Stick to the Facts
Add Nbsla.ca as a Preferred Source on Google to see more of our stories in your search results.
Victoria Day celebrations are arriving with warm weather, fireworks, long weekends, and one big question Canadians ask every year: what’s open on Victoria Day? Whether you are planning shopping, grocery runs, family outings, or fireworks viewing, many people are searching for answers like what is open on Victoria Day, are stores open on Victoria Day, is Costco open on Victoria Day, and are grocery stores open on Victoria Day.
In 2026, Victoria Day falls on Monday, May 18, and it marks the unofficial beginning of summer across Canada. Cities like Toronto are preparing for fireworks, outdoor events, shopping crowds, and tourism activity as temperatures are expected to reach a warm 27 C.
If you are wondering what’s open on Victoria Day 2026, here is a complete breakdown of stores, attractions, malls, grocery options, TTC closures, and Victoria Day fireworks information.
What Is Victoria Day in Canada?
Many Canadians search every year: what is Victoria Day in Canada and is Victoria Day a stat holiday.
Victoria Day is a Canadian public holiday celebrating the birthday of Queen Victoria. It has been celebrated in Canada since the 1800s and is observed on the Monday before May 25 every year.
For most provinces, Victoria Day is considered a statutory holiday, which means many government offices, libraries, and banks close for the day. Schools and many workplaces also shut down for the long weekend.
So if you are asking when is Victoria Day, in 2026 it is officially celebrated on Monday, May 18.
Is Victoria Day a Stat Holiday?
Yes, Victoria Day is recognized as a stat holiday in most of Canada. That is why people continue searching questions like:
- is Victoria Day a stat holiday
- are stores open on Victoria Day
- what’s open Victoria Day
- what is open on Victoria Day
Because it is a public holiday, operating hours vary depending on the province, city, and retailer.
However, Ontario changed retail rules earlier this year, allowing many malls and stores to stay open on Family Day and Victoria Day. That means shoppers will have more options than in previous years.
What’s Open on Victoria Day 2026?
If you are searching what’s open on Victoria Day 2026, many attractions, malls, and entertainment locations will remain open throughout the long weekend.
Attractions Open on Victoria Day
Popular Toronto attractions staying open include:
- CN Tower
- Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
- Royal Ontario Museum
- Art Gallery of Ontario
- Toronto Zoo
- Hockey Hall of Fame
Golf fans will also be happy to know that all City of Toronto golf courses are expected to remain open during the holiday.
With warm temperatures and sunshine expected, many families are planning outdoor activities and tourism visits throughout the city.
Are Stores Open on Victoria Day?
One of the biggest questions every year is: are stores open on Victoria Day.
The answer in 2026 is yes, many major shopping malls and retail centres are expected to operate during the holiday.
Shopping Malls Open on Victoria Day
The following major shopping destinations are expected to open:
- CF Toronto Eaton Centre
- Toronto Premium Outlets
- Scarborough Town Centre
- Yorkdale Shopping Centre
- Square One Shopping Centre
Retail experts expect heavy crowds because the long weekend often brings major sales, restaurant traffic, and entertainment visitors.
So if you are asking again what’s open on Victoria Day or what’s open Victoria Day, many shopping centres will indeed be operating.
Is Costco Open on Victoria Day?
Another trending question every year is: is Costco open on Victoria Day.
Most Costco locations in Canada are typically closed on major statutory holidays, including Victoria Day. Customers are advised to check local warehouse hours before visiting because schedules may vary by province and location.
Many Canadians search is Costco open on Victoria Day because they plan BBQs, cottage trips, and holiday shopping during the long weekend. However, in most cases, Costco warehouses remain closed for the holiday.
Are Grocery Stores Open on Victoria Day?
Another top search trend is: are grocery stores open on Victoria Day.
The answer depends on the grocery chain and location. Some smaller grocery stores and select supermarkets may remain open with reduced holiday hours, while others may close completely.
In Ontario, several retailers are expected to stay open because of recent provincial retail rule changes. Convenience stores, pharmacies, and smaller local grocery shops often continue operating during the holiday.
Canadians are encouraged to check store websites or local branch hours before visiting.
LCBO and Beer Store Hours on Victoria Day
Holiday shoppers preparing for BBQ gatherings and fireworks celebrations will also want to know alcohol store schedules.
Reports indicate:
- 304 LCBO locations are expected to remain open
- 73 Beer Store locations are expected to operate during the holiday
However, operating hours may vary depending on local regulations and staffing.
What’s Closed on Victoria Day 2026?
Even though many malls and attractions are staying open, several important services will close for the statutory holiday.
Closed Services Include:
- Federal government offices
- Provincial government offices
- Municipal offices
- Public libraries
- Community centres
- Banks
Most administrative services will resume regular operations on Tuesday following the long weekend.
Victoria Day Fireworks in Toronto
For many families, the biggest attraction of the holiday remains the fireworks.
The City of Toronto will host its official Victoria Day fireworks celebration at Ashbridges Bay Park beginning at 10 p.m.
Thousands of residents are expected to gather along the waterfront for the annual event.
City officials are encouraging people to use public transportation instead of driving because parking and traffic congestion are expected to be severe.
Residents hosting backyard celebrations should also remember that fireworks are only permitted on private property before 11 p.m. on Victoria Day.
TTC and Line 6 Finch West Closure During Victoria Day Weekend
Transit riders should also prepare for disruptions during the holiday weekend.
Toronto Transit Commission and Metrolinx announced that Line 6 Finch West will remain closed all weekend for system upgrades and preparations related to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The closure begins Friday at 2:30 a.m. and continues until Tuesday at 4 a.m.
Replacement shuttle buses will operate along Finch Avenue West throughout the shutdown.
Officials say the work is designed to improve reliability and prepare for increased ridership connected to major international events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Warm Weather Expected for Victoria Day Weekend
Environment Canada forecasts a mix of sun and cloud with temperatures reaching 27 C and overnight lows around 17 C.
The warm forecast is expected to bring large crowds to parks, beaches, patios, malls, fireworks locations, and tourist attractions throughout the long weekend.
That is one reason why searches like what’s open on Victoria Day 2026, what is open on Victoria Day, and are stores open on Victoria Day are trending heavily across Canada right now.
Victoria Day 2026 is shaping up to be one of the busiest long weekends of the year across Canada. While banks, libraries, and government offices will close, many malls, attractions, restaurants, LCBO stores, and entertainment venues are staying open.