Victoria Day is one of Canada’s most anticipated long weekends, marking the unofficial beginning of summer across the country. From fireworks and cottage trips to shopping and outdoor activities, Canadians use the holiday to relax and enjoy warmer weather. But every year, one major question returns: what’s open on Victoria Day and which businesses remain closed?
If you are wondering “is Costco open on Victoria Day,” “are grocery stores open on Victoria Day,” or “what is Victoria Day in Canada,” this complete guide covers everything you need to know for Victoria Day 2026, including shopping hours, transit schedules, public services, entertainment venues, and holiday operations across Ottawa and beyond.
What Is Victoria Day in Canada?
Victoria Day is a Canadian federal holiday celebrated in honor of Queen Victoria’s birthday. Queen Victoria was born on May 24, 1819, and the holiday has been observed in Canada since 1845. Today, it remains an important public holiday that also symbolizes the beginning of summer activities across the country.
For many Canadians, Victoria Day means cottage openings, family gatherings, backyard barbecues, fireworks displays, and seasonal travel. It is also commonly referred to as the May Long Weekend or May Two-Four Weekend.
Many people frequently search “what is Victoria Day in Canada” because the holiday is unique to Canada and not widely celebrated in other countries.
When Is Victoria Day 2026?
If you are asking “when is Victoria Day,” the holiday always falls on the Monday before May 25.
In 2026, Victoria Day will be celebrated on Monday, May 18, 2026.
The long weekend gives Canadians three days to enjoy outdoor recreation, shopping, travel, and community events before summer officially arrives.
Is Victoria Day a Stat Holiday?
One of the most common questions every year is “is Victoria Day a stat holiday?”
The answer is yes. Victoria Day is recognized as a statutory holiday in most Canadian provinces and territories, including Ontario. Government offices, banks, schools, and many public institutions close for the day.
However, recent retail law changes in Ontario have created more flexibility for businesses and shopping centres to operate during the holiday. This has significantly changed what’s open on Victoria Day compared to previous years.
What’s Open on Victoria Day 2026?
If you are searching for “what’s open on Victoria Day 2026” or “what’s open Victoria Day,” you’ll be happy to know that more stores and services are operating than in past years.
Recent amendments to Ontario’s Retail Business Holidays Act removed Victoria Day from mandatory retail closure requirements. As a result, many businesses can now remain open if they choose.
Retailers may still reduce operating hours, and some employees may opt to take the holiday off while others receive holiday pay or time-and-a-half compensation.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what is open on Victoria Day across Ottawa and much of Ontario.
Are Stores Open on Victoria Day?
The question “are stores open on Victoria Day” has become increasingly important due to changing retail laws.
Yes, many stores are now open on Victoria Day, although hours may vary depending on the retailer and location.
Large shopping centres in Ottawa are expected to operate with modified holiday schedules. Several major malls will remain open until 6 p.m., including:
Major Ottawa Shopping Centres Open on Victoria Day
Bayshore Shopping Centre
One of Ottawa’s largest shopping destinations, Bayshore will operate on reduced holiday hours while keeping most retailers accessible throughout the day.
Rideau Centre
Located downtown, Rideau Centre remains one of the busiest malls during the Victoria Day long weekend thanks to tourist activity and local shoppers.
St. Laurent Shopping Centre
St. Laurent Centre is expected to operate holiday hours and continue regular retail services for customers looking to shop during the long weekend.
Place d’Orléans
Residents in Ottawa’s east end can still access many retail stores and restaurants during the holiday.
Tanger Outlets
Tanger Outlets remains a popular Victoria Day shopping destination, especially for holiday sales and seasonal fashion deals.
Are Grocery Stores Open on Victoria Day?
Another major question Canadians ask every year is “are grocery stores open on Victoria Day.”
Yes, many grocery stores are open on Victoria Day, although several locations may reduce hours or operate with limited staffing.
Different grocery chains make independent decisions regarding holiday operations. Some urban stores remain fully open, while suburban and smaller locations may close earlier.
Grocery Store Operations During Victoria Day
Most grocery stores that remain open may operate with shorter hours such as:
- 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Noon to 6 p.m.
Customers are encouraged to verify local hours before visiting.
Popular grocery retailers that often operate on Victoria Day include:
Loblaw Stores
Many Loblaw-owned stores may open with reduced schedules depending on local demand.
Metro
Metro grocery locations in larger cities often remain operational during statutory holidays.
Farm Boy
Farm Boy locations frequently operate holiday schedules, especially in Ottawa.
Independent Grocers
Independent grocery operators may choose their own hours and often remain partially open for holiday shoppers.
Is Costco Open on Victoria Day?
One of the top searched questions every year is “is Costco open on Victoria Day.”
In most cases, Costco warehouses in Canada are closed on Victoria Day.
Costco traditionally observes major statutory holidays, including Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Customers should plan grocery shopping and bulk purchases ahead of the long weekend.
Although some retailers are open, Costco generally maintains nationwide closures for employees on statutory holidays.
If you rely on Costco for groceries, household supplies, or seasonal products, it is best to shop before the holiday Monday.
What Is Open on Victoria Day for Alcohol Sales?
Alcohol sales continue on a limited schedule during Victoria Day in Ontario.
LCBO Stores Open on Victoria Day
The LCBO plans to open hundreds of select locations across Ontario from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Customers can use the LCBO store locator online to confirm nearby holiday hours.
