Mass closures across for Canada Day on July 1: What’s open, what’s not, and how it’ll affect you

When Canada Day arrives this Tuesday, July 1, Canadians from coast to coast will fire up their barbecues, enjoy fireworks, and gather for parades and cultural festivities. However, as the country celebrates its 158th birthday, Canadians will also navigate a patchwork of closures and reduced services, making it essential to plan.

Public services and mail halted

All federal and provincial government offices, including Service Canada locations, passport centres, and ministry offices, will be closed on July 1, resuming service on Wednesday, July 2. Canada Post will also observe the holiday, with no mail delivery or post office operations nationwide.

Banks closed, online access available

Major financial institutions, including TD, RBC, CIBC and others, will close all in-person branches. Online banking and ATMs, however, will remain fully operational.

Retail and grocery hours vary widely by city

In Toronto, shoppers can visit Eaton Centre, CF Markville, and Toronto Premium Outlets, which will open with holiday hours, typically from 11 am to 7 pm. Grocery stores like Longo’s, Whole Foods, Rabba, and Summerhill Market are also expected to stay open, with hours ranging from 8 am to 6 pm.

In Montreal, the majority of retailers, including Ikea, Winners, HomeSense, and Canadian Tire, along with shopping malls, will be closed for the day.

In Winnipeg, CF Polo Park and Garden City Shopping Centre will open from 11 am to 6 pm., while Grant Park and St. Vital Centre will be closed.

In Halifax, most grocery chains (Sobeys, Superstore, Walmart), malls (Halifax Shopping Centre, Mic Mac Mall), banks, and liquor stores will be closed. However, beaches, parks, and cafés remain open.

Transit and entertainment

Transit services such as the TTC, GO Transit, and other regional systems will run on reduced or Sunday/holiday schedules. In Ottawa, OC Transpo is offering free rides across O-Train lines, buses, and Para Transpo for the entire day.

Moviegoers won’t miss Cineplex and Landmark theatres will remain open, offering full schedules. Libraries will be closed in most municipalities, but splash pads, pools, trails, and public parks are expected to remain open, often operating on modified hours.