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Stores Open On Victoria Day Near Me & Things To Do On May 19

May 18, 2025
10:37 pm

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Last Updated On 18 May 2025, 8:51 PM EDT (Toronto Time)

As we are going through Victoria Day long weekend in the unofficial start of summer, residents and visitors in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are gearing up for a mix of relaxation and errands.

This year, Victoria Day is being celebrated tomorrow Monday, May 19, 2025, a statutory holiday in Ontario and a federal holiday across Canada.

Whether you’re looking to grab some groceries, a bottle of wine, or planning a shopping spree, knowing what’s open on Victoria Day is key to making the most of your holiday.

This comprehensive guide highlights stores, malls, attractions, and services open or closed on Victoria Day 2025, optimized to help you plan your day and discover nearby options.

From grocery stores to shopping centres and fun things to do, we’ve got you covered!

Victoria Day is a public holiday, meaning many businesses, including government offices, banks, and schools, will be closed.

However, select stores and attractions in the GTA will remain open, some with adjusted hours.

Below, we break down the details for grocery stores, liquor stores, shopping malls, services, and activities in Toronto and surrounding areas.

Grocery Stores Open on Victoria Day in the GTA

Need to restock your fridge? Here’s a rundown of grocery stores open in Toronto on May 19, 2025:

Aisle 24: This cashierless grocery chain operates 24/7, 365 days a year. Download their app to access any location, perfect for last-minute needs.
Farm Boy: Several locations will be open with modified hours:
- College and Bay: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sugar Wharf: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- St. Clair: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Harbourfront: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Yonge and Silvermaple: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Aurora: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Newmarket: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Bronte: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Port Credit: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Loblaws: The 60 Carlton St. location will be open, while most other Loblaws, No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore, Fortinos, and Valu-mart stores will be closed.
Metro: The College Park (444 Yonge St.) store will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., but most Metro and Food Basics locations will be closed.
Rabba: All locations are open 24/7, making it a reliable option for groceries any time.
Longo’s: Select stores will be open; check your local store’s hours.
Summerhill Market: All Toronto locations will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m..
Whole Foods: The Yorkville store will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., while other locations will be closed.
Eataly: All Toronto locations will be open for your Italian grocery and dining needs.
Walmart: The Rexdale store will be open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., but other Toronto locations will be closed.

Closed Grocery Stores: Most Costco, Sobeys, FreshCo, Foodland, and IGA stores will be closed on Victoria Day.

Pro Tip: Call ahead or check store websites for exact hours, as they may vary by location.

Planning a Victoria Day celebration? Here’s where you can grab wine, beer, or spirits:

LCBO: All stores will be closed on Victoria Day.
The Beer Store: 82 locations will be open, most from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with some exceptions. Check your local store for specific hours.
Wine Rack: Many Toronto locations will be open; confirm hours with your nearest store.

If retail therapy is on your Victoria Day agenda, here’s what’s open:

Toronto Eaton Centre: Open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m..
Promenade Shopping Centre: Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m..
Toronto Premium Outlets: Open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m..
Square One (Mississauga): Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m..
Bramalea City Centre (Brampton): Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m..
Pacific Mall (Markham): Open 365 days a year, ideal for unique finds.

Closed Malls:

Yorkdale Shopping Centre (some individual stores may be open)
Scarborough Town Centre
Fairview Mall
Sherway Gardens
Erin Mills Town Centre (Mississauga)

Pro Tip: Malls with adjusted hours are great for holiday deals, so plan your visit early to beat the crowds.

Essential services may have altered schedules:

TTC: Operates on a holiday schedule, with service from approximately 6 a.m. to 2 a.m..
GO Transit: Runs on a Saturday schedule.
Garbage Collection: Regular daytime and nighttime residential/commercial pickups will occur, but drop-off depots and transfer stations will be closed.
Banks, Canada Post, Service Canada, ServiceOntario: All closed, though some ServiceOntario transactions are available online.
Community Centres and Inquiry Counters: Closed, including facilities at Toronto City Hall, East York Civic Centre, and other civic centres.

Pro Tip: Use online services for banking or government transactions to avoid holiday closures.

