Easter Weekend in Toronto 2026: The Ultimate Guide to What’s Open, Closed & Things To Do

Easter weekend in Toronto marks the true arrival of spring. It’s a time for family gatherings, egg hunts, and navigating the city’s complex holiday closure rules. Because Good Friday and Easter Sunday are statutory holidays, knowing what is open can be the difference between a smooth weekend and a frustrating one.

Whether you are looking for the perfect brunch spot, planning a family outing, or just need to know if the grocery store is open, this guide covers everything you need to know for April 3–6, 2026.

Key Dates for Easter 2026

• Good Friday (Statutory Holiday): Friday, April 3, 2026
• Easter Sunday (Holiday): Sunday, April 5, 2026
• Easter Monday: Monday, April 6, 2026 (Not a statutory holiday for most, but government offices and schools are often closed).

Public Transit & Services

Getting around the city is different this weekend. As a general rule, give yourself extra travel time.

• TTC (Toronto Transit Commission): On Good Friday, the TTC will operate on a Holiday Schedule (similar to Sunday service). Regular weekend service resumes for Saturday and Sunday. Plan your trip via the official TTC website.
• GO Transit: Trains and buses will run on a Sunday schedule on Good Friday. Always check the GO Transit schedules before heading to Union Station.
• Government Offices: All city, provincial, and federal offices, including City Hall and ServiceOntario, will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday.
• Public Libraries: All branches of the Toronto Public Library are closed on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday.

Shopping: Malls, Groceries & Alcohol

This is where most confusion happens. Toronto strictly regulates retail on statutory holidays, but there are exceptions for “tourist areas.”

Grocery Stores & Pharmacies

• Major Chains (Loblaws, Sobeys, Metro): generally closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
• The Exception: Rabba Fine Foods locations remain open 24/7 throughout the entire weekend. You can find your nearest location on the Rabba store locator.
• Pharmacies: Many Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall locations remain open, though often with reduced hours.

Shopping Malls

Most malls are closed on Friday and Sunday, but major tourist destinations remain open.

• CF Toronto Eaton Centre: Open all weekend. Check hours at Cadillac Fairview.
• Pacific Mall: The largest indoor Asian shopping mall in North America remains open year-round. Visit Pacific Mall Toronto for details.
• Closed on Good Friday & Easter Sunday: Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Scarborough Town Centre, CF Fairview Mall, and Square One.

Liquor Stores (Plan Ahead!)

• LCBO & The Beer Store: All locations are closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
• Pro-Tip: Some local breweries and bottle shops often have special licenses allowing them to remain open. Check your local brewery’s Instagram page for their specific holiday hours.

Attractions & Things To Do

Most major tourist attractions remain open all weekend, making this a popular time for families.

Family Favourites

• Ontario Science Centre (Interim): Please note the Don Mills location is closed. You can visit the interim KidSpark experience at the Harbourfront Centre. Check the programming schedule at the Ontario Science Centre website.
• Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada: Open 365 days a year. It gets busy, so we recommend buying tickets online at Ripley’s Aquarium.
• The Toronto Zoo: A fantastic spring activity if the weather holds up. Visit the Toronto Zoo website for entry times.
• CN Tower: Open daily. You can book your time slot at cntower.ca.

Culture & Museums

• Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): Open and running special programming for the long weekend. Plan your visit at the ROM website.
• Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO): Typically open, offering a great indoor escape. Visit AGO.ca for current exhibitions.
• Hockey Hall of Fame: A must for sports fans, open throughout the weekend. Details at hhof.com.

Easter Brunch Spots (2026 Picks)

Easter brunch is a Toronto tradition. Reservations are essential as these spots fill up weeks in advance.

• Casa Loma: For a truly royal experience, enjoy brunch inside the castle. Tickets often include a tour. Book early at Casa Loma.
• Old Mill Toronto: Famous for their grand buffet, this historic venue is perfect for large families. View the menu at Old Mill Toronto.
• Mildred’s Temple Kitchen: Home of the famous blueberry pancakes. It’s a Liberty Village staple. Visit Mildred’s Temple Kitchen.
• The Drake Hotel: For a trendier vibe, the Drake offers a mix of classic and creative dishes. Reserve a table at The Drake.
• Courtyard Ballroom – Windsor Arms Hotel: This is the perfect place for family meals and catching up with friends. Take a quick look at their reservation page for availability and booking options.

Church Services

Expect high attendance at services across the city.

• St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica: The spiritual heart of the Catholic community in Toronto. View the 2026 Holy Week schedule at stmichaelscathedral.com.
• St. Helen’s Parish: Offers services in both English and Portuguese. Check times at St. Helen’s ArchToronto site.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is the TTC free on Easter Weekend?

No, standard fares apply. However, the TTC operates on a holiday schedule on Good Friday.

Q: Can I buy alcohol on Good Friday or Easter Sunday?

LCBO and Beer Store locations are closed. Your best options are “Wine Rack” locations (often open with reduced hours) or local craft brewery bottle shops.

Q: Are banks open on Easter Monday?

Generally, no. Most banks and government services observe Easter Monday as a holiday.

Q: Is the Ontario Science Centre open?

The original building at Don Mills is closed. An interim location featuring KidSpark is available at the Harbourfront Centre.

Related Reads:

• What’s open & closed – City services on holidays
• 15+ Best Family Things to Do in Toronto
• 10+ Restaurants in Toronto Open on Easter