Labour Day 2024: What's open and closed in Metro Vancouver (2024)

Whether you’re sad about the end of summer or excited about the start of fall, there’s no doubt that Labour Day marks a key turning point.

But Labour Day represents more than just the changing of seasons. The day finds its roots in the labour union movement, celebrating the achievements of workers and the unions that represent them.

The day is marked as a statutory public holiday across Canada and many workers will have the day off. Check ahead to see what’s open and closed in Metro Vancouver over the Labour Day long weekend:

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Shopping

Metro Vancouver malls are open on the long weekend, although some are observing shortened hours.

These malls are open on Labour Day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.:

• Pacific Centre
• Richmond Centre
• Park Royal
• The Amazing Brentwood
• Guildford Town Centre
• Metropolis at Metrotown

For outlet shoppers, the McArthurGlen Designer outlet near Vancouver International Airport will be open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., while Tsawwassen Mills in Delta will be open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Grocery stores and pharmacies are generally open on the Labour Day long weekend.

Attractions

If you’re looking for activities to entertain kids and visitors, there’s plenty of options. Most attractions around town are open before the back-to-school rush begins.

Science World will be open its usual 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with early 9:30 a.m. entry for members.

In Kits Point, both the Museum of Vancouver and the Vancouver Maritime Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre will be open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

In downtown Vancouver, the Vancouver Art Gallery is welcoming visitors during its usual 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. hours, while Flyover Canada will be operating 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

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In Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Members can enjoy the last day of an 8 a.m. early entry for the season.

Recreation

Most Vancouver community centres will be closed on Labour Day, but a handful plans to stay open, including:

• False Creek — 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Kerrisdale — 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Killarney — 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Mount Pleasant — 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Roundhouse — 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
• Sunset — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Note that three community centres will be closed on the Saturday and Sunday before Labour Day: Douglas Park, Hastings, Marpole-Oakridge, Thunderbird and West Point Grey. Ray-Cam will be closed on the Sunday and Monday. Kitsilano will be closed from Friday to Monday.

About a dozen fitness centres across the city will be closed. Ice rinks and the city’s golf courses — Fraserview, Langara and McCleery — will be open.

Most pools are going to be staying open. Kensington pool will be closed on Labour Day Monday. The Vancouver Aquatic Centre will be closed from Friday to Monday. The rest of the city’s public pools will be open.

Before you head out, visit the city’s website for hours of specific locations.

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For libraries, all except Carnegie Branch in the Downtown Eastside will be closed on Sept. 2.

For a look at recreational facilities in Surrey, including community centres and pools, check out Surrey’s holiday hours here.

Food and drink

Most restaurants and coffee shops, especially large chains, will stay open on Labour Day. Mom-and-pop restaurants and smaller cafés might close on the holiday Monday, so double check before heading out.

TransLink

TransLink buses, SkyTrain and SeaBus will be running on holiday schedules on Labour Day. The West Coast Express will not operate. Keep in mind that holiday fares will be in effect, so commuters will only need a one-zone fare to travel across all zones.

Government offices

Vancouver city hall will be closed for the long weekend, reopening on Tuesday, Sept. 3. It’s a similar situation for government offices, including Service Canada and passport offices and ICBC locations.

Canada Post will not be collecting or delivering mail on Sept. 2. Banks will also be closed.

Most B.C. Liquor Stores in Metro Vancouver will be open on Monday with shortened hours of 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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