What's Open on Labour Day in Ottawa

Labour Day is a statutory public holiday in Canada that falls on the first Monday of every September—not to be confused with International Workers Day, which falls on 1st May universally. Canada's Labour Day has its roots in several labour movements of the 19th century that campaigned for workers' rights amid rapid industrialization. The holiday gained official recognition as a public holiday in 1894 through legislation and continues to be a tribute to the contributions of workers across Canada.

Today, the day is commemorated as a day of rest for workers, with many special events, including Labour Day Classic events for entertainment. Our article covers the Labour Day in Ottawa and what businesses remain open during this occasion. Let's get into it.

Public Transportation and Municipal Services

The OC Transpo, Ottawa's public transit system, usually operates on a Sunday schedule on Labour Day. In 2023, the O-Train Line 1 service ran from 8 am to 11 pm, and the Line 2 bus service from 7:30 am to 11 pm.

Municipal services such as the Green bin, recycling, and garbage collection are usually unavailable on Labour Day, with services only resuming on Tuesday.

Shopping and Groceries

Many major shopping malls remain closed or operate at holiday hours—10 am to 6 pm on Labour Day. For instance, here's a list of major shopping centers and groceries and how they functioned on the day last year:

• The Bayshore Shopping Centre, Place d'Orléans, and the St. Laurent Shopping Centre were closed.
• The Rideau Centre and Tanger Outlets opened from 10 am to 6 pm.
• Whole Foods at Lansdowne Park opened from 8 am to 6 pm.
• The Farm Boy in the Rideau Centre opened from 10 am to 6 pm.
• The Loblaws on Rideau Street opened from 7 am to 10 pm.
• The Metro Glebe grocery store at 754 Bank St. opened from 9 am to 8 pm.

Dining Out

Many restaurants in Ottawa stay open on Labour Day, especially those in popular areas. It's advisable to make reservations in advance if you're looking to dine out, as some restaurants may have adjusted hours or special holiday menus.

Fast food chains such as McDonald's, Tim Hortons, and Starbucks will also have varying hours, often operating with reduced staff.

Cultural Attractions and Entertainment

Ottawa's cultural sites and museums, like the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of History, and the Canadian War Museum, are popular destinations on Labour Day. These institutions typically remain open, although some may have reduced hours or host special events. Here's how Ottawa's cultural sites operated on Labour Day 2023:

• The National Gallery of Canada was open from 10 am to 5 pm.
• The Canadian Museum of Nature was open from 9:30 am to 5 pm.
• The history and war museums were closed.
• The agriculture, aviation, and science museums opened from 9 am to 5 pm.
• The Karsh-Masson Gallery and the City Hall Art Gallery were closed.
• All Ottawa Public Library branches were closed.

Outdoor Entertainment

Ottawa's parks usually remain open for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the holiday. Major parks like Gatineau Park and Rideau Canal allow you to enjoy holiday picnics, hikes, and leisurely walks.

Pools and fitness centers may be open for public swimming, with modified schedules. Always check for lifeguards if you're heading down to the beaches.

Movie Theatres

The good news for those yearning for a good movie is that most movie theatres remain open on Labour Day. Last year, all Cineplex theatre locations and the ByTowne Cinema and Mayfair Theatre were open.

Conclusion

While many businesses and services close their doors on Labour Day in Ottawa, plenty of options are open for those looking to shop, dine, or explore the city. Whether you're planning a quiet day of relaxation or a fun outing with family and friends, always stay informed on the latest news to make the most of this Labour Day.