As Canadians take time off to celebrate the holidays, many federal offices, stores and businesses will be closed across the country on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 are statutory holidays, or paid public holidays across Canada for provincial, territorial, federal and federally regulated employees.
Here’s what’s open and closed in Canada over the holiday season.
Passport offices and Service Canada offices are closed on statutory holidays, including Dec. 25, 26 and New Year’s Day.
Service Canada offices offer access for government services and benefits, including for the Social Insurance Number, Employment Insurance, Canadian Dental Care Plan and public pensions.
Many grocery stores won’t be open on Dec. 25. The rules on holiday hours vary for provinces and territories, according to the Retail Council of Canada, so it’s best to check stores’ websites to confirm schedules.
Gas stations and convenience stores are considered essential and generally allowed to open on statutory holidays, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.
Last-minute shoppers will still have a chance to pick up gifts on Christmas Eve. Many malls will be open on Dec. 24, though they may close earlier than usual. Check your local mall as schedules may vary.
Malls are generally closed on Christmas Day, but will open their doors again on Boxing Day on Dec. 26.
Most banks are closed on Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Dec. 26. Check your local branch for specific schedules.
Many transit services will be running on holiday schedules. Visit their websites to confirm schedules.
Post offices will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Canada Post locations will be open otherwise, but the company warned of delivery delays lasting through January 2025 following a month-long workers’ strike.
Many movie theatres will be open during the holidays, including Christmas Day, but have modified hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Check movie theatres’ websites to confirm the schedule.
Cities generally don’t collect garbage, organics or recyclables on Christmas Day. Check your city or town’s websites to confirm the schedule.
Most municipal offices won’t be open on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, but emergency services won’t be affected.
Some tourist attractions will be open on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, such as the CN Tower in Toronto. The Château Frontenac in Quebec City is open for guided tours every day of the year. Grouse Mountain in Vancouver is also open for the entire year.
Banff National Park, site of the popular Lake Louise, is open year-round, though the busiest weekends during winter are from Boxing Day through New Year. Similarly, Nova Scotia’s famous Peggy’s Cove lighthouse is open to visitors year-round.
With files from CTVNewsToronto.ca and The Canadian Press
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