Updated July 2026. Good Friday is one of Canada’s most widely observed statutory holidays, but what actually closes varies significantly by province. Here’s how the rules work, so you can plan around it whichever year you’re reading this.
Where Good Friday Is a Full Statutory Holiday
Good Friday is a federal statutory holiday across all provinces and territories except Quebec, where it’s only partially observed — Quebec employers must offer either Good Friday or Easter Monday off, but aren’t required to provide both. Federally regulated workplaces, including banks and government agencies, close nationwide on Good Friday itself.
Government Services and Mail
Expect closures at Service Canada offices, most provincial government offices, municipal offices and city halls, courts and tribunals, and Passport Canada offices. Canada Post doesn’t collect or deliver mail on Good Friday, and corporate outlets close entirely — though some privately operated postal outlets may stay open with modified hours. If you have an urgent government transaction, complete it the business day before the holiday to avoid delays.
Retail Closures Vary Sharply by Province
- Ontario: most major grocery chains (Loblaws, Metro, Walmart, Costco) close, though select locations and many pharmacy chains like Shoppers Drug Mart operate with modified hours.
- British Columbia: retailers can open as long as employees receive statutory holiday pay — malls and grocery stores typically run reduced hours rather than closing entirely.
- Alberta: government offices and schools close, but retailers can choose to open under holiday pay regulations; public transit runs a holiday schedule.
- Quebec: many businesses stay open on Good Friday itself, with Easter Sunday functioning as the retail closing day instead for most retailers.
- Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, Newfoundland and Labrador): Good Friday is a mandated retail closing day — most stores close, though some pharmacies remain open.
Public Transit
Major transit systems typically run modified holiday schedules — Toronto’s TTC generally shifts to a Sunday schedule, Vancouver’s TransLink follows a Sunday/holiday schedule, and Montreal’s STM runs reduced holiday service. Check your local transit authority for exact timing, since these schedules can shift slightly year to year.
What Stays Open Regardless
- Hospitals and emergency rooms
- Pharmacies, typically with adjusted hours
- Gas stations and convenience stores
- Restaurants and fast-food chains
- Movie theatres
How to Plan Ahead
If you have deadlines, appointments, or deliveries that fall on or near Good Friday, confirm your specific province’s rules directly with the business or office involved — these general patterns hold year to year, but individual retailers and offices still set their own exact hours within their province’s framework.
