How Does Sunday & Holiday Hours Work in Canada?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Americas
1The Quick Answer
Most retail is open 7 days a week, but statutory holidays cause significant closures — Boxing Day (December 26) is a major shopping event.
2What You Need to Know
Canadian retail generally operates 7 days a week, though Sundays may have slightly reduced hours. Quebec has a distinct culture around Sunday traditions in smaller towns, but Montreal and Quebec City retail operates normally. Statutory (public) holidays vary by province on top of national holidays — these cause widespread closures of government offices, banks, and many retailers. Christmas Day sees almost universal closure. Boxing Day (December 26) is one of Canada's biggest shopping days with major sales. Thanksgiving falls in October (not November like the US) and causes widespread closures.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Major grocery chains (Loblaws, Sobeys, Metro) are open most days including Sundays with normal or slightly reduced hours
- 2Canadian Thanksgiving is in October — plan around this long weekend as it causes closures and busy travel
- 3Boxing Day (December 26) is a massive shopping event with sales — stores open but expect crowds
How does this compare?
Sunday & Holiday Hours rules in nearby and similar countries:
OXXO and 7-Eleven convenience stores are open 24/7 every day; government offices and banks close on public holidays.
Shopping malls open seven days a week, banks are closed on weekends, and Carnival (February or March) shuts down most of the country for approximately five days.
Major cities operate largely normally on Sundays, but national holidays cause widespread closures across Argentina.
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