Toronto services adjust for Thanksgiving holiday with closures and transit changes
Most grocery stores, government offices and banks will be closed on Monday, Oct. 12, while some attractions remain open.
Analysis
Most major grocery stores, government offices and banks in Toronto will be closed on Thanksgiving Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, while transit systems run on holiday schedules and some attractions stay open.
"Those planning to cook a big Thanksgiving feast better get their ingredients early on, as most grocery stores will be closed for the holiday," the NOW Toronto notes state.
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Major chains including Metro, Loblaws and Sobeys will be closed, though some locations may have reduced hours.
All 24/7 Rabba Fine Foods locations will remain open, and some Shoppers Drug Mart locations will also stay open, according to the notes.
All LCBO and Beer Store retail locations will be closed.
Some Wine Rack locations will remain open, with residents advised to use the store locator to find their nearest one.
"Those planning to make drinks or enjoy a glass of wine on Thanksgiving might also need to plan ahead," the NOW Toronto notes add.
Transit on holiday schedules
The TTC will operate on a Sunday schedule on Monday, with service starting at 6 a.m.
Subway lines 1, 2, and 4 will start at 6 a.m. and end at 2 a.m., with exact times varying by station.
Line 5 Eglinton LRT will operate between 5:30 a.m. and 1:20 a.m., and Line 6 Finch West LRT from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Bus and streetcar routes will run on individual schedules, which can be found on the TTC website.
GO Transit will run on a Saturday schedule, with exact times varying by train.
GO riders can also take advantage of the Weekend Pass, which allows them to ride all day during one weekend day or statutory holiday for only $10.
More information on schedules and passes can be found on the GO Transit website.
Planned subway closures
Riders should prepare for planned service disruptions and closures this Thanksgiving weekend.
Line 2 Bloor-Danforth will be closed between Kipling and Jane stations starting at 6 a.m. on Oct. 9 until Oct. 12 due to planned infrastructure upgrades.
Shuttle buses will be running and TTC staff will be on-site to assist customers.
During this closure, entrance to the Royal York Station will be closed, while other stations will remain open for customers to buy or load PRESTO cards or connect to other routes.
Line 2 service between St. George and Broadview stations will also begin later at 11 a.m. on Monday to accommodate a beam inspection and replacement along the Prince Edward Viaduct.
Shuttle bus service will be running until regular service resumes.
Bay and Sherbourne stations will also be closed, as well as the Yonge St. entrance to Line 2 at Bloor-Yonge Station.
All other stations will operate normally.
Government and library closures
Service Canada and Service Ontario locations will be fully closed on Monday.
All Toronto Public Library branches will be closed on Sunday, Oct. 11 and Monday, Oct. 12.
Regular hours will resume on Tuesday.
City services such as waste drop-off at landfills and in-person permit applications will not be available on Monday.
Residential curbside garbage collection will continue as normal.
There will be no Canada Post mail delivery or drop-off on Monday.
All physical bank branches will be closed for the holiday, though some locations will have ATM access.
Check with your local branch for details.
Retail and attractions
Most major malls, including Yorkdale, Dufferin Mall, Scarborough Town Centre and CF Fairview Mall, will be fully closed.
"Most major tourist attractions will be open with regular hours on Thanksgiving Monday," the Toronto Star notes state.
Those visiting the city for the holiday or planning to explore will still be able to visit some of its main attractions.
Novello Desserts reported in October that border officials urged planning as holiday travel brings long weekend delays.
The Canada Border Services Agency says travellers should expect delays at crossings on the Monday of a holiday weekend.
With files from blogTO, Toronto Star and NOW Toronto
Isabelle Moreau is the editor of Novello Desserts and writes about family life and everyday living in Canada. The editor signs off on corrections and editorial standards.