Vancouver Aquarium, CN Tower in Toronto, and Banff Gondola in Banff, Alberta, remain open throughout the holidays, but often on seasonal or reduced hours. Other attractions like museums, galleries, and markets typically close for Christmas Day and/or New Year’s Day but are open on Boxing Day. National and provincial parks that operate in the winter tend to stay open for day-use, although visitor centers and indoor facilities may be closed.
Alcohol and Cannabis Sales
Most authorized alcohol and cannabis stores are closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, but open on Boxing Day. Local exceptions are possible, so it is best to check the hours of operation for specific stores before heading out.
Banking and Financial Services
Banks are typically closed nationwide on all three holidays, although ATMs can still be used. Canada’s stock markets are also closed. This means that any non-essential banking or financial transactions should be completed before the holidays or postponed until after.
Mail and Parcel Services
Canada Post and courier companies such as Purolator, UPS, and FedEx will be closed nationwide on all three holidays. Smaller delivery companies and rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft may still offer local parcel delivery services. It is essential to plan ahead and schedule deliveries accordingly to avoid any disruptions.
Government Services
Federal government offices, including Service Canada and passport offices, will be closed over all three holidays. The same applies to all provincial and territorial government offices, such as those that issue health cards and driver’s licenses. For those with travel trouble, emergency consular service for Canadians abroad is always available 24/7, and it is also possible to get an emergency passport during statutory holidays.
Schools and Transportation
Schools across Canada are typically closed for two weeks over the holidays, from roughly the Monday before Christmas to the Friday after New Year’s Day. Public transportation routes like buses and subways operate on holiday or reduced schedules over all three days. Train stations, airports, ferry terminals, car rental locations, and gas stations generally remain open nationwide, but may be on reduced or holiday hours. It is crucial to check with local transportation providers before heading out to plan your trip accordingly.