May 20 Victoria Day Niagara Falls, St. Catharines and Welland: What’s Open and Closed

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Published May 17, 2024 at 5:00 am

What's closed and open Victoria Day in Niagara and St Catharines

Victoria Day has been observed in Canada since at least 1845 and has always been a distinctly Canadian observance. No other country in the world celebrates her birthday, including Great Britain.

In Canada, the May 2-4 weekend has often been considered the beginning of the summer season. Cottages are aired out and opened, camping trips are planned and gardens are planted.

It falls on the Monday between the 18th and the 24th (inclusive), so in this year’s case, it’s May 20, 2024.

So what’s open and what’s closed this coming Monday?

Most of Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake businesses remain open as both the city and the town are designated as tourism destinations and thus can remain open on federal or provincial holidays.

The other 10 municipalities in Niagara, including St. Catharines and Welland, are mostly shut down. While some businesses are posting hours, others add “Hours may differ” because it’s a holiday. The best bet? Call ahead.

Open Victoria Day Monday:
(For every business below, phone ahead as most are posting “Hours may differ”)
  • Canada One in Niagara Falls
  • SmartCentres in Niagara Falls
  • Outlet Collection at Niagara in Niagara-on-the-Lake
  • Some smaller grocery stores, such as Rabba grocery stores
  • There are over 60 Niagara-region wineries/vineyards and most will be open. Phone your favourite for times.
  • Most restaurants are open for dine-in, takeout and delivery, but call ahead to be sure.
  • Most Shoppers Drug Marts
  • Movie theatres
  • All Niagara Falls family-oriented tourist attractions but call ahead

Closed Victoria Day Monday:

  • All City and Town Halls
  • Federal and provincial government offices
  • All municipal offices
  • Most grocery stores are closed but call ahead to be sure
  • The Pen Centre in St Catharines (Landmark Cinemas are open)
  • Fairview Mall in St Catharines
  • Briarfield Shopping Centre in St Catharines
  • Pendale Plaza in St Catharines
  • Seaway Mall in Welland
  • SmartCentres in Welland and St Catharines
  • Most community centres and libraries but call ahead
  • Banks
  • Canada Post (no mail pick up or delivery)
  • Community Recycling Centres
  • All LCBOs
  • All Beer Stores
  • City Hall
  • Provincial government offices

Transit

  • GO Transit will operate on a Saturday schedule
  • Transit services in St Catharines, Welland and Niagara Falls will operate on holiday hours

Garbage:

  • There will be no garbage pick-up on Monday, May 20 (all waste collection for the week will be one day later than usual)
  • Community Recycling Centres will be closed Monday
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