Autumn has arrived, marking the onset of Thanksgiving celebrations throughout Canada. This year, Thanksgiving falls on October 12, 2026, the second Monday of the month.
For those in Ottawa, here is a brief overview of holiday operating hours and closures in the city. It is recommended to verify directly with establishments before planning your visit.
## Shopping and Attractions
Certain areas in Ottawa, such as the Glebe and ByWard Market, are permitted to open on holidays under the Retail Business Holidays Act.
**Grocery Stores**
While most grocery stores in the city will be closed on Monday, some in specified regions will remain open. Operating hours may vary between Sunday and Monday.
**Alcohol**
Both Beer Store and LCBO outlets will be closed. However, alcohol may be obtainable at rural LCBO convenience outlets and select grocery stores open on Monday.
**Malls**
Bayshore, Place d’Orléans, and St. Laurent malls will be closed. The Rideau Centre will remain open, with individual store timings subject to change.
**Museums and Galleries**
The National Gallery of Canada, along with various other museums, including those dedicated to agriculture, aviation, history, nature, science, and war, will be open. The Ottawa Art Gallery and Diefenbunker will be closed.
## Services
**Waste**
There will be no curbside green bin, recycling, or garbage collection on Thanksgiving. Regular waste pickup will resume on Tuesday, with a one-day delay for the rest of the week.
**Libraries**
All Ottawa Public Library branches will be closed.
**Municipal Child Care**
Municipal childcare centers will be closed on the holiday.
**Recreation**
While many recreation facilities will be closed, some will operate on modified schedules. Visit Ottawa’s official website for a listing of facilities that will be open.
**Ottawa Public Health**
The Site mobile van will be available from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The Sexual Health Clinic, satellite clinics, and dental clinics will be closed.
**Pharmacies**
A few pharmacies may remain open on Thanksgiving. It is advisable to confirm holiday hours with individual stores.
**Banks**
Most bank branches will be closed on Monday, but some ATMs may still be accessible.
**Other Services**
City hall, client service centers, and the provincial court will be closed. The city’s 311 contact center will be open for urgent matters, while ServiceOntario, Service Canada, and similar government services will be closed.
## Getting Around
**Parking**
All City of Ottawa parking regulations and restrictions will be enforced.
**Transit**
OC Transpo will run on a Sunday schedule. The Rideau Centre customer service center will operate from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For Para Transpo users, regular bookings will be canceled, and trips can be rebooked through My Para Transpo or by calling 613-560-5000. The taxi coupon line and Para Transpo text service will remain active.
This Thanksgiving, plan your day out accordingly and enjoy the holiday celebrations in Ottawa.
