What’s Open & Closed Toronto: Remembrance Day 2025 Guide
Remembrance Day is on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. It’s a day when we all take a moment to honour and remember those who have served and sacrificed for our country.
Beyond its solemn importance, it’s also a day that can be a bit confusing for navigating the city. Is everything shut down? Is it a regular Tuesday? If you’re wondering what’s open and closed in Toronto, you’re not alone. Here’s the local breakdown of what to expect.
First Off: Why It’s Confusing (The “Holiday” Lowdown)
Here’s the deal: Remembrance Day is a federal holiday, but it is not a provincial statutory holiday in Ontario.
What does that mean for us in Toronto?
- Federal services (like banks and Canada Post) will be closed.
- Most other businesses (like retail, grocery stores, and restaurants) are allowed to be open, and they usually are.
So, it’s not a “everything is closed” day like Christmas, but it’s also not just a regular Tuesday.
What’s Generally CLOSED in Toronto
You can count on these services and places being closed on November 11.
- Banks: All major banks will be closed.
- Government Offices: All federal, provincial (like ServiceOntario), and municipal (City of Toronto) offices will be closed.
- Canada Post: There will be no mail collection or delivery. Post offices will be closed.
- Libraries: All Toronto Public Library branches will be closed.
What’s Generally OPEN in Toronto
This is where you’ll find the most variability, but for the most part, it’s business as usual.
- Retail: Most shopping malls (Eaton Centre, Yorkdale, Sherway Gardens, STC), big-box stores, and general retail will be open. Some may have reduced hours or choose to open after 11 a.m.
- Grocery Stores: Your local Loblaws, Metro, Sobeys, and No Frills will be open.
- LCBO & The Beer Store: This is the one everyone asks about! Yes, they will be open. They typically operate on a Sunday schedule or delay opening until 12:00 p.m. out of respect. Your best bet is to check the hours for your local store.
- Schools: Public and Catholic schools will be open and will hold their own in-school assemblies and moments of silence.
- Restaurants, Bars & Cafes: Expect them to be open for business as usual.
- Major Attractions: Places like the CN Tower, the ROM, and the AGO are typically open (especially on a Tuesday). Always check their websites for specific hours.
Getting Around: TTC & GO Transit
- TTC: The TTC will run on its regular weekday service schedule. At 11 a.m., all TTC vehicles will stop for two minutes of silence. It’s a powerful moment if you happen to be on a streetcar, bus, or in a station.
- GO Transit: GO will also run on a regular weekday schedule.
How to Observe the Day in Toronto
If you’re looking to pay your respects, there are many ways to do so.
- Two Minutes of Silence: At 11 a.m., join the city in pausing for two minutes of silence.
- Wear a Poppy: You’ll see poppy boxes by donation at most checkouts and public spaces.
- Attend a Ceremony: The city’s main service is held at the Old City Hall cenotaph. Other ceremonies also take place at various cenotaphs and community centres across the GTA.
The bottom line: When in doubt, assume it’s open—unless it’s a bank or a government service. The most respectful (and smartest) move? If you’re planning a specific trip, call ahead or check their website just to be sure.
Disclaimer: This information is based on previous years and is accurate as of the time of writing. Store hours and service schedules are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to double-check with the specific location or service provider before heading out.
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