Beer Store Locations Open on Victoria Day
Several Beer Store locations across Ottawa and Ontario will also remain open, generally operating from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Holiday alcohol sales tend to be busy during Victoria Day weekend because many Canadians host outdoor gatherings, cottage parties, and barbecues.
Transit and Transportation Services on Victoria Day
Public transportation systems typically shift to holiday schedules during Victoria Day.
OC Transpo Holiday Schedule
OC Transpo in Ottawa operates on a Sunday service schedule during the holiday Monday.
O-Train Operations
Ottawa’s O-Train Line 1 usually runs from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Victoria Day.
Lines 2 and 4 may operate extended schedules beginning around 7:30 a.m. and continuing until approximately 11:30 p.m.
Para Transpo Services
Para Transpo recurring bookings for the holiday are generally cancelled automatically. Riders must rebook trips individually through online systems or customer service lines.
Parking Rules
Even though many services close for the holiday, city parking regulations and restrictions remain fully enforceable during Victoria Day weekend.
Drivers should continue observing parking signs, time restrictions, and paid parking requirements.
Recreation Activities Open on Victoria Day
Victoria Day marks the unofficial launch of summer recreation season across Canada.
Splash Pads Open for Summer
In Ottawa, numerous splash pads open during Victoria Day weekend, allowing families to enjoy warmer temperatures and outdoor recreation.
Splash pads are among the most popular attractions for children during the long weekend.
Beaches Begin Seasonal Operations
Washrooms and paid parking facilities at major beaches such as Britannia Beach, Mooney’s Bay, and Petrie Island generally open for the season during Victoria Day weekend.
Outdoor pools and wading pools usually open later in the spring or early summer.
Community Centres and Recreation Facilities
Some municipal recreation facilities remain open with adjusted schedules. Residents should check local programming before visiting.
Museums and Cultural Attractions Open on Victoria Day
Many cultural attractions remain open throughout the holiday weekend.
National Gallery of Canada
The National Gallery continues welcoming visitors during Victoria Day and remains a popular tourist destination during the long weekend.
Canadian Museums Open During Victoria Day
Several national museums often remain operational, including:
Canadian Museum of History
One of Canada’s premier museums featuring exhibits on Indigenous history, Canadian heritage, and world civilizations.
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
A favorite destination for aviation enthusiasts and families.
Canadian Museum of Nature
Offers interactive exhibits and natural science experiences.
Canada Science and Technology Museum
Popular with children and visitors interested in innovation and engineering.
Canadian War Museum
Features historical military exhibits and educational programming.
Ottawa Art Gallery and City Museums
Some local city-operated museums and galleries may close during Victoria Day.
Visitors should verify schedules before planning outings.
Waste Collection and Garbage Pickup Changes
Holiday waste collection changes affect thousands of residents during Victoria Day week.
Garbage Collection Delays
There is typically no curbside garbage, recycling, or green bin pickup on Victoria Day Monday.
Instead, scheduled collections shift forward by one day for the remainder of the week.
Multi-Residential Collection Services
Apartment and condominium garbage collection may continue as scheduled, although recycling and green bin pickups can experience delays.
Trail Road Waste Facility
Ottawa’s Trail Road waste facility usually remains open during Victoria Day from morning until late afternoon.
Public Services Closed on Victoria Day
Many city and provincial services shut down during the statutory holiday.
Ottawa Public Library Closures
Library branches and associated services generally close for Victoria Day.
ServiceOttawa Offices
Customer service counters and phone services typically remain unavailable throughout the holiday Monday.
Provincial Court Closures
Ontario provincial courts and government administrative offices are commonly closed during Victoria Day.
Health and Dental Clinics
Municipal sexual health and dental clinics may close temporarily during the holiday.
However, Health811 services remain available for confidential medical advice and non-emergency health support.
Why Victoria Day Is One of Canada’s Biggest Long Weekends
Victoria Day carries cultural importance beyond its historical roots. For many Canadians, the holiday symbolizes:
- The beginning of cottage season
- Summer travel planning
- Opening of campgrounds
- Outdoor entertaining
- Seasonal shopping
- Community festivals and fireworks
Retailers often launch major spring sales events during the long weekend, making Victoria Day one of the busiest shopping periods before summer.
Tips for Planning Victoria Day 2026
Shop Early
Because some businesses operate with reduced schedules, completing errands before Monday can save time and frustration.
Verify Holiday Hours
Although many businesses are open, hours vary significantly between locations.
Prepare for Transit Changes
Public transit schedules may differ from regular weekday service.
Expect Busy Tourist Areas
Museums, beaches, parks, and shopping centres often experience larger crowds during Victoria Day weekend.
Final Thoughts on What’s Open on Victoria Day 2026
Victoria Day continues to evolve in Canada, especially as retail laws change and more businesses remain open during the statutory holiday. Whether you are planning grocery shopping, visiting museums, taking transit, or enjoying outdoor recreation, understanding what is open on Victoria Day helps make the long weekend smoother and more enjoyable.
For those wondering “are stores open on Victoria Day,” “what is open on Victoria Day,” or “is Costco open on Victoria Day,” the answer depends largely on the specific retailer and location. While many malls, grocery stores, and attractions now operate during the holiday, some major retailers and public services still close for the day.