Canada Day 2025 in Quebec: Dates, Closures, Celebrations
Planning your Canada Day in Quebec? You’re not alone — July 1, 2025, falls on a Tuesday, giving many Quebecers a long weekend. In Quebec City, over 50 free activities are already scheduled, while Montreal’s parade has been cancelled for a second straight year. This guide covers what’s open, where to celebrate, and the statutory holiday rules you need to know.
Canada Day 2025 Date: July 1, 2025 ·
Day of Week: Tuesday ·
Statutory Holiday Status: Public holiday in all provinces and territories, including Quebec ·
Post Offices: Closed ·
Banks: Closed ·
Government Offices: Closed
Quick snapshot
- Canada Day 2025 is July 1, a Tuesday (Fête du Canada à Québec Official)
- Quebec City offers 50+ free activities with 100 artists (Fête du Canada à Québec Official)
- Montreal’s parade cancelled for second year (Timeout Montreal)
- Exact opening hours of individual stores in Quebec
- Specific event schedules for many cities (not yet announced)
- Whether all SAQ stores will be closed
- Montreal’s parade — which ran for nearly five decades — cancelled again in 2025 (Timeout Montreal)
- More cities expected to release schedules in spring 2025
- Possible last-minute Montreal pop-up events
- Sherbrooke fireworks and family festival not yet confirmed for 2025
- St-Hyacinthe community picnic and live music not yet confirmed
- Rimouski Canada Day festivities not yet confirmed
- Laval family events and fireworks not yet confirmed
Seven key facts about Canada Day 2025 in Quebec, one pattern: the province treats it as a full statutory holiday, so most government services and banks shut down, but tourist attractions and many retailers stay open on adjusted hours.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Canada Day 2025 | July 1, 2025 |
| Day of week | Tuesday |
| Holiday type in Quebec | Public holiday (statutory) under provincial labour law |
| Postal service | Canada Post offices closed, no mail delivery |
| Banking | All major banks closed |
| Government offices | Federal and provincial offices closed |
| Public transit | Typically Sunday/holiday schedule |
What are the public holidays in Canada and Quebec in 2025?
Public holidays in Canada
- New Year’s Day (Jan 1) – federal and all provinces
- Good Friday (April 18) – federal, most provinces including Quebec
- Victoria Day (May 19) – federal, but not a statutory holiday in Quebec
- Canada Day (July 1) – federal and all provinces
- Labour Day (Sept 1) – federal and all provinces
- Thanksgiving (Oct 13) – federal, observed in most provinces
- Christmas (Dec 25) – federal and all provinces
These dates follow the official Government of Canada (federal holiday list).
Public holidays in Quebec
- New Year’s Day
- Good Friday (or Easter Monday – employer’s choice)
- Victoria Day (called National Patriots’ Day in Quebec)
- Fête nationale du Québec (June 24)
- Canada Day (July 1)
- Labour Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
Quebec’s list differs from other provinces: it observes Fête nationale but not Remembrance Day as a statutory holiday. Source: Government of Canada (statutory holidays by province). The implication: Quebecers get two summer statutory holidays in close succession — June 24 and July 1 — which affects scheduling for businesses and employees.
What is open and closed for Canada Day 2025?
Government services and offices
- Federal and provincial government offices: closed
- Service Canada and Revenu Québec counters: closed
- Courts and municipal offices: closed
Banks and post offices
- All major banks (RBC, TD, BMO, Scotiabank, CIBC, Desjardins): closed
- Canada Post: post offices closed, no mail delivery
Retail stores and shopping malls
- Most large shopping malls (e.g., Carrefour Laval, Place Ste-Foy): open with reduced hours
- Grocery stores: many open, hours vary
- SAQ: usually closed on statutory holidays — confirm closer to the date
Public transit and parking
- STM (Montreal) and RTC (Quebec City) operate on Sunday/holiday schedule
- Exo commuter trains: reduced service
- Street parking: often free on holidays in Montreal, but check local signs
Tourist attractions and museums
- Many museums, the Old Port, and Parc Jean-Drapeau are open
- Quebec City’s Terrasse Dufferin and Plaines d’Abraham host free events (Fête du Canada à Québec Official)
- Montreal’s Vieux-Port typically has programming, but 2025 details pending
Quebecers who rely on banks or mail delivery need to plan ahead — July 1 shuts down those services completely. Retail and transit options exist but on altered timetables.
The pattern: July 1 leaves government services closed but keeps the city accessible for celebration.
When is Canada Day in 2025?
Date and day of week
Canada Day 2025 is Tuesday, July 1, 2025. It always falls on July 1 unless that date is a Sunday, in which case it is observed on July 2 (Fête du Canada à Québec Official).
History of Canada Day
Canada Day marks the anniversary of Confederation — July 1, 1867, when the British North America Act created the Dominion of Canada. The holiday was originally called Dominion Day and was renamed to Canada Day in 1982 (Wikipedia (historical overview)).
What this means: the statutory holiday rules are well-established, but the day’s significance continues to evolve, especially in Quebec where it coincides with moving day.
What holiday is on July 1?
Canada Day
July 1 is Canada Day, a public holiday across the country, including Quebec. It is one of the few statutory holidays that is identical federally and provincially in Quebec.
Moving day in Quebec
July 1 is also traditional moving day in Quebec. Most residential leases end on June 30 and begin on July 1, making it the busiest moving day in the province. This is a unique Quebec tradition that adds logistical complexity to Canada Day celebrations — many families are unpacking boxes rather than attending parades.
For Quebecers, July 1 is both a statutory day off and moving day. If you’re not moving, you get a free day to celebrate — but those relocating face a triple challenge: holiday closures, no mail, and tight moving schedules.
The catch: moving day turns a statutory holiday into a logistical puzzle for thousands of families.
Where are the Canada Day celebrations in Quebec in 2025?
Montreal celebrations
Montreal’s traditional Canada Day parade has been cancelled for the second consecutive year. Organizer Nicholas Cowen cited persistent planning disruptions, strained municipal relations, and unresolved city employee strike issues (Timeout Montreal). Despite the parade cancellation, the Old Port (Vieux-Port de Montréal) typically hosts family-friendly activities on Canada Day — check closer to July for 2025 programming.
Quebec City celebrations
Quebec City is the big story for Canada Day 2025. The official program at Fête du Canada à Québec boasts over 50 free activities with 100 artists from diverse backgrounds. Key timings:
- Terrasse Dufferin: 11 AM–2 PM, military parade by the Royal 22e Régiment
- Plaines d’Abraham: 12 PM–5 PM, family zone and live performances
- Kiosque Edwin-Bélanger: 8 PM–10 PM, country show with Maxime Landry and Annie Blanchard, followed by an immersive laser spectacle
Sherbrooke and Eastern Townships
Sherbrooke typically holds a fireworks display and family festival at Parc Jacques-Cartier. Official 2025 details are not yet published; check the city’s website in spring 2025 (Quebec City Tourism (regional info)).
Other cities (St-Hyacinthe, Rimouski, Laval)
- St-Hyacinthe: Annual community picnic and live music at Parc Casimir-Dessaulles
- Rimouski: Canada Day festivities at Parc de la Pointe
- Laval: Family events at Centre de la Nature, fireworks expected
Exact schedules for these cities are typically announced 4–6 weeks before July 1. Confirmed listings will be updated closer to the date.
What we know, what we don’t
Confirmed facts
- Canada Day is July 1, 2025 (Fête du Canada à Québec Official)
- It is a public holiday in Quebec (Government of Canada)
- Post offices and banks are closed (Government of Canada)
- Government offices closed (Government of Canada)
- Quebec City has 50+ free activities (Fête du Canada à Québec Official)
- Montreal parade cancelled (Timeout Montreal)
What’s unclear
- Exact opening hours of individual stores
- Specific event schedules for many cities (not yet announced)
- Whether all SAQ stores are closed (usually closed, but confirm)
Voices from the ground
“We are disappointed to cancel Montreal’s Canada Day parade for a second year. The combination of planning delays and unresolved city worker issues made it impossible to hold a safe event.”
— Nicholas Cowen, principal organizer of Montreal’s Canada Day parade (Timeout Montreal)
“Quebec City is proud to offer a diverse program featuring more than 100 artists. This year’s Canada Day celebration is our largest yet, with activities for all ages stretching from Terrasse Dufferin to the Plaines d’Abraham.”
— Fête du Canada à Québec official spokesperson (Fête du Canada à Québec Official)
The pattern is clear: Montreal’s parade cancellation is a major shift for Quebec’s largest city, while Quebec City has doubled down on its programming. For Quebecers planning their Canada Day, the decision is simple: head to Quebec City for the biggest celebration, or enjoy a quieter (but still festive) day in Montreal’s parks and Old Port.
Related reading: **Quebec Construction Holiday 2025**
For those interested in how other Canadian cities celebrate, the Canada Day fireworks in Vancouver offer a vibrant contrast to Quebec’s July 1st festivities.
Frequently asked questions
Is Canada Day a statutory holiday in Quebec?
Yes. Canada Day is a public (statutory) holiday under Quebec’s labour law. Most employees are entitled to the day off with holiday pay.
Are SAQ stores open on Canada Day?
SAQ stores are typically closed on statutory holidays, including Canada Day. However, some express locations may open with reduced hours. Check local listings closer to July 1.
Is there mail delivery on Canada Day?
No. Canada Post offices are closed and there is no mail delivery on Canada Day, as it is a federal statutory holiday.
What time do celebrations start in Montreal?
With the parade cancelled, activities will likely center on the Old Port and parks. In past years, events began around 10 AM. Official 2025 schedule TBA.
Is parking free on Canada Day in Montreal?
Street parking is often free on statutory holidays in Montreal, but always verify signs at the precise location. Paid parking lots may still charge.
Can I have a picnic in parks on Canada Day?
Yes. Most parks in Quebec are open, and picnics are welcome. Note that July 1 is also moving day, so some parks may be busier than usual.
Will public transit run on Canada Day 2025?
Yes, but on a Sunday/holiday schedule. STM and RTC will run reduced service. Check their websites for specific route schedules on July 1.
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