The Victoria Day long weekend is often seen as the unofficial start to summer in Canada—and in Ottawa, that means tulips, fireworks, splash pads, and a few headaches if you forget what’s closed.
Whether you’re planning to shop, head to a museum, or just enjoy a quiet Monday off, here’s a handy guide to what’s open and closed in the capital on Victoria Day.
🛍️ Retail & Groceries
Holiday shopping is a mixed bag thanks to Ontario’s Retail Business Holidays Act, which lets certain areas open if they choose.
Open:
- Rideau Centre and Tanger Outlets: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Some stores in the ByWard Market and The Glebe
- Select grocery stores in holiday-designated areas (call ahead)
- Beer Stores at five Ottawa locations: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Closed:
- LCBOs across the city
- Bayshore, St. Laurent, and Place d’Orléans shopping centres (some exceptions may apply)
- Most major grocery stores
🚍 Transit & Parking
Getting around? Expect weekend-level service.
- OC Transpo will run on a Sunday schedule
- O-Train Confederation Line: ~8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Trillium Line: ~7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
- Rideau Centre Customer Service Centre: Open
- OC Transpo Lost & Found (St-Laurent Station): Closed
- Para Transpo: Regular bookings are cancelled—new bookings can be made by calling 613-560-5000 or online
- City parking rules and restrictions remain in effect
🎨 Museums, Arts & Culture
If you’re in the mood for culture or history on Victoria Day, some spots will be open, while others are taking the day off.
Open:
- National Gallery of Canada
- Museums of Agriculture, Aviation, History, Nature, Science, and War
Closed:
- Ottawa Art Gallery
- Diefenbunker Cold War Museum
- City-run museums
- Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe and Shenkman Arts Centre
🏖️ Recreation & Outdoors
Victoria Day weekend is your green light to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.
- Community centres: Most have altered hours—check before heading out
- Splash pads: Open for the season starting Friday, May 16, weather permitting
- Beach washrooms at Mooney’s Bay, Britannia, and Petrie Island open Saturday, May 17
🏛️ City Services & Garbage Collection
Here’s what’s happening at the municipal level.
Closed:
- Ottawa City Hall
- Client service centres: Ben Franklin Place, Terry Fox Dr., and Centrum Blvd.
- Ottawa Public Library branches (online services still available)
- Provincial Court (100 Constellation Dr.)
- Business Licensing Centre
- Spay and Neuter Clinic
- City art galleries at City Hall, Barbara Ann Scott Gallery, and Karsh-Masson Gallery
Open:
- 311 contact centre (urgent calls only)
- Trail Road Waste Facility: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Garbage & Recycling:
- No collection on Monday—everything shifts one day later for the rest of the week
🏥 Health, Dental & Child Care
Plan ahead if you need medical, dental, or child care services on Victoria Day.
Closed:
- Sexual Health Clinic and all satellite clinics
- City dental clinics
- Parenting-In-Ottawa drop-ins
- City-run child-care centres
- Site program office and supervised consumption services (179 Clarence St.)
Open:
- Health811 line
- Site Mobile Van: 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Whether you’re soaking up sun, exploring museums, or just looking to relax, a bit of planning will go a long way this Victoria Day. Happy long weekend, Ottawa!
