As Easter approaches, many people in the Hamilton, Burlington, and Niagara regions are preparing for a long holiday weekend filled with opportunities for rest, reflection, and family gatherings. However, it’s important to be aware of how services and businesses will operate during this time. Some will adjust their schedules, while others will remain closed on certain days. In this guide, we will provide a comprehensive overview of what to expect in terms of operating hours for various businesses, public services, and popular destinations.
Hamilton
Administrative Offices
In Hamilton, all administrative offices, including municipal buildings, will be closed on Good Friday (March 29) and Easter Monday (April 1). If you have any official business to attend to, please plan accordingly and ensure it is completed before or after the holiday period.
Licensing and Bylaw Services
Licensing and bylaw services will be unavailable on both Good Friday and Easter Monday. Services will resume on Tuesday, April 2, when regular hours will be in effect.
Waste Collection
There will be no green bin, garbage, or recycling collection on Good Friday (March 29). However, the pickup that would normally occur on Friday will be rescheduled for Saturday, March 31. Monday, April 1, will follow the regular collection schedule. The city advises that all materials must be placed at the curb by 7:00 a.m. to ensure timely collection.
HSR Bus Services
The Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) will operate on a Sunday/holiday schedule on Good Friday, with regular services resuming on Easter Monday.
GO Transit
GO Transit will operate trains and buses on a Sunday schedule on Good Friday. Services will return to normal on Easter Monday.
ATS DARTS Services
For those utilizing the ATS DARTS services, the system will be operating on a holiday schedule both on Good Friday and Easter Monday. Subscription trips, except for those related to dialysis, will be canceled during the holiday period. ATS customer service will also be closed on both Friday and Monday.
Public Recreation Centres
Most of the recreation centres in Hamilton will be closed on both Good Friday and Easter Monday. If you had planned to visit one of these centers for sports or fitness activities, be sure to check their schedules and consider alternative days for your visit.
Museums and Cultural Attractions
Hamilton’s civic museums including the Dundurn National Historic Site, Hamilton Military Museum, and the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday. If you plan to visit any of these cultural landmarks, be sure to adjust your schedule accordingly.
Hamilton Public Library
All branches of the Hamilton Public Library (HPL) will be closed on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday. Library services will resume on Tuesday, April 2.
Animal Services
The Hamilton Animal Services will be closed on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday. For emergencies, residents should contact the local emergency number.
Burlington
Government Offices
In Burlington, local government offices, including City Hall and municipal facilities, will be closed on both Good Friday and Easter Monday. This includes various administrative services such as parks, roads, and forestry. Only urgent services, such as snow removal, will be provided during this time.
Animal Shelter and Control
The Burlington Animal Shelter and Control will be closed from Good Friday to Easter Monday. However, emergencies can still be reported to the emergency number provided on their website.
Recreation Centres
Several of Burlington’s recreation centres will remain open but will operate on limited hours. Outdoor facilities may also remain open depending on weather conditions. For specific information on which locations will be open and their adjusted hours, visit burlington.ca/dropinandplay.
Burlington Transit
Burlington Transit will operate on a holiday schedule on Good Friday and Easter Monday, with the downtown transit terminal and administration office closed on Good Friday.
Free Parking
Burlington offers free parking in the downtown core on both Good Friday and Easter Monday. However, the Waterfront parking lots will charge for parking as usual, and parking exemptions are required for overnight parking in city streets.
Niagara Region
Government Offices
As in other regions, Niagara Region government offices, including city halls and the Enterprise Centre, will be closed on Good Friday. Some offices, such as in St. Catharines, will reopen on Easter Monday.
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services
The City of Niagara recreation centres will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Many will also have reduced hours on Easter Monday. Specific information about hours for facilities such as the Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre can be found on the Niagara Region website.
Niagara Regional Transit
Niagara Regional Transit will operate on a holiday schedule for Good Friday, with St. Catharines and Niagara Falls buses in service. However, regional services, including those for Fort Erie and Welland, will not be running on Friday. Normal transit hours will resume on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.
Popular Attractions
Several key Niagara tourist destinations will remain open during the long weekend, such as the Niagara City Cruises, the Journey Behind the Falls, and the Niagara Falls History Museum. However, some attractions such as the Whirlpool Aero Car and Wildplay Whirlpool Adventure Course will be closed. For specific operating hours, visit the Niagara Parks website.
Key Retail and Dining Information
Grocery Stores and Shopping Malls
Many of the major grocery stores in Hamilton, Burlington, and Niagara will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, including Fortinos, Metro, FreshCo, and No Frills. However, some Shoppers Drug Mart locations and Rexall pharmacies may remain open on a limited holiday schedule.
Alcohol Sales
Both the LCBO and Beer Store will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Some Wine Rack locations may remain open with limited hours. For a list of open locations, consult the Wine Rack store locator.
Malls and Retail Centres
All major shopping centres in the Hamilton, Burlington, St. Catharines, and Niagara Falls areas will be closed on Good Friday, with the exception of a few outlet malls, such as the Outlet Collection at Niagara Falls, which will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m..
Other Attractions in the Toronto Area
For those planning to venture into Toronto, many of the city’s top attractions, including the Royal Ontario Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium, and the Ontario Science Centre, will remain open, though on adjusted hours. If you plan on visiting, be sure to check the specific operating hours.
Conclusion
As the Easter long weekend approaches, many businesses and services in Hamilton, Burlington, and Niagara Region will adjust their operating hours. While some locations remain closed, others will operate with limited hours or follow special holiday schedules. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday, it is important to verify the hours for the services you plan to use, including public transit, recreation centres, and tourist attractions.
For the most current information on closures and operating hours, please refer to the official websites of each city or service provider.