On Monday, October 13, Canada celebrates Thanksgiving. This annual holiday occurs on the second Monday of October, marking a time for harvest appreciation.
Ottawa Thanksgiving: What’s Open and Closed
As Thanksgiving approaches, residents in Ottawa should be aware of the hours of various services and businesses. Here’s a detailed overview of what will be open and closed on this holiday.
Shopping and Attractions
- Grocery Stores: Most grocery stores will close for the holiday. However, select locations such as Whole Foods at Lansdowne Park, Farm Boy at Rideau Centre, Loblaws on Isabella Street, and Metro on Rideau Street will remain open. Some may also alter their hours on the preceding Sunday.
- Alcohol: The Beer Store and LCBO will not operate on Monday. Alcohol options may exist at rural LCBO convenience outlets and some participating grocery stores that remain open.
- Pharmacies: Several pharmacy locations will be open, so it’s advisable to check individual store hours beforehand.
Malls
- Bayshore, Place d’Orléans, and St. Laurent malls will close for the day.
- Rideau Centre and Tanger Outlets will be open, but specific store hours may vary.
Museums and Galleries
- The National Gallery of Canada and museums such as agriculture, aviation, history, nature, science, and war will be open.
- In contrast, the Ottawa Art Gallery and Diefenbunker will remain closed.
City Services
- Waste Collection: There will be no curbside green bin, recycling, or garbage collection. Normal pickup will resume on Tuesday, limited by a one-day delay for the remainder of the week. Multi-residential garbage collection will occur as scheduled.
- Library Services: All Ottawa Public Library branches will be closed.
- Child Care Centers: All municipal child-care centers will also close for the holiday.
- Recreation Facilities: Many recreation centers will be closed, although some may operate with modified hours.
- Public Health Services: The Site program office and supervised consumption services at 179 Clarence St. will be unavailable. However, the Site mobile van will operate from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Other sexual health and dental clinics will be closed.
- Banks: Most banks will observe the holiday and remain closed, but some ATMs may still be accessible.
- City Hall: City Hall and client service centers at Ben Franklin Place and 255 Centrum Blvd. will be closed. The provincial court at 100 Constellation Dr. will also close for the day. The city’s 311 contact center will be open for urgent matters.
Transportation
- Parking: City of Ottawa parking regulations will remain in effect on Thanksgiving.
- Public Transit: OC Transpo will operate on a Sunday schedule. The Rideau Centre customer service center will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Para Transpo regular bookings will automatically be canceled, but riders can book trips through My Para Transpo or by calling 613-560-5000. The taxi coupon line and Para Transpo text service at 57272 will continue to operate.
With the holiday approaching, ensure to check specific business hours and services ahead of time for a smooth Thanksgiving experience in Ottawa.
