Remembrance Day: What's open and closed in Canada?
Monday marks Remembrance Day in Canada, honouring armed forces members who died in the line of duty.
Held each year on Nov. 11, Remembrance Day is a federal statutory holiday that dates back to the end of the First World War. It is also observed as a holiday in most provinces and territories, with the notable exceptions of Ontario and Quebec.
That means you can largely expect shops and businesses to be open in Ontario and Quebec on Monday, while banks and federal offices remain closed nationwide.
Here's what's open and closed on Remembrance Day:
Banks
Banks are typically closed nationwide, although ATMs can still be used. Canada's stock markets will stay open.
Postal services
Canada Post will be closed on Remembrance Day, with no mail collection or delivery. Purolator will be open in Ontario and Quebec, have modified operations in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and stay closed elsewhere in the country. UPS will be operating as normal. FedEx will only be closed in Nova Scotia. Other mail and parcel delivery services may be available.
Government offices
Federal government offices, including Service Canada and passport offices, will be closed. Outside of Ontario and Quebec, most provincial and territorial government offices will also be closed. Emergency consular services for Canadians abroad is always available 24/7. It is also possible to get emergency statutory holiday passport service.
Schools
Schools will largely be closed across most of Canada on Monday, with the notable exceptions of Ontario and Quebec. There may be other exceptions, and parents and caregivers should check with their school board.
Shops, businesses and malls
This varies widely across the country. While some larger and box stores may be closed, smaller grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores and restaurants may remain open in provinces that observe Remembrance Day as a statutory holiday. Most shops and businesses in Ontario and Quebec will operate as normal, including grocery stores, pharmacies and liquor stores.
Transportation
In provinces and territories that observe Remembrace Day as a statutory holiday, you can expect some public transportation routes to operate on holiday or reduced schedules. Check with your local transportation provider before heading out.
U.S. closures
Nov. 11 also marks Veterans Day in the U.S., which is a federal holiday. As in Canada, banks, postal services and government offices will be closed, but stores and restaurants will largely remain open.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Federal government's two-month GST holiday begins
A two-month break from the federal GST takes effect today.
Winnipeg man charged after attempting to flee from police in stolen vehicle
Winnipeg police arrested and charged a 24-year-old man after he allegedly rammed a stolen vehicle into a police cruiser.
Former Manhattan prosecutor to represent suspect in killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO
The suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO has added a prominent defense lawyer to his legal team as Manhattan prosecutors work to return him from Pennsylvania to face a murder charge.
Pop music is messier — for the better — because of Chappell Roan, Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter
The year 2024 arguably belonged to the three rising pop stars whose songs took us out to the clubs (Pink Pony and otherwise) and back home to the bedroom.
Shoppers raise complaints after being charged twice for Walmart purchases
A Saskatchewan shopper is out more than $200 after being charged twice for her grocery purchase at a Regina Walmart.
British departure means uncertain future for Alberta's massive Suffield military base
A sprawling military training base more than twice the size of New York City in southeastern Alberta appears to be a shadow of its former self while its future use remains up in the air.
Two Montreal anesthesiologists suspended for questionable practices: College of Physicians
Two anesthesiologists at Montreal’s Royal Victoria Hospital were brought before the Quebec College of Physicians disciplinary board for questionable practices and were suspended.
11 dogs dead, 8 more under Animal Welfare care following canine parvovirus outbreak in Windsor
Ontario's Animal Welfare Service is investigating a deadly outbreak of canine parvovirus after several dogs became ill earlier this month.
Parked car goes up in flames sending black smoke over Barrie parking lot
A parked car went up in flames creating a plume of dark smoke over a Barrie parking lot.
Local Spotlight
'He was done with shopping': Video shows dog laying on horn in B.C. mall parking lot
Malls can be hectic around the holidays, and sometimes you just can't wait to get home – whether you're on two legs or four.
140-pound dog strolls solo into Giant Tiger store in Stratford, Ont.
A furry, four-legged shopper was spotted in the aisles of a Giant Tiger store in Stratford, Ont. on Sunday morning.
North Pole post: N.S. firefighters collect letters to Santa, return them by hand during postal strike
Fire departments across Nova Scotia are doing their part to ensure children’s letters to Santa make their way to the North Pole while Canada Post workers are on strike.
'Creatively incredible': Regina raised talent featured in 'Wicked' film
A professional dancer from Saskatchewan was featured in the movie adaptation of Wicked, which has seen significant success at the box office.
Montreal man retiring early after winning half of the $80 million Lotto-Max jackpot
Factor worker Jean Lamontagne, 63, will retire earlier than planned after he won $40 million on Dec. 3 in the Lotto-Max draw.
Man, 99, still at work 7 decades after opening eastern Ontario Christmas tree farm
This weekend is one of the busiest of the year for Christmas tree farms all over the region as the holidays approach and people start looking for a fresh smell of pine in their homes.
Saskatoon honours Bella Brave with birthday celebration
It has been five months since Bella Thompson, widely known as Bella Brave to her millions of TikTok followers, passed away after a long battle with Hirschsprung’s disease and an auto-immune disorder.
Major Manitoba fossil milestones highlight the potential for future discoveries in the province
A trio of fossil finds through the years helped put Manitoba on the mosasaur map, and the milestone of those finds have all been marked in 2024.
The 61st annual Christmas Daddies Telethon raises more than $559,000 for children in need
The 61st annual Christmas Daddies Telethon continued its proud Maritime tradition, raising more than $559,000 for children in need on Saturday.