What's Open & Closed Toronto: Remembrance Day 2025 Guide • Over Here Toronto

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.

what's open and closed Toronto Remembrance Day 2025 — *Photo by Chris Sansbury on Unsplash*

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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What’s Open & Closed Toronto: Remembrance Day 2025 Guide