What’s open and closed on Remembrance Day 2026 in Canada

Remembrance Day falls on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026. Whether your bank, school, liquor store or mall is open depends largely on where you live, because Nov. 11 is a statutory holiday in some provinces and not others. Here is what to expect, and where to check before you go.

For the full province-by-province picture of who gets the day off, read our guide: Remembrance Day 2026: who gets Nov. 11 off, by province.

Closed across Canada

Canada Post: Canada Post does not collect or deliver mail on Remembrance Day, and its corporate post offices close. Some retail postal outlets inside other stores may follow their host store’s hours.

Federal government offices: Remembrance Day is a holiday for the federal public service and federally regulated workplaces, so Service Canada centres and passport offices are closed. Online services stay available.

Banks: The major banks have traditionally closed their branches on Remembrance Day. ATMs, online and mobile banking keep working. If you need a branch, check your bank’s website or the branch page, because hours can differ by province.

Usually open

Stock markets: The Toronto Stock Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange trade as usual on Remembrance Day.

Grocery stores, pharmacies and malls: Most stay open, though some open later in the morning to allow staff to attend ceremonies, and a few provinces limit retail hours on Nov. 11. Check your local store’s hours.

Public transit: Most city transit systems run, often on a regular or holiday schedule, and many offer free rides to veterans. See our guide: Free transit for veterans on Remembrance Day 2026.

Depends on your province

Provincial offices and schools: Where Remembrance Day is a statutory holiday, provincial government offices close and most public schools are closed for the day. In provinces where it is not a statutory holiday, including Ontario and Quebec, schools generally stay open and hold assemblies, and provincial offices may open. Check your school board’s calendar.

Liquor stores: Hours vary by province and by retailer. In Ontario, LCBO stores have in past years opened at noon on Nov. 11; Alberta’s liquor stores are privately run and set their own hours. Check the retailer’s store locator for Nov. 11 hours.

City services: Municipal offices, libraries, recreation centres and garbage collection schedules differ by city. We have local guides for Victoria and Hamilton; elsewhere, check your city’s website.

The two minutes of silence

Many businesses that stay open pause at 11 a.m. local time for two minutes of silence. The national ceremony takes place at the National War Memorial in Ottawa and is broadcast live.

Hours can change, so confirm with the business or service before you go. We will update this guide if any major chain or service announces different 2026 hours.