What’s open and closed Victoria Day May 20: Oshawa, Ajax, Pickering, Clarington and Whitby

Victoria Day in 2024 falls on May 20 in Oshawa, Ajax, Pickering, Clarington, Whitby and Durham Region.

One of Canada’s oldest holidays, Victoria Day, is right around the corner for Canadians to celebrate what would be the 205th birthday of the ‘Mother of Confederation’ on May 24.

The holiday was established back in 1845 before Canada was an independent nation. While it was initially always on May 24, it was later changed to the third Monday of every May placing it between the 18th and the 24th every year.

In 1952 it evolved to represent the birthday of the reigning monarch as well. However, only Elizabeth II’s April 21 birthday and Charles III’s Nov. 14 birthday have been marked on May 24 weekend.

Here is what is open and closed on Victoria Day:

CLOSED

• All LCBO locations will be shuttered on next Monday as will most Beer Stores
• The Oshawa Centre and the Pickering Town Centre are shutting their doors for the day but restaurants with street access will be open
• Durham’s municipal, provincial, and federal building and offices are closing down their town halls
• All banks will be closed
• Public and Catholic schools in the region will be closed
• Most recreation centres in the Region will be closed
• Libraries will be closed

OPEN

• Movie theatres will be open
• Some Shoppers Drug Marts will be open
• Some restaurants will be open – call ahead to be sure – and most convenience stores will also be open
• Most garden centres will be open
• Oshawa Civic Recreation Complex will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Select Beer Stores will remain open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. including:
  • 200 Ritson Rd N, Oshawa,
  • 75 Kingston Rd. E. Ajax
  • 3950 Brock St N in Whitby
• The Wine Rack location in Port Perry at Scugog Street will be open from 10 am to 6 pm.
• Most cannabis stores will be open. Call ahead to your favourite to be sure
• Many of Durham’s breweries will be open on Victoria Day, including Old Flame in Port Perry and Town and Little Beasts in Whitby. Town will be opening their Pump House waterfront beer garden this weekend. Call your favourite brewery to be sure.
• Municipal parks, conservation areas and walking trails will be open

WASTE DISPOSAL

There will be no garbage pickup on Monday. Blue box, green bin and waste pick-up will be moved back a day. Regional waste centres will also be closed on Monday.

TRANSIT

Durham Region Transit (DRT) and Pulse buses will run on a holiday schedule
GO Transit will run on a Saturday schedule

FIREWORKS

Durham residents can have their own fun Monday with fireworks. Victoria Day is one of few holidays when fireworks are permitted in Durham municipalities, along with Canada Day, Diwali and Lunar New Year, Eid al-Fitr and Diwali (depending on the municipality).

Each municipality has their own set of rules on where fireworks can be launched, so check with city or town hall to be sure. Illegal use can result in substantial fines. Local fire departments are encouraging residents to find a professional display.

There are no official Victoria Day events this year, though the Region is hosting numerous events on the days surrounding it.