“Are the stores and shopping malls in Canada open on Thanksgiving Day?” That depends on where you are. Stores and malls in some provinces are allowed to open. In other provinces, retailers are required to remain closed on Monday, October 14, 2024.
I am by no means an expert on this. But here are the rules as I understand them and to the best of my knowledge:
ALBERTA: There are no laws in Alberta which prohibit retailers from being open on statutory holidays. If the store is located within a mall, the common rules of the shopping center must be followed. Most stores, shopping malls, and restaurants across Alberta will be OPEN on Thanksgiving Day.
BRITISH COLUMBIA: There are no laws in British Columbia which prohibit retailers from being open on statutory holidays. If the store is located within a mall, the common rules of the shopping center must be followed. Most stores, shopping malls, and restaurants across British Columbia will be OPEN on Thanksgiving Day.
MANITOBA: Provincial law prohibits most retailers from being open on Thanksgiving Day. There are exceptions for certain retailers in Winnipeg and Brandon. Most stores, shopping malls, and restaurants outside of Winnipeg and Brandon will be CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day.
NEW BRUNSWICK: Provincial law prohibits most retailers from being open Thanksgiving Day. Most stores, shopping malls, and restaurants across New Brunswick will be CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day.
NEWFOUNDLAND/LABRADOR: Provincial law prohibits most retailers from being open on Thanksgiving Day. Most stores, shopping malls, and restaurants across Newfoundland/Labrador will be CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day.
NORTHWEST TERRITORIES: There are no laws in the Northwest Territories which prohibit retailers from being open on statutory holidays. If the store is located within a mall, the common rules of the shopping center must be followed. Most stores, shopping malls, and restaurants across the Northwest Territories will be OPEN on Thanksgiving Day.
NOVA SCOTIA: Provincial law prohibits most retailers from being open on Thanksgiving Day. Most stores, shopping malls, and restaurants across Nova Scotia will be CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day.
NUNAVUT: There are no laws in Nunavut which prohibit retailers from being open on statutory holidays. Most stores, shopping malls, and restaurants across Nunavut will be OPEN on Thanksgiving Day.
ONTARIO: Provincial law prohibits most retailers from being open on Thanksgiving Day. Exceptions: flower shops, gas stations, pharmacies under 7,500 square feet, and book or magazine stores with 3 or less employees and of 2,400 square feet or less. Most stores, shopping malls, and restaurants across Ontario will be CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day. Yes, this DOES include LCBO and Beer Stores, so plan ahead for the holiday!
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND: Provincial law prohibits most retailers from being open on Thanksgiving Day. Most stores, shopping malls, and restaurants across P.E.I. will be CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day. Also, don’t forget that most Prince Edward Island retailers are required by law to be closed on Sunday.
QUEBEC: Provincial law allows most retailers to be open on Thanksgiving Day. Most stores, shopping malls, and restaurants across Quebec will be OPEN on Thanksgiving Day.
SASKATCHEWAN: There are no laws in Saskatchewan which prohibit retailers from being open on statutory holidays, providing they are normally open on Sundays. Most stores, shopping malls, and restaurants across Saskatchewan will be OPEN on Thanksgiving Day.
YUKON: There are no laws in the Yukon which prohibit retailers from being open on statutory holidays. If the store is located within a mall, the common rules of the shopping center must be followed. Most stores, shopping malls, and restaurants across Yukon will be OPEN on Thanksgiving Day.
As always, be sure to give a friendly call to your favorite store or mall to confirm holiday holiday hours of operation before venturing out on Monday, October 14. If you know of additions or exceptions to these rules, please share with us. Happy Thanksgiving Day 2024, Canada!