Victoria Day Retail Hours

The following summarizes Victoria Day regulations across Canada. More information on retail closing days can be found on the RCC website at: https://www.retailcouncil.org/resources/quick-facts/holiday-store-hours/

Since there are many exceptions to Victoria Day retail hours, based on jurisdiction and type of retail store, RCC members are encouraged to check with their local municipality or provincial/territorial government, if they have specific questions.

Please note: In provinces where there are no regulations related to Victoria Day (see below) there may still be rules in a retailer’s shopping mall lease agreement, pertaining to retail opening hours on that day..

Atlantic Canada:

In New Brunswick and in Newfoundland & Labrador, Victoria Day is a retail closing day but not a statutory holiday.

In Prince Edward Island, Victoria Day is not a holiday and shops are free to open.

Nova Scotia: Despite provincial tradition, Victoria Day is not a statutory holiday nor is it a retail closing day. This creates confusion in the province as many Nova Scotia businesses close for Victoria Day and some even provide their employees with a paid day off. Yet, under the law, retailers are free to open on this day and employees do not have the right to refuse to work.

Quebec:

In Quebec, Victoria Day is not a holiday and shops are free to open.

Ontario:
In Ontario, Victoria Day is a statutory holiday. There are exceptions based on municipal jurisdiction, which can be viewed on RCC’s website at http://www.retailcouncil.org/quickfacts/storehours

Manitoba:

In Manitoba, Victoria Day is a statutory holiday. There are exceptions based on municipal jurisdiction, which can be viewed on RCC’s website at https://www.retailcouncil.org/resources/quick-facts/holiday-store-hours/

Saskatchewan / Alberta / BC:
In these provinces, retailers are allowed to open on Victoria Day as long as they pay their employees according to the law.

The Territories/Nunavut:
Retailers are allowed to be open on Victoria Day as long as they pay their employees according to the law.

Again, more information on retail closing days can be found on the RCC website at: https://www.retailcouncil.org/resources/quick-facts/holiday-store-hours/