What's open and closed on Victoria Day aka Fête des Patriotes in Montreal

It's time for the 2024 May long weekend! Regardless of whether you call it Victoria Day (like most of Canada) or Journée nationale des patriotes (National Patriots' Day), as it's known in Quebec, the outcome is ultimately the same: we get a much-needed day off, as we enjoy the unofficial start to summer... ahh, can't you just smell the barbecues firing up?

Like any statutory holiday, not everything will be operating as normal on Monday, May 20. Here's what will be open and closed in Montreal on Victoria Day / National Patriots' Day.

While you can trust this info, we still recommend doing a bit of your own research or calling ahead before you go somewhere. Schedules are subject to change, and even though something's open, special holiday hours may apply.

What's open in Montreal on National Patriots' Day?

• Espace pour la vie (Space for Life) museums:
  • Montreal Botanical Garden
  • Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium
  • Montreal Insectarium
  • Montreal Biodome
  • Montreal Biosphere
• Société de transport de Montréal (STM)
  • Transit will run on a holiday schedule. Look up your route for specific times before heading out.
• Garbage and recycling pick-up
  • "Collections of household waste, bulky items, recyclable materials, food waste, green waste and dead leaves will take place across the city," the City of Montreal confirms.
• 311 city service centre
  • You can still call 311, but expect reduced hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
• Ecocentres
• Public Markets of Montreal
  • Check the schedule of the market you want to go to ahead of time.
• Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC)
  • Brick and mortar branches and online services will operate as normal; however, no Canada Post delivery.
• Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ)
• Many malls and shopping centres, including:
  • CF Fairview Pointe Claire
  • CF Carrefour Laval
  • Plaza Côte-des-Neiges
  • Carrefour Angrignon
  • Galeries d'Anjou
  • Place Montreal Trust
  • Alexis Nihon
  • Centre Eaton
• Most cinemas
• Most bars and restaurants
• Most grocery stores and and depanneurs
• La Ronde

What's closed in Montreal on National Patriots' Day?

• Banks
• Canada Post
  • No collection or delivery of mail. However, private-sector post offices can stay open (such as franchises operated by retailers, like Pharmaprix).
• Federal and provincial service centres
  • Passport Canada
  • Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ)
• Accès Montréal offices
• City of Montreal permit counters
• City of Montreal administrative offices and borough halls
• Municipal court (for most people)
  • "Only cases of persons in custody will be processed in court during this period at the building on 775 Rue Gosford," the City says.
• Some museums, including:
  • Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
  • Mccord Stewart Museum
  • MAC Montréal

FYI, parking restrictions across the city remain in effect. Schedules for the City of Montreal's cultural and sports facilities (arenas, pools, libraries, community centres etc.) vary depending on the borough, so check online or contact the facility you want to use before you go.

The weather forecast for Monday has changed from gloomy and rainy to a mix of sun and clouds. At a high of 25 degrees, it looks like we're in for a very nice day. Have a great long weekend, everyone!

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.