Looking forward to some serious discounts this Boxing Day? Check out how these Canadian cities celebrate Boxing Day across the country.
Boxing Day in Canada has been THE ultimate shopping day for Canadians for ages. It has slightly calmed down in recent years, but there are still several places that require you to line up hours early just to get into the store! Walking around malls used to be like making your way through a pack of sardines but as sales move online, it’s a bit more manageable to make a trip to the shopping mall. December 26th is the perfect day to purchase what Santa didn’t bring you or to spend all your gift cards you received the day before.
All About Boxing Day in Canada
On December 26th, stores in Canada will still be busy for our Boxing Day holiday, but it isn’t quite the same atmosphere as panicked shoppers trying to get the best deals in store. Many people have turned to online shopping so expect crowds but not the worst crowds (which isn’t a bad thing).
Boxing Day in Canada is still a public holiday, and a day marked by its consumerism. It might not be as wildly discounted as Black Friday, but you’ll still be able to complete your wish list with severely discounted items.
We’ve put together a little summary of the Boxing Day events in Canadian cities to satisfy your post-Christmas shopping needs. We’ve broken down what shopping malls are open in major cities across the country, including the best shopping practices and tips for you to make the most of Canada’s favourite shopping day. You’re done buying presents for other people, so spoil yourself on Boxing Day in Canada!
A Guide to Canadian Cities on Boxing Day
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax is the only city on this list that actually shuts down shopping malls on Boxing Day. While Best Buy and certain specific brands are open, the shopping centres and grocery stores are closed. Halifax Shopping Centre, Park Lane Mall, Scotia Square and Mic Mac Mall are all closed on Christmas day and Boxing Day. Shops are all back open on the 27th.
Montreal, Quebec
Montrealers like to sleep in on Boxing Day! Shopping malls are open, but store hours only start at 1 p.m., including the downtown Eaton Centre. Some stores will stay open late until 9 p.m. while others have a very short day, ending their hours at 5 p.m. SAQ seems to be open on Boxing Day.
Ottawa, Ontario
In Ottawa, stores open earlier than usual with certain shopping centres opening as early as 7 a.m. and staying open as late as 9 p.m like the Bayshore Shopping Centre and Tanger Outlets. Most other shopping malls open at 8 a.m. There are still large crowds but Ottawa locals have been noticing the shops are getting less and less crowded over the last few years. ByWard Market has regular hours on the 26th. LCBO and The Beer Store are closed on Boxing Day.
Toronto, Ontario
It is no surprise that Toronto also has stores open early on Boxing Day! The Toronto Eaton Centre will be open from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., while most other shopping malls open their doors at 8 a.m or 9 p.m. There are even a few Walmarts and Real Canadian Superstores that open as early as 6 a.m. on Boxing Day! LCBO and The Beer Store are closed on Boxing Day. Most of the city’s tourist attractions have regular operating hours.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Despite a windchill of -39 degrees in 2017, people still swarmed to the malls. Over 150 calls to CAA were made by 9 a.m. to boost their cars, with 750 calls to CAA made by only 1 p.m. If that doesn’t explain Boxing Day in Canada, then nothing will! Outlet Collection Winnipeg is the shopping mall in Winnipeg with the longest store hours: open at 7 a.m. and closed at 9:30 p.m. Most other shopping malls open at 8 a.m. The big box stores like Best Buy and Walmart are open as early as 6 a.m. for the shopping rush. Liquor Marts are open!
Regina, Saskatchewan
In Regina, the stores are open but most of them don’t have extended hours for Boxing Day. At the Cornwall Centre and the Victoria Square Shopping Centre, the hours remain the same as their winter hours, with some stores closing earlier than usual. In 2017, people still braved the -41 degree Celsius windchill weather to get their Boxing Day shopping done, but it isn’t as chaotic as other parts of Canada.
Calgary, Alberta
In 2017, the CF Chinook Centre shopping mall estimated they saw 100,000 shoppers on Boxing Day alone. To deal with the crowds, the extended hours are from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. However, not all shopping malls handle Boxing Day in Canada the same way. The Core in Calgary is only open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., so make sure to check holiday schedules before leaving the house.
Vancouver, B.C.
British Columbia’s largest shopping mall Metropolis at Metrotown in Vancouver is open on Boxing Day with extended hours from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. It might be your best bet for shopping as there is a direct connection to the Skytrain meaning you can skip out on finding parking amongst the chaos of Boxing Day in Canada. CF Pacific Centre comes in a close second with their shopping hours from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. B.C. liquor stores are open on Boxing Day.
Tips for Boxing Day in Canada:
- Shop online if you’re not a fan of large crowds.
- Head to the stores early if your city is big on Boxing Day sales.
- Go with a plan! It is fun to browse but if you really want a certain item, you need to shop with a plan.
- Stick with a budget. It can be tempting to go overboard when sales are particularly great but make a budget before you start shopping and then stick to it.
- Be kind to your fellow shoppers!
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