What’s Open and Closed on Thanksgiving Day, October 13

As Thanksgiving Day approaches on October 13, 2025, many residents of Ottawa are preparing for the long weekend. However, it is important to know what services will be operational during this holiday. Various public transport, shopping centers, and municipal services will have altered schedules, affecting accessibility across the city.

Public Transport Adjustments

OC Transpo will operate its buses and O-Train lines on a Sunday schedule. O-Train Line 1 is set to run from 08:00 until 23:00, while Lines 2 and 4 will be available from 07:30 to 23:30. Notably, the Rural Shopper Route 103 will not be in service on this day. The OC Transpo customer service centre will be open from 10:00 to 18:00. It is essential for Para Transpo users to note that regular bookings and recurring trips are automatically cancelled for the holiday, although trips can be arranged by contacting 613-560-5000 or utilizing My Para Transpo.

Municipal Services and Shopping Options

On Thanksgiving Day, there will be no curbside collection for green bins, recycling, or garbage. Collection will resume on Tuesday, resulting in a one-day delay throughout the week. However, the Trail Waste Facility Landfill will operate from 09:00 to 17:00.

The Ottawa 3-1-1 Contact Centre will remain open for urgent inquiries, while all Service Ontario Client Service centres, the Provincial Offences Court at 100 Constellation Dr., and the Business Licensing Centre at 735 Industrial Ave. will be closed.

For those looking to shop, the Rideau Centre will welcome shoppers on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, closing at 18:00 on the holiday itself. The Tanger Outlets will also operate throughout the long weekend, while other shopping centers such as Bayshore, Billings Bridge, Carlingwood, St. Laurent, and Place d’Orléans will close on Thanksgiving Monday. Stores in the ByWard Market and the Glebe are permitted to remain open.

Grocery stores will have varying hours. Notable options include Farm Boy at the Rideau Centre, open from 10:00 to 19:00, Metro in the Glebe from 09:00 to 18:00, and Loblaws locations on Isabella and Rideau Streets, which will also be open. Whole Foods at Lansdowne will provide services throughout the day as well.

Museums and Cultural Sites

Several cultural institutions will be open for visitors over the holiday weekend. The Canadian Museum of Nature, Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, Canada Science and Technology Museum, Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Canadian War Museum, and Canadian Museum of History will open their doors from Friday through Monday. The National Gallery will also be accessible during this period.

For art enthusiasts, the Ottawa Art Gallery will be open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Meanwhile, the Bytown Museum will welcome guests on Friday and Saturday, and the Diefenbunker will be open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Understanding the services available during Thanksgiving Day is crucial for residents and visitors alike. By planning ahead, individuals can make the most of the long weekend, whether celebrating with family or exploring the city.