If you’re heading into the Easter long weekend expecting closures across Montreal, you might be in for a wee bit of a surprise.
While Good Friday (April 3, 2026) is a statutory holiday in Quebec, the city doesn’t mostly shut down the way it does in Ontario. In fact, Montreal stays largely open for business, with shopping centres, grocery stores, restaurants, and attractions all welcoming visitors.
Here’s your complete guide to what’s open and closed across Montreal this Good Friday.
Shopping & Retail: Mostly Open
Unlike in many other provinces, retail stores in Quebec are allowed to operate on Good Friday—and most do.
Surprisingly, that means business as usual:
- Shopping malls are open
- Big-box stores like Walmart and Costco typically operate as usual
- Local boutiques and neighbourhood shops remain open
Translation: It’s essentially a normal shopping day in Montreal.
Grocery Stores & Public Markets
Need to stock up for Easter weekend? No problem.
- Major grocery chains (Metro, Maxi, Super C, IGA) are open
- Specialty grocers and dépanneurs are open
- Public markets like Jean-Talon and Atwater are open with regular hours
It’s one of the easiest long weekends in Canada to grab groceries without stress.
SAQ & SQDC
- Most SAQ locations are open (hours may vary by branch)
- SQDC stores are generally open as well
Always a good idea to check your local store hours, but closures are not widespread.
Restaurants, Bars & Cafés
Montreal’s food scene doesn’t take a holiday.
- Restaurants and cafés are open across the city
- Brunch spots are especially busy for Easter weekend
- Bars and nightlife operate normally
Expect crowds—this is a popular weekend for dining out.
Attractions & Things to Do
Looking for something to do? You’ve got options.
Most major attractions are open, including:
- Museums
- The Old Port
- Botanical Garden, Biodôme, and Planetarium
Many operate on regular or even extended hours for the holiday weekend.
Transit
Public transit continues running, but on a modified schedule:
- STM buses and métro follow a holiday schedule
- Exo commuter trains and buses may adjust service
Plan ahead, especially if you’re heading out early or late.
What’s Closed in Montréal on Good Friday April 4, 2026
While much of Montreal stays open, some services do shut down:
Government & Public Services
- Government offices
- Municipal administrative services
- Courts
Banks & Mail
- Banks are closed
- No Canada Post mail delivery
Libraries & Schools
- Many public libraries are closed or have reduced hours
- Schools are closed
The Big Difference: Easter Sunday
Here’s the key detail many people miss:
Good Friday is open in Montreal, but Easter Sunday is not.
Quebec’s retail laws require most stores to close on Easter Sunday, making it the real “shutdown day” of the long weekend.
Quick Summary for Good Friday Rules in Montréal
Open:
- Shopping malls and retail
- Grocery stores and markets
- Restaurants and cafés
- Attractions and museums
- SAQ, SQDC, pharmacies
Closed:
- Government offices
- Banks and mail
- Many libraries and schools
Final Thoughts
Montreal flips the script on the usual holiday routine.
Instead of quiet streets and shuttered shops, Good Friday is a lively, business-as-usual day across the city—hopping with people shopping, dining, and exploring.
Just don’t wait until Sunday to run your errands… because that’s when things really close.
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