What's Open on Easter Monday in Toronto?

Toronto, the vibrant and diverse capital city of Ontario, doesn’t slow down for Easter Monday. Despite some businesses observing the holiday, many amenities and attractions remain open, offering a plethora of activities for both locals and tourists. Here's a guide to help you plan what to see and do in Toronto during this public holiday.

Shopping Centres

Many of Toronto's most popular shopping centres remain open on Easter Monday. The Eaton Centre, one of the city's busiest malls, operates from 11am to 7pm and offers a wide range of shops from high-end fashion retailers to electronics stores. Other shopping centres, such as Dufferin Mall, Square One, and Yorkdale Shopping Centre, also remain open, providing a retail therapy experience for everyone.

Restaurants and Cafés

Toronto's gastronomic scene doesn't take a pause on Easter Monday. Most independent restaurants, chain eateries, and coffee shops remain open and continue to serve up the city's most delicious food and beverages. Indulge in a brunch at Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, enjoy a coffee at Dark Horse Espresso, or dine at Kelsey's in the Distillery District. Remember, it's always a good idea to call in advance to confirm the hours.

Museums and Galleries

For art enthusiasts and history buffs, some of Toronto's museums and galleries, such as the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) and Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), keep their doors open on Easter Monday. Immerse yourself in world cultures and natural history at the ROM or admire contemporary and historical artworks at the AGO. Don’t forget the Bata Shoe Museum and the Textile Museum of Canada, which also offer fascinating exhibits.

Parks and Recreation Areas

Toronto's public parks, like the famous High Park, remain open on Easter Monday. Perfect for outdoor activities, they provide an excellent opportunity for biking, walking or picnicking. Toronto Island Park and its ferry service are operational as well. For those wanting indoor activities, recreational facilities such as indoor pools or local community centres, also remain open albeit with different schedules.

Attractions and Entertainment

Holidays are a great time to check out Toronto's prime attractions. The Toronto Zoo, the Ontario Science Centre, and Ripley's Aquarium of Canada all operate on Easter Monday. The CN Tower, one of Toronto's iconic landmarks, also stays open, offering panoramic views of the city. For movie-goers, big cinema chains like Cineplex continue to show films all day long.

Public Transport

Even on Easter Monday, Toronto’s transit system, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), remains operational. Buses, streetcars, and subway services continue, albeit on a holiday schedule, ensuring that everyone can navigate the city with ease. To summarise, while some businesses choose to close their doors on Easter Monday, Toronto remains a bustling city filled with opportunities for shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural enrichment. It's always advisable to check directly with individual businesses or websites for their Easter Monday hours. Regardless, there's plenty to see and do in Toronto on this holiday.