🏙️ Attractions & Things to Do
Toronto has plenty of spots to visit if you’re looking for fun things to do on the holiday:
CN Tower — Toronto’s iconic landmark remains open with adjusted hours.
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada — A great indoor activity for families and visitors.
Museums such as the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario are typically open daytime hours on Jan. 1.
Outdoor destinations like High Park Zoo, Riverdale Farm and the Distillery District are open to visitors.
🛍️ Shopping & Retail
CF Toronto Eaton Centre — Many malls like Eaton Centre operate on holiday hours (often 12 p.m.–7 p.m.).
Some other shopping destinations like Pacific Mall, CF Markville, Toronto Premium Outlets, and Hillcrest Mall are open with holiday hours.
🛒 Grocery & Essentials
A handful of grocery stores and specialty markets are open (with limited or holiday hours) — for example, Loblaws, Metro, FreshCo, Whole Foods and independent markets like Rabba and Summerhill Market.
Select drugstore locations (e.g., Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall) may also operate with special hours — check your local store.
☕ Cafés & Restaurants
Many restaurants, cafés and chains (including some Starbucks and local spots) welcome guests on New Year’s Day, but individual hours vary — call ahead for specifics.
🚫 What’s CLOSED on New Year’s Day
🏛️ Government & Services
Municipal, provincial and federal offices — including City Hall and ServiceOntario/ServiceCanada — are closed.
Banks — All major banks are closed for the statutory holiday.
Canada Post — Mail delivery and post office counters are closed.
Toronto Public Library branches remain closed all day.
🗑️ City Services
Garbage, recycling and yard waste collection does not occur on Jan. 1; services shift back by one day for the rest of the week.
Transfer stations and drop-off depots are closed.
🍷 Alcohol & Specialty Retail
LCBO and The Beer Store locations are closed across Toronto.
Some specialty shops like Wine Rack may have limited hours or operate select locations only.
🚆 Transit
Toronto’s transit systems generally operate on holiday schedules:
TTC runs on a Sunday/holiday schedule throughout Jan. 1.
GO Transit uses a Saturday service schedule.
Early morning (around midnight to ~8 am) often features free travel on TTC, GO and UP Express around the New Year’s festivities.
🗓️ Tips & Planning
Check hours in advance: Many stores and attractions operate on holiday or reduced hours; it’s best to confirm before heading out.
Transit planning: Holiday schedules may mean less frequent service than a regular weekday, so plan accordingly.
Essential errands: Complete banking, official paperwork and regular mail needs before Jan. 1 since most services are closed.
