As Winnipeg prepares to celebrate Canada’s 157th birthday, residents and visitors alike are finalizing their holiday plans. Whether you’re organizing a backyard barbecue, heading to The Forks for festivities, or simply looking to run errands on the national holiday, it’s essential to know which services will be available this Monday, July 1st.
The Canada Day long weekend traditionally brings a mix of closures and special holiday hours across the city. This year follows the familiar pattern, with government offices shuttered while many recreational facilities welcome celebrants with open doors.
“Canada Day represents not just a day off work for many, but a meaningful opportunity to celebrate our national identity,” says James Reimer, director of Winnipeg’s community services. “We’ve coordinated with various facilities to ensure residents have plenty of options to enjoy the holiday.“
Municipal services will largely pause operations for the statutory holiday. All Winnipeg civic offices will be closed, including City Hall, and there will be no residential garbage or recycling collection. Those with Monday pickup will need to wait until Tuesday, with the entire week’s schedule shifting forward by one day. The Brady Road Resource Management Facility will operate on reduced hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for residential customers only.
Public transit will run on a Sunday schedule, offering sufficient service for those heading to festivities but with less frequency than regular weekdays. Winnipeg Transit Plus will provide holiday service for pre-booked trips only.
For families looking to cool off, all city-operated outdoor pools will be open, weather permitting, though indoor pools will remain closed. Splash pads will operate on their regular schedules, providing free water fun for children across the city. The Animal Services Agency and Winnipeg Parking Authority will be closed for the day.
Retail options present a mixed picture. Most major shopping centers—including CF Polo Park, St. Vital Centre, and Kildonan Place—will operate on holiday hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Forks Market, a popular destination for Canada Day celebrations, will welcome visitors from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
All Manitoba Liquor Marts will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., while most cannabis retailers have announced similar holiday hours. Major grocery chains like Safeway, Sobeys, and Real Canadian Superstore will operate on reduced schedules, typically from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Provincial and federal offices will be closed, including Canada Post, with no mail delivery on the holiday. Financial institutions across the city will also shut their doors, though ATMs remain accessible for banking needs.
For those seeking entertainment, Assiniboine Park Zoo will be open regular hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the Canadian Museum for Human Rights offers free admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. as part of nationwide Canada Day promotions.
The Winnipeg Public Library system will close all branches for the holiday, resuming normal operations on Tuesday.
As Winnipeggers reflect on the meaning of Canada Day, particularly in light of ongoing national conversations about reconciliation, this year’s celebrations offer both traditional patriotic festivities and opportunities for deeper contemplation about our shared history. How will you choose to mark Canada’s birthday in a way that acknowledges both our accomplishments and the work that remains in building a truly inclusive nation?