The following are “OPEN” during the Fête Nationale:
– 311, the city of Montreal’s information hotline
– some dépanneurs (aka corner stores)
– stores and food outlets located in hospitals, train stations, airports, cultural centres, sports – centres and tourism destinations
– some pharmacies, especially large chains, hours and staffing may be reduced
– cinemas
– Montreal Casino (hint: it’s always open)
– Montreal Beaches
– Parc Jean-Drapeau’s Attractions
– Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
– Montreal Biodome
– Montreal Planetarium
– Montreal Botanical Gardens
– Montreal Insectarium
– Montreal Science Centre (not in 2016 though, the Centre is on strike)
– Montreal’s Museum of History and Archeaology
– public markets/farmers markets
– grocery stores 375 square meters (4,037 feet) or less in size can remain open at their – – leisure, though hours may be reduced
– service-based businesses like hair salons, restaurants, gas stations and manufacturers are free to remain open at their discretion
– bookstores, flower stores and antique shops are free to remain open if they wish
– some arenas, swimming pools and sports centres remain open, others don’t, depending on the neighborhood, call 311 for details
– public transit follows a slower weekend schedule
– parking meters are always in operation (no freebies)
– garbage pickups and recycling generally stay on schedule but it depends on the year,
The following are “CLOSED” during the Fête Nationale:
– Banks
– most city of Montreal offices
– municipal court
– most provincial and federal offices
– many private sector offices
– shopping malls
– postal service delivery and Canada Post post offices, with the exception of offices operating in the private sector, the latter which can remain open at their discretion
– grocery stores/supermarkets larger than 375 square meters (4,037 feet) in size
– retail stores with the exception of bookstores, flower stores and antique shops, which can remain open if they wish
– the Claude-Robillard sports centre (except the tennis courts, which remain open)
ecocentres, citywide
– all SAQ liquor stores
Always call 311 in case of exceptions….