Family Day 2026: What’s Open, What’s Closed and How to Plan Ahead
Family Day is here and if you’re wondering what’s open and what’s closed, there are a few key details to know before heading out. Across Ontario, this provincial holiday gives people a chance to slow down, spend time with loved ones and enjoy the city—but it also comes with service disruptions that could catch you off guard.
Most grocery stores will be closed for the day, but a handful of locations will keep their doors open for limited hours. Farm Boy Rideau, select Loblaws stores on Isabella and Rideau Streets, Metro outlets in Glebe and Rideau Street and Whole Foods Lansdowne are all operating with shorter hours. If you’re planning a bigger shopping trip, the Rideau Centre and Tanger outlets will also be open, though malls like Bayshore, Billings Bridge, Carlingwood, Place d’Orléans and St. Laurent will remain closed. Alcohol retailers including LCBO and The Beer Store are fully closed, so plan ahead if you need a bottle for a family gathering.
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City services will see similar interruptions. The 3-1-1 Contact Centre is only handling urgent matters. Regular curbside garbage, recycling and green bin pickups are suspended for Monday, moving everything back a day. Employment services, sexual health clinics, dental services and all Ottawa Public Library branches will remain closed. For anyone heading outdoors, the Trail Waste Facility Landfill is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Transit is operating mostly as usual. OC Transpo buses and O-Train Lines 1, 2 and 4 are running their regular weekday schedules. Some special routes, like Rural Shopper Route 301, will not operate and Para Transpo recurring trips are automatically canceled—but customers can rebook by calling ahead. The Sno-Bus continues to provide free access to several Winterlude sites across Ottawa and Gatineau.
For family activities, there are plenty of options to keep everyone entertained. National museums in the capital, including the National Gallery of Canada, are open, as are museums focused on agriculture, aviation, history, nature, science and war. Smaller galleries like the Ottawa Art Gallery and Diefenbunker remain closed. Outdoor skating opportunities are abundant, with Rink of Dreams at City Hall open for a special Family Day event, plus the Lansdowne Park, Ben Franklin Place and Jim Tubman Chevrolet rinks available, weather permitting. The Rideau Canal also remains accessible, providing a classic winter experience for those willing to brave the cold.
Temperatures are expected to hover around freezing, so plan outdoor activities accordingly. Whether you’re shopping, skating, or exploring museums, it’s important to check hours and prepare for adjusted schedules. Staying informed ensures your Family Day is smooth, safe and full of quality time. Keep following for updates on openings, closures and local activities to make the most of the holiday.
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