What Is Open and Closed on Victoria Day 2026?
Victoria Day 2026 falls on Monday, May 18. I break down what is open and closed, confirm Costco is shut, walk through grocery and pharmacy hours by province and round up the best fireworks shows.
Quick Answer
Victoria Day 2026 falls on Monday, May 18, 2026. It is a federal statutory holiday across most of Canada, which means banks, government offices, Canada Post, LCBO style liquor monopolies, public libraries and Costco warehouses are closed nationwide.
Grocery stores, pharmacies and shopping malls vary by province. Most Ontario chains close, Quebec and Western Canada generally stay open on reduced hours, and restaurants, attractions and movie theatres run as normal. Public transit operates on a Sunday or holiday schedule, and major fireworks displays light up the night in Toronto and most regional capitals.
Why Victoria Day Matters
The May long weekend, affectionately called "May Two Four", is the unofficial kickoff to summer in Canada. It is the weekend the cottage opens, the patio season starts in earnest and the first big barbecue of the year usually happens. Originally proclaimed in 1845 to mark the birthday of Queen Victoria, the monarch on the throne during Confederation in 1867, the day now functions as a broader celebration of Canadian summer and historical roots.
Is Costco Open on Victoria Day 2026?
No. Costco warehouses across Canada are closed on Monday, May 18, 2026.
Costco adheres rigidly to statutory holiday closures so its members of staff get the day off. The good news is that warehouses operate on normal weekend hours on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17. Plan ahead for the long weekend rush because Saturday in particular tends to be one of the busiest checkout days of the season.
What Is Open on Victoria Day 2026?
Grocery Stores and Supermarkets
This is the most province dependent category. As a rule of thumb:
- Ontario: Most major chains (Loblaws, Metro, Sobeys, Real Canadian Superstore) are closed. Select downtown Toronto and other designated tourist area stores may open on reduced hours. Independent grocers and convenience stores usually stay open.
- Quebec (National Patriots' Day): Most large grocery stores remain open, often closing a little earlier than usual.
- BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba: Major chains tend to stay open on Sunday or holiday hours, typically 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Atlantic Canada: Most large grocery chains are closed, mirroring Ontario.
Pharmacies
Standalone Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall and independent pharmacies generally remain open with modified hours. Pharmacies located inside closed grocery stores or shuttered malls are not accessible, so call ahead before driving across town for a prescription pickup.
Malls and Retail
Most enclosed shopping centres in Ontario and Atlantic Canada are closed. Designated tourist hubs and outlet malls usually stay open on reduced hours. In Toronto, CF Toronto Eaton Centre, Square One in Mississauga and Vaughan Mills typically run roughly 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Victoria Day.
Restaurants, Bars and Attractions
Hospitality thrives on long weekends, so most restaurants, cafes, bars and fast food chains are fully open. Museums, zoos, aquariums and theme parks (including Canada's Wonderland) are open and busy. Movie theatres run normal or extended schedules. Weather permitting, patios are usually packed from lunch onwards.
What Is Closed on Victoria Day 2026?
Assume the following are universally shut on Monday, May 18:
- Banks and financial institutions. Online banking and ATMs remain available.
- Government offices. Federal, provincial and municipal, including Service Canada and passport offices.
- Canada Post. No mail collection or delivery.
- Public libraries. Closed across the country.
- LCBO and other government liquor stores. Strictly closed in Ontario. Agency stores in rural areas and private liquor stores in much of Western Canada may stay open.
- Costco warehouses. Closed nationwide.
Victoria Day Fireworks 2026: Where to Watch
Fireworks are the crown jewel of the long weekend. Many Canadians set off private displays at the cottage, but the major municipal shows are worth the trip.
- Toronto. Ashbridges Bay Park hosts the largest GTA display, with the show typically starting at dusk around 9:45 PM on Monday. Take the TTC, parking is essentially impossible.
- Ottawa. Local community displays light up the Ottawa River shoreline.
- Regional capitals. Most mid sized cities run their own family events with food trucks, live music and pyrotechnics. Check the local municipal website for the exact launch site and start time.
If you are setting off your own fireworks, double check the local bylaws. Many municipalities restrict private fireworks to the holiday Monday only and require them to end by 11:00 PM to respect noise rules.
Public Transit on Victoria Day
Almost all public transit systems, including the TTC, GO Transit, TransLink and most local bus networks, run on a Sunday or holiday schedule. Service is less frequent, so build extra buffer time into your plans, especially returning from fireworks displays after dark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get paid for Victoria Day?
In most provinces, if you qualify under your provincial employment standards, you receive statutory holiday pay. If you are required to work, you generally get time and a half plus the regular holiday pay.
Is Canada Post delivering mail on Victoria Day?
No. Canada Post does not collect or deliver on May 18, 2026. Service resumes Tuesday.
Why do we celebrate Victoria Day?
Originally established in 1845 to mark the birthday of Queen Victoria, the day has evolved into a celebration of Canadian summer and the country's historical roots.