As the Easter long weekend approaches, residents across various regions in Canada are preparing for a mix of closures and openings among local businesses and services. With Good Friday on April 18, 2025, and Easter Sunday on April 20, 2025, many establishments will operate on altered schedules, while others will remain closed for the holiday.
In Waterloo Region, the weather is expected to be a mix of sunshine and rain, with temperatures hovering around 18°C on Good Friday. However, thunderstorms are anticipated in the morning, followed by rain throughout the day. Saturday will see similar weather conditions with a high of 17°C, while Easter Sunday is expected to bring back some sunshine, albeit with a drop in temperature to around 13°C.
Most big-chain grocery stores in Waterloo will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, though select locations may remain open. The LCBO and beer stores will also close their doors on these days. Grand River Transit will follow holiday schedules on Good Friday, with regular service resuming on Saturday and Monday. Customer service locations in Cambridge and Kitchener will be closed on Good Friday and Monday, while libraries across the region will shut down on those same days.
For those looking for activities, the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum and Schneider Haus National Historic Site will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from Good Friday to Easter Monday. Additionally, several Easter egg hunts are planned across the region, including events at St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market, Uptown Waterloo, and the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory.
Meanwhile, in Regina, residents will also experience a blend of closures and openings. On Good Friday, bus routes will operate on a Sunday schedule, with regular service returning on Monday. The landfill will be closed on Friday and Easter Sunday but will be open on Saturday and Monday. City facilities, including leisure centers, will have varying hours, with the Sandra Schmirler Leisure Centre and Northwest Leisure Centre closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
Attractions like the Royal Saskatchewan Museum will remain open daily, while the MacKenzie Art Gallery will close on Sunday and Monday. Most banks will be closed on Good Friday and Monday, and government offices will be shuttered during the holiday. Residents are encouraged to check with local businesses regarding their hours of operation.
In Toronto, the situation is similar. On Good Friday, government offices, libraries, banks, and most major grocery stores will be closed. However, the Toronto Eaton Centre and Markville Mall will be open for limited hours. Select grocery stores and drugstores will operate, including Rabba Fine Foods, which is open 24/7. Many attractions, such as the Aga Khan Museum and the Royal Ontario Museum, will also welcome visitors on Good Friday.
On Easter Sunday, closures will continue for government offices, libraries, and many malls, but the Toronto Eaton Centre will again open its doors for limited hours. The TTC and GO Transit will maintain holiday schedules throughout the weekend, ensuring residents can still navigate the city.
In Greater Saint John, New Brunswick, malls and big-box stores will close on Good Friday and Easter Sunday but will be open on Saturday and Monday. Public libraries will also shut down on these days, with Canada Post offices closed for mail delivery. Saint John Transit will not operate on Good Friday but will resume regular service for the remainder of the weekend.
In Newmarket, Ontario, the Upper Canada Mall will be open on Good Friday with reduced hours, while most other stores will close for the holiday. Grocery stores will maintain limited hours, and various recreational facilities will operate on a modified schedule. LCBO and Beer Store locations will be closed on both Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
As the Easter weekend unfolds, residents are reminded to check the hours of their favorite local businesses to avoid disappointment. With a mix of closures and activities planned, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday, whether through community events or family gatherings.
