Grocery Stores Open on Boxing Day 2025 in Canada

Unlike regular weekdays, Boxing Day (December 26) is an official statutory holiday in most Canadian provinces and territories. This means many retail stores, including some grocery stores, pharmacies, and shopping malls, are required to close or operate with significantly reduced hours. However, essential services — particularly grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores — remain open in most areas to serve the public.

Here is a comprehensive guide to grocery and food store availability on Boxing Day 2025 across Canada, based on provincial regulations and major chain policies.

Provinces Where Most Grocery Stores Stay Open on Boxing Day

In the majority of provinces, large supermarkets and grocery chains operate with regular or slightly reduced hours on December 26:

• Ontario — Grocery stores are permitted to open. Major chains open: Walmart, Costco (regular warehouse hours), Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, No Frills, Metro, Sobeys, FreshCo, Food Basics, Giant Tiger, Farm Boy, and most independent grocers. Typical hours: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. or similar (varies by location).
• Alberta — No retail restrictions on Boxing Day. All major grocery chains (Walmart, Costco, Save-On-Foods, Safeway, Co-op, Superstore, etc.) open with regular hours.
• British Columbia — Grocery stores open as usual. Save-On-Foods, Safeway, Thrifty Foods, Whole Foods, Walmart, Costco, and most independents operate normally.
• Saskatchewan — Grocery stores open. Regular hours at Co-op, Sobeys, Safeway, Walmart, and local grocers.
• Manitoba — Grocery stores permitted to open. Most chains (Sobeys, Superstore, Walmart, Costco) operate with regular hours.
• Newfoundland and Labrador — Grocery stores open. Regular operations at Sobeys, Walmart, and local stores.
• Northwest Territories & Yukon — Grocery stores open with regular hours.

Provinces/Territories with Restrictions or Partial Closures

Some regions have stricter rules or traditions of closures:

• Quebec — Retail stores (including most grocery stores) must remain closed on Boxing Day under provincial law, except for small corner stores, gas stations, and certain pharmacies. Limited options open: Dépanneurs (convenience stores), some pharmacies, and select small grocers. Large chains like Metro, IGA, Provigo, and Super C are closed.
• Nova Scotia — Most retail stores closed, but grocery stores are generally permitted to open. Major chains (Sobeys, Walmart, Costco, Superstore) typically operate with reduced hours.
• New Brunswick — Grocery stores are allowed to open. Regular or slightly reduced hours at Sobeys, Atlantic Superstore, Walmart, and others.
• Prince Edward Island — Grocery stores generally open with regular hours.

Pharmacies & Convenience Stores – Widely Available

• Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, Jean Coutu (Quebec), and most independent pharmacies — Open with regular or holiday hours in most provinces (limited in Quebec).
• Convenience stores (Circle K, Couche-Tard, 7-Eleven, Needs, etc.) — Open across the country, often 24/7.
• Gas stations with attached convenience stores — Open everywhere.

Quick Summary by Major Chain (Boxing Day 2025)

• Walmart — Open in most provinces (except Quebec); regular hours in open regions.
• Costco — Open in provinces where retail is permitted; closed in Quebec.
• Loblaws / Superstore / No Frills — Open in Ontario, Western Canada; closed in Quebec.
• Sobeys / FreshCo / Foodland — Open in most provinces; closed in Quebec.
• Metro / Provigo — Closed in Quebec; open elsewhere with regular hours.

Pro Tip: Boxing Day is one of the biggest shopping days in Canada, with massive post-Christmas sales on groceries, electronics, clothing, and seasonal items. Stores that are open often see huge crowds—arrive early for the best deals.

Always confirm exