Ottawa is heading into a four-day Easter long weekend, and whether you're planning to run errands, grab a bite, or just need to know if the rec centre is open, it helps to know what's actually operating before you leave the house.
Good Friday (April 3) and Easter Monday (April 6) are both statutory holidays in Ontario, which means a lot of the usual services and businesses are running on reduced hours — or not at all.
What's Closed on Good Friday
Good Friday is the more strictly observed of the two holidays when it comes to closures. Expect the following to be shut:
- Federal and provincial government offices — closed
- Banks and credit unions — closed at most branches
- Ottawa City Hall and most municipal offices — closed
- Canada Post — no mail delivery; post offices closed
- Liquor stores (LCBO) — closed on Good Friday per Ontario law
- Most school boards and libraries — closed
Some grocery stores and pharmacies will remain open with reduced hours — it's worth calling ahead or checking your local store's website.
What's Open Over the Weekend
Saturday and Sunday operate largely as normal weekends, with most retailers, restaurants, and entertainment venues running their regular hours. Easter Sunday itself isn't a statutory holiday in Ontario, so don't expect widespread closures.
Easter Monday (April 6) sees a lighter version of Good Friday's closures — government offices and banks will be shut again, but most retail, restaurants, and malls tend to stay open.
Ottawa's Rideau Centre and most major shopping destinations typically operate over the long weekend, though hours may be adjusted. Same goes for Bayshore Shopping Centre and St. Laurent.
Transit and City Services
OC Transpo typically runs on a holiday schedule on Good Friday and Easter Monday — expect Sunday-level service frequency on those two days. Check the OC Transpo app or website for real-time updates before heading out.
City of Ottawa recreation centres and pools may have adjusted hours or special holiday programming — check ottawa.ca for the latest on specific facilities.
Dining Out This Weekend
Many Ottawa restaurants run special Easter brunch and dinner menus over the long weekend. Popular brunch spots in the Glebe, Westboro, and ByWard Market areas tend to book up fast — if you haven't already made a reservation, now's the time. Check OpenTable or call directly to confirm hours, as some smaller spots may close on Good Friday.
A Few Tips Before You Head Out
- Stock up on groceries and LCBO runs before Good Friday if you can
- Check your pharmacy hours — some close or reduce hours on statutory holidays
- Assume OC Transpo is on a holiday schedule Friday and Monday
- When in doubt, call ahead — hours vary wildly between businesses this weekend
However you're spending the long weekend, Ottawa has plenty going on — from family egg hunts in local parks to Easter dinners with the city's best restaurants. Enjoy the extra day off.
Source: CBC Ottawa