Monday is a great time to explore Toronto’s attractions. Here are some open spots for family-friendly fun or solo adventures:

Ashbridges Bay Park: Catch the fireworks display starting at 10 p.m..
CN Tower: Open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m..
Toronto Zoo: Open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m..
Ripley’s Aquarium: Open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m..
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): Open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m..
Riverdale Farm: Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free admission.
High Park Animal Display: Open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with vehicle-free roads for a peaceful visit.
Fort York National Historic Site: Open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m..
City of Toronto Golf Courses: All five courses are open; book tee times online.
Conservatories: Centennial Park and Allan Gardens are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free admission.

Closed Attractions:

St. Lawrence Market
Cultural Centres and Art Galleries (e.g., Assembly Hall, Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Galleries)

Pro Tip: Combine a visit to Ashbridges Bay for fireworks with a trip to a nearby open grocery store like Rabba for picnic supplies.

To locate stores open near your GTA neighborhood, use mapping apps or store locators on retailer websites. For example:

Rabba: Search for 24/7 locations in Toronto.
Farm Boy: Check their website for open stores in your area.
Walmart: Confirm if the Rexdale location is closest to you.

Victoria Day 2025 in the Greater Toronto Area is a chance to enjoy a long weekend filled with shopping, dining, and entertainment.

While many stores and services will be closed, options like Toronto Eaton Centre, Rabba, Farm Boy, and attractions like the CN Tower and Ashbridges Bay fireworks ensure there’s plenty to do.

Use this guide to plan your day, find open stores near you, and make the most of the holiday in the GTA.

Have a happy Victoria Day, and share this guide with friends to help them navigate the holiday!

Is everything closed on Victoria Day?

No, not everything is closed, but many businesses, including government offices, banks, schools, and some retail stores, are closed due to the statutory holiday in Ontario, several grocery stores, shopping malls, and attractions in the GTA remain open with regular or modified hours.

Is anything open on Victoria Day?

Yes, many places are open in the GTA on Victoria Day. Examples include select grocery stores (e.g., Rabba, Farm Boy), shopping centres (e.g., Toronto Eaton Centre), liquor stores (e.g., The Beer Store), and attractions like the CN Tower, Toronto Zoo, and Ashbridges Bay for fireworks.

What is open on Victoria Day?

In the GTA on Victoria Day 2025, you can visit:

Grocery Stores: Rabba (24/7), Farm Boy (select locations), Loblaws at 60 Carlton St., Metro at College Park, Whole Foods Yorkville, Summerhill Market, and Eataly.

Liquor Stores: The Beer Store (select locations, mostly 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and many Wine Rack stores.

Shopping Malls: Toronto Eaton Centre (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.), Promenade Shopping Centre (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Toronto Premium Outlets (9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.), Square One, Bramalea City Centre, and Pacific Mall.

Attractions: CN Tower, Toronto Zoo, Ripley’s Aquarium, Royal Ontario Museum, Riverdale Farm, High Park Animal Display, Fort York, and city golf courses.

Services: TTC (holiday schedule), GO Transit (Saturday schedule).
Check specific locations for exact hours.

Why is Victoria Day celebrated?

This day is celebrated in Canada to honor the birthday of Queen Victoria, born on May 24, 1819. Observed on the Monday before May 25, it’s a statutory holiday in Ontario and a federal holiday, marking the unofficial start of summer. In the GTA, it’s celebrated with fireworks, outdoor activities, and community events like the Ashbridges Bay fireworks display.

Is Walmart open on Victoria Day?

Most Walmart stores in Toronto will be closed on Victoria Day 2025. However, the Walmart Rexdale location will be open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Check with your local Walmart for specific hours.

Is Superstore open on Victoria Day?

Most Real Canadian Superstore locations in the GTA will be closed on Victoria Day, as they are part of the Loblaws family of stores. Confirm with your nearest store, as hours may vary by location.

Are grocery stores closed on Victoria Day?

Not all grocery stores are closed, but many, such as Costco, most Loblaws, Sobeys, and Metro locations, will be closed, several remain open in the GTA, including:

Rabba (24/7)
Aisle 24 (24/7)
Farm Boy (select locations, e.g., College and Bay, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Loblaws at 60 Carlton St.
Metro at College Park (8 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
Whole Foods Yorkville (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Summerhill Market (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Check store websites for details.

Is Markville Mall open on Victoria Day?

Markville Shopping Centre in Markham is typically closed on Monday, as are many major malls in the GTA. However, nearby Pacific Mall, which operates 365 days a year, will be open. Always verify with Markville Mall’s official website for any last-minute changes.