As the Easter long weekend approaches, residents and visitors in Toronto and other regions are gearing up for a mix of closures and open establishments. Many places will be shuttered during this holiday period, while others will welcome guests, albeit with modified hours.
In Toronto, significant closures are expected on Good Friday, April 18, 2025, and Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. Most major supermarket chains will close their doors on these two days, including the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) and Beer Store. However, some LCBO branches will resume operations on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. Fortunately, most Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall pharmacies will remain open throughout the weekend, providing essential services to those in need.
The Eaton Centre will maintain limited hours, operating from 11 AM to 7 PM on Good Friday, 10 AM to 9 PM on Saturday, 12 PM to 5 PM on Easter Sunday, and 10 AM to 9 PM on Easter Monday. In contrast, Yorkdale Shopping Centre will close on both Saturday and Easter Monday, along with several other shopping centers including Fairview, Scarborough Town Centre, Shops at Don Mills, Square One, and Vaughan Mills.
Public services in Toronto will also be impacted. City libraries will be closed on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday. However, ferries to the Toronto Islands will operate on their regular spring schedule throughout the long weekend, offering a scenic escape for those looking to enjoy the outdoors.
For families looking for activities, the Toronto Zoo and Riverdale Farm will be open all weekend, alongside the Allan Gardens and Centennial Park greenhouses. Despite closures of all City of Toronto community centers on Good Friday and Easter Monday, unstructured programs will be available on Saturday and Easter Sunday.
In a similar vein, cultural centers such as the Cedar Ridge Creative Centre and Clark Centre for the Arts will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday but will open on Saturday and Easter Sunday from 9 AM to 4 PM. The Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery and the Ascent Gallery will not welcome visitors throughout the entire holiday weekend.
In the bustling St. Lawrence Market, the southern portion will be closed on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday. However, it will open on Saturday from 7 AM to 5 PM. The northern portion will host a farmers market on Saturday from 5 AM to 3 PM, providing an opportunity for fresh produce and local goods.
ServiceOntario and Service Canada points will also close on Good Friday and Easter Monday, limiting access to government services during the holiday. For those looking to explore cultural attractions, the Royal Ontario Museum will be open from 10 AM to 5:30 PM throughout the weekend, and the CN Tower will also welcome visitors.
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) has adjusted its hours for the holiday, being open from 10:30 AM to 4 PM on Good Friday and Easter Monday, while Saturday and Easter Sunday will see extended hours from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Ripley’s Aquarium will be open throughout the long weekend, offering fun for families and marine enthusiasts alike.
Meanwhile, in Angoulême, France, the local markets are also preparing for the Easter holiday. Les Halles will be closed on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, as merchants could not reach an agreement on opening. However, the Victor-Hugo market will open, albeit with a limited number of vendors. Most supermarkets in the area, including Leclerc and Auchan, will remain open all day, ensuring that residents can still find essential supplies.
In the Charlevoix region, major grocery stores will close on Easter Sunday, while small grocery stores and convenience stores will remain open. Pharmacies will operate with hours from 9 AM to 5 PM on Saturday, Sunday, and Easter Monday. The SAQ branches in Baie-Saint-Paul, Clermont, and La Malbaie will follow their usual schedules, while the SQDC in La Malbaie will be closed on Sunday.
Shopping centers such as the Centre Charlevoix in La Malbaie and the Centre commercial Le Village in Baie-Saint-Paul will close on Easter Sunday. The Complexe Sportif de La Malbaie will also be closed on Easter Monday, with all scheduled courses for Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday canceled. The Bloc sportif de Baie-Saint-Paul will close on Easter Sunday but will operate on its regular schedule on other days.
Banks and government offices will also take a break from operations from Good Friday to Easter Monday. However, the Musée de Charlevoix and the Musée d’art contemporain de Baie-Saint-Paul will remain open according to their usual hours, providing cultural enrichment for those looking to explore the local art scene.
As families and individuals prepare for the long weekend, it’s essential to check the hours of operation for local businesses and services to avoid any inconvenience. With a mix of closures and open establishments, residents have various options for shopping, dining, and entertainment during this Easter holiday.
