Thanksgiving Retail Hours

Thanksgiving is a statutory holiday in all provinces and territories.

The following is a brief overview of retail business regulations from across the country, as related to Thanksgiving Day.

Since there are exceptions to Thanksgiving 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 Thanksgiving Day retail hours (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, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, Thanksgiving Day is a retail closing day for most retailers.

Quebec:
In Quebec, retailers are allowed to open on Thanksgiving Day as long as they pay their employees according to the law.

Ontario:
In Ontario, many retailers will be closed on Thanksgiving Day; however, there are exceptions based on municipal jurisdiction.

Manitoba:
In Manitoba, Thanksgiving Day is a retail closing day for most retailers.

British Columbia / Alberta / Saskatchewan:
In British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, retailers are allowed to open on Thanksgiving Day as long as they pay their employees according to the law.

Territories:
In the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon, retailers are allowed to open on Thanksgiving Day as long as they pay their employees according to the law.