April 19, 20 and 21 is the first long weekend of spring, and we’re out of practice… To maximize the potential of our little (three-day) vacation in Montreal, we’re planning the weekend’s activities a little in advance…
On our agenda: seasonal vegetables and tulips at the market, brunches with family or friends, and walks in the city or countryside…
And we want to spend the weekend with our noses to the wind, a basket in the crook of our elbows and a pair of rain boots on our feet. To be ready to spend three days recharging our batteries, we need to be well organized, and we’ve got the inside scoop on what’s open and closed in Montreal over the long Easter weekend.
Food: eating and drinking…
If you’re planning to buy alcohol or cannabis over the long weekend, note that some SAQ and SQDC outlets will be closed on Easter Sunday. Be sure to check the opening hours of your favorite branch online to avoid disappointment.
As Easter Sunday is a mandatory closing day for businesses in Quebec, most stores will be closed.
However, some malls will be open the rest of the weekend, with the exception of Sunday. Be sure to check specific opening hours on the respective websites.
…time to go to the market!
Good news for fresh produce lovers: all of Montreal’s public markets, including Atwater and Jean-Talon, will be open over the Easter long weekend.
Check the opening hours on the Marchés publics de Montréal website to plan your visit.
Transport
As Good Friday and Easter Monday are statutory holidays for the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), bus and metro service will operate on a holiday schedule. Consult the specific schedules for your route before you leave.
Culture
If you’re looking for entertainment, you’ll be pleased to know that many of Montreal’s tourist sites, such as the Biodome, the Biosphère and the Botanical Garden, will be open all weekend.
What’s more, most museums will also be operating on their usual schedules.
Municipal services
Schedules for municipal services, such as community centers and libraries, vary by borough, so be sure to check specific schedules before you go.
Several city districts organize egg hunts for children,check them out here!
Federal election
Polling stations (advance polls, April 18 to 22) will be open and, to find yours and for all the practical info on the 2025 federal election, check out our guide here!
Have a great weekend!