Family Day is celebrated on the third Monday of February in certain Canadian provinces, specifically Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and Ontario. Established in 1990 in Alberta, this public holiday serves as a reminder of the family values cherished by the province’s founders. Although it offers an opportunity for families to spend quality time together, it is important to note that Family Day is not recognized as a federal holiday, resulting in the operation of federal agencies and services like post offices on this day.
Other provinces, including Prince Edward Island and Manitoba, acknowledge the third Monday of February with alternatives like Islander Day and Louis Riel Day respectively. Meanwhile, British Columbia celebrates its own Family Day on the second Monday of February.
This year, Family Day will occur on Monday, February 17, 2020, and the following is a comprehensive list of establishments in Toronto that will be open or closed for this occasion.
Open on Family Day
As a non-federal holiday, many establishments will remain operational on Family Day.
- Federal government offices, including Passport offices and most post offices.
- Meal and drop-in centers
- Some supermarkets and convenience stores (It is advisable to call ahead for verification.)
- Most restaurants (Calling ahead is also recommended.)
- Shopping malls including Eaton Centre, Vaughn Mills, Pacific Mall, and Woodbine Centre
- Most tourist attractions and museums, which include the Toronto Zoo, Art Gallery of Ontario, Royal Ontario Museum, CN Tower, Ontario Science Centre, Hockey Hall of Fame, and Casa Loma.
- Some ice rinks and arenas.
- Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), the public transport agency offering bus, subway, streetcar, and paratransit services, will operate on a holiday schedule. However, public transportation may differ between cities; for example, Kingston does not have transportation running on Family Day.
Closed on Family Day
- Banks
- Schools
- Public libraries
- Shopping malls not designated as tourist attractions
- LCBO (liquor stores) and beer stores
- Post offices located in establishments that are closed.
- Most grocery stores and pharmacies, including Shoppers Drug Mart (Verification is advisable.)
- Toronto Stock Exchange
Things to Do on Family Day
Utilize this holiday to engage in quality family time. Toronto offers various enjoyable activities to partake in on Family Day 2020, ranging from zoo visits to ice skating and fort tours.
- Harbourfront Centre typically hosts special Family Day activities such as free skating lessons and lively dance breaks set to music from emerging DJs.
- The Royal Ontario Museum presents unique musical performances and hands-on activities over the Family Day Weekend.
- At the Hockey Hall of Fame, children enjoy VIP experiences, including complimentary gifts, five interactive zones to explore, and photo opportunities with Hall of Fame mascot Slapshot and the Stanley Cup.
- Historic Fort York often holds special events on Family Day featuring tours of the fort, hands-on activities, and pop-up shows.
