The Easter weekend from Friday, April 18, 2025, to Monday, April 21, 2025, is approaching, promising a well-deserved break for many Quebecers. As the long weekend draws near, it’s essential to know what services will be open or closed during this festive period.
Most large-surface grocery stores, shopping centers, and retail businesses will close their doors on Sunday, April 20, 2025. However, they will be open on Friday, April 18, 2025, Saturday, April 19, 2025, and Monday, April 21, 2025, allowing shoppers to stock up on their Easter essentials before the holiday.
Meanwhile, many smaller businesses, such as convenience stores, neighborhood grocery stores, and pharmacies, will operate throughout the weekend. These establishments will remain open on all four days, providing essential services to those in need. The branches of the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) will be open, except for the SAQ Dépôt, which will close on Sunday. Similarly, the Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) will close its branches on Sunday but will maintain services on the other days.
On the government services front, provincial and federal service points, including the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), Revenu Québec, Passport Canada, and Service Canada, will not be accessible on Friday and Monday. However, essential services like police, fire safety, garbage collection, and water treatment will continue uninterrupted.
For those relying on public transportation, adjustments will be necessary. In Montreal, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) will operate buses and metros on Good Friday and Easter Monday according to the holiday schedule. On Saturday and Sunday, the usual weekend schedules will be in effect. The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) will also maintain service on Friday and Monday from 5:30 a.m. to 8:40 p.m., with trains running every eight minutes. It's worth noting that shorter REM trains will be in operation rather than the longer versions.
Similar adjustments will be made by the Société de transport de Laval (STL) and the Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL), which will follow the holiday schedule on Friday and Monday. In Quebec City, the Réseau de transport de la Capitale will operate on a Saturday schedule on Friday and a Sunday schedule on Monday.
As for banking services, most banks and caisses will be closed on Friday but will generally reopen on Easter Monday. This closure may affect those looking to manage their finances over the long weekend.
Quebecers looking to enjoy cultural outings will find plenty of options available during the long weekend. Attractions such as the Biodôme, Insectarium, Botanical Garden, Planétarium, and Biosphere in Montreal will welcome visitors from Friday to Monday. However, it's advisable to check with individual facilities regarding their specific hours, as schedules for libraries, museums, and recreation centers may vary.
On Friday, April 18, 2025, the following establishments will be open: shopping centers, various retail businesses, convenience stores, pharmacies, SAQ, SQDC, Biodôme, Insectarium, Botanical Garden, Planétarium, Biosphere, ecocentres, restaurants, bars, grocery stores (both large and small), gas stations, public transport, museums, gyms, places of worship, hair salons, beauty salons, casinos, and movie theaters. Conversely, banks and caisses, Canada Post, Bureaux Accès Montréal (BAM), and federal and provincial service points will be closed.
Saturday, April 19, 2025, will be a regular Saturday, with no special hours or closures. On Sunday, April 20, 2025, pharmacies, convenience stores, SAQ Classique and Express, Biodôme, Biosphere, Insectarium, Botanical Garden, Planétarium, ecocentres, public transport services, gas stations, restaurants, bars, small-surface grocery stores, some museums and cinemas, public markets, and neighborhood markets will remain open. However, the SQDC, shopping centers, retail businesses, and large-surface grocery stores will be closed.
On Monday, April 21, 2025, pharmacies, shopping centers, retail businesses, convenience stores, banks and caisses, SAQ, SQDC, Biodôme, Biosphère, Insectarium, Botanical Garden, Planétarium, ecocentres, public transport services, gas stations, restaurants, bars, and grocery stores (both small and large, with exceptions) will be open. Canada Post, Bureaux Accès Montréal (BAM), and federal and provincial service points will be closed.
To avoid any surprises, residents are encouraged to plan their outings carefully, ensuring that they are aware of the operating hours of their desired destinations. Whether it’s stocking up on supplies, visiting cultural sites, or simply enjoying time off, understanding the service schedules will help make the most of the Easter weekend.
As the Easter weekend approaches, Quebecers are reminded to check the schedules of their favorite establishments to avoid disappointment. With a variety of options available, it promises to be a festive time for all.
