Hours of Operation

Post offices are closed weekends, but post-office service counters in drugstores are usually open on Sunday. When open, hours are generally 8 to 6 or 9 to 7. There is no mail delivery on weekends. The Beer Store, which sells beer only, and the LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario), which sells wine, beer, and liquor, close on holidays.

Most banks are open Monday through Thursday 10 to 5 and Friday 10 to 6. Some are open longer hours and on Saturday. All banks are closed on national holidays. Most have ATMs accessible around the clock.

As in most large North American urban areas, many highway and city gas stations in and around Toronto are open 24 hours, although there's rarely a mechanic on duty Sunday. Smaller stations close at 7 pm.

Toronto museums have an array of opening and closing times; it's best to phone ahead or check websites.

Most retail stores are open Monday through Saturday 10 to 6, and many now open on Sunday (generally noon to 5) as well. Downtown stores are usually open until 9 pm seven days a week. Some shops are open Thursday and Friday evenings, too. Shopping malls tend to be open weekdays from 9 or 10 am to 9 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm, and Sunday from noon to 5 pm, although many extend their hours pre-Christmas. Corner convenience stores are often open until midnight, seven days a week.

Holidays

Standard Canadian national holidays are New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day (Monday preceding May 25), Canada Day (July 1), Civic Day (aka Simcoe Day in Toronto; first Monday in August), Labour Day (first Monday in September), Thanksgiving (second Monday in October), Remembrance Day (November 11), Christmas, and Boxing Day (December 26).