Saint-Jean-Baptiste 2026: Here's what's open and closed in Montreal on June 24

It's a statutory day off for the majority of workers.

The flags of Quebec and the City of Montreal.
The flags of Quebec and the City of Montreal.
Marc Bruxelle | Dreamstime
Contributor

Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (also knows as Fête nationale du Québec) falls on Wednesday, June 24 this year, dropping a well-deserved holiday into the middle of the work week for most Montrealers.

As Quebec's official national holiday, it's a statutory day off for the majority of workers, which means government services, retail stores and transit will be running on modified schedules across the city.

Whether you're heading out to catch some festivities, planning a backyard BBQ, or just trying to figure out if you can squeeze in a grocery run, here's what you need to know.

What's open in Montreal on Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day?

Montreal public markets: Atwater, Jean-Talon, Maisonneuve and neighbourhood markets should all be open, though possibly with reduced hours. Check Marchés Publics de Montréal's website for the latest.

STM transit: Buses and metros will be running on a holiday schedule. Check the STM website or your transit app before heading out.

Garbage, recycling & compost pickup: Regular Wednesday collections will go ahead as scheduled across boroughs.

Espace pour la Vie museums: The Biodôme, Insectarium, Botanical Garden, Planetarium and Biosphère are all expected to be open with regular hours.

Most restaurants, bars & cafés: The majority will be open, particularly in busier neighbourhoods and tourist areas, making it a good night to be out.

Pharmacies & gas stations: Most major chains will stay open, though hours may vary by location.

Dépanneurs and small grocery stores: Many will be open, especially in central areas, but expect reduced hours or limited staff.

What's closed in Montreal on June 24, 2026?

SAQ & SQDC: Most locations will be closed for the holiday. Plan ahead.

Shopping malls & big-box stores: Expect closures at CF Fairview Pointe-Claire, Carrefour Angrignon, the Eaton Centre, Carrefour Laval, Walmart and Costco.

Banks & government offices: Major financial institutions and provincial and federal offices — including the SAAQ and Passport Canada — will be closed.

Canada Post: No mail delivery or pickup on the holiday. Some private postal counters inside pharmacies may still be operating.

City of Montreal offices: Accès Montréal offices, borough halls, permit counters and municipal courtrooms will all be closed, with the exception of Room R.40 for detainee appearances.

Libraries, pools & community centres: Hours vary by borough. Check your local borough's website to confirm what's open near you.

If you're looking to get into the spirit of things, there are plenty of Fête nationale celebrations and events happening around the city. A full list of official festivities can be found on Montreal's tourism site.

  • Montreal Staff
  • MTL Blog's Montreal Staff cover everything Montrealers need to know about their city, from local news and traffic updates to new events and restaurant openings. With weather reports, local rankings, must-visit destinations and more, it's the go-to source for both locals and visitors looking to stay informed and discover the best of Montreal.

A bunch of grocery items won't be taxed in Quebec anymore starting next week

Quebec is dropping the tax on ice cream, pastries, toilet paper, and more.

Quebecers who bought beef after 2015 could get part of a proposed $8M price-fixing settlement

A proposed settlement has been reached with various companies accused of conspiring to fix the price of beef in Canada.

California politicians are begging Quebec to put American wine back on SAQ shelves

They've sent letters to Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette.

This Montreal-based job needs no experience or degree and pays up to $127K a year

A high school diploma, or the equivalent, is enough to apply.

Montreal is getting a massive Harry Potter show with thousands of drones and iconic film music

It uses 1,200 illuminated drones to recreate characters and famous moments from the franchise.