As Easter weekend approaches, residents of Durham Region, including Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Pickering, and Clarington, are gearing up for the holiday. The Good Friday holiday on April 3, Easter Sunday on April 5, and Easter Monday on April 6 will result in changes to operating hours for many businesses and services across the region. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what’s Open and Closed Easter Weekend,
What’s Closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday:
Several key services and businesses will be closed over Easter weekend, so residents should plan ahead:
- Pickering Town Centre and Oshawa Centre will be closed.
- LCBO and The Beer Store locations will be closed, but alcohol may still be available at participating convenience stores.
- Canada Post will not be operating on both Good Friday and Easter Sunday, with no mail pick-up or delivery.
- Pickering Museum Village and animal shelters will be closed.
- Service Oshawa, Seniors 55-plus centres, and municipal offices will not be open.
- Banks, libraries, provincial courts, and most recreation centres will be closed.
What’s Open on Good Friday and Easter Sunday:
Although many services will be closed, there are still plenty of options for residents to enjoy:
- Some restaurants will remain open for dining in, takeout, and delivery, but it’s recommended to call ahead to confirm.
- Variety stores and smaller grocery stores will be open.
- Most Shoppers Drug Marts will be operating as usual.
- Many breweries will be open, with some operating on special holiday hours, so checking with your local brewery before heading out is advised.
- Most cannabis stores will be open, but again, it’s best to call ahead to confirm.
- Municipal recreation centres like the Ajax Community Centre and Audley Recreation Centre in Ajax will be open on Good Friday, though the Delpark Recreation Centre and Civic Recreation Complex in Oshawa will have modified hours.
- Waste collection will be impacted, with garbage and recycling days pushed ahead by one day.
Transit Services:
Transit schedules will be modified for Good Friday and Easter Sunday:
- DRT (Durham Region Transit) will operate on a holiday schedule on Friday, with regular weekday service resuming on Monday.
- GO Transit will run on a Saturday schedule on Friday, with hourly trains making all stops. Trains from Toronto’s Union Station and Oshawa GO Station will depart every hour.
What’s Open on Easter Monday:
Many businesses and services will be back in operation on Easter Monday:
- Major malls and shopping centres, including Square One and Eaton Centre, will be open.
- Banks, LCBO, and The Beer Store will be open, with some locations possibly operating on special holiday hours, so be sure to call ahead.
- Grocery stores, restaurants, and most retail shops will be open.
- McLean Community Centre in Ajax and the Delpark Centre in Oshawa will be open on Easter Monday.
- DRT and GO Transit will resume regular services on Monday.
