Victoria Day, observed on Monday, May 19, 2025, marks the unofficial start of summer in Canada. In Toronto, this statutory holiday brings changes to the operating hours of various services, businesses, and attractions. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what’s open and closed in the city.
Table of Contents
Grocery Stores
- Walmart Supercentres: Most locations will be closed on Victoria Day. It’s advisable to check with your local store for specific hours.
- FreshCo: Most stores will be closed. Some independently owned locations may operate on reduced hours; contact your nearest store for details.
- Loblaws: Select locations in downtown Toronto may be open with reduced hours. It’s recommended to verify with your local store.
- Metro: Some downtown locations may remain open with modified hours. Check with individual stores.
- Sobeys: Most locations will be closed. Confirm with your nearest store for any exceptions.
- No Frills: Generally closed, but some franchise locations may operate on holiday hours.
- Longo’s: Most stores will be closed. Verify with your local store for specific information.
- Whole Foods Market (Yorkville): Typically open on holidays; however, hours may be reduced.
- T&T Supermarket: Locations are usually open on Victoria Day, but hours may vary.
- Rabba Fine Foods: Open 24/7, including holidays.
- Shoppers Drug Mart: Most locations will be open, but hours may vary. It’s best to check with your local store.
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Shopping Malls
- CF Toronto Eaton Centre: Open from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Yorkdale Shopping Centre: Closed.
- Scarborough Town Centre: Closed.
- Fairview Mall: Closed.
- Dufferin Mall: Closed.
- Bayview Village: Closed.
- Shops at Don Mills: Some stores and restaurants may be open; check individual businesses for hours.
- Bloor-Yorkville: Boutiques and restaurants may have varied hours; contact individual establishments.
Government Services
- City of Toronto Offices: Closed.
- Service Ontario Centres: Closed.
- Canada Post: No mail delivery; post offices closed.
- Public Libraries: All branches closed.
- Banks: All major banks closed.
- LCBO: All stores closed.
- The Beer Store: Most locations closed; some may operate on reduced hours.
Transit
- TTC (Toronto Transit Commission): Operating on a Sunday/holiday schedule. Some routes may have reduced service.
- GO Transit: Running on a Saturday schedule.
Waste Collection
- Garbage, Recycling, and Green Bin: No collection on Victoria Day. Pickup will occur one day later for the remainder of the week.
- Drop-Off Depots: All locations closed.
Parks and Attractions
- High Park: Open.
- Toronto Zoo: Open from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada: Open from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
- CN Tower: Open from 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): Open from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
- Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO): Closed.
- Ontario Science Centre: Open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Toronto Islands: Ferry service operating; attractions may have varied hours.
Fireworks
- Ashbridges Bay Park: The City of Toronto will host its annual Victoria Day fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay Park. The show begins at 10:00 PM and is free to attend. Visitors are encouraged to use public transit due to limited parking.
- Canada’s Wonderland: A fireworks display is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, at 10:00 PM. Admission to the park is required.
- Private Fireworks: In Toronto, residents are permitted to set off fireworks on their private property without a permit only on Victoria Day. Fireworks are not allowed on public property, including parks and streets.
Emergency Services
- Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): Available 24/7.
- 311 Toronto: Operating on a reduced schedule for urgent city-related inquiries.
Victoria Day 2025 in Toronto offers a blend of relaxation, celebration, and limited city services. While major grocery stores, malls, government offices, and public libraries will mostly be closed, select retailers and attractions—including the Toronto Zoo, CN Tower, and Ripley’s Aquarium—remain open for holiday enjoyment. Public transit will run on reduced schedules, and garbage collection will be delayed by one day.
For those celebrating with fireworks, the City’s official show at Ashbridges Bay Park at 10:00 PM is a highlight, and private displays are only permitted on May 19. Whether you’re heading to a public event, spending time outdoors, or simply enjoying a quiet day at home, be sure to plan ahead and check individual hours to make the most of the long weekend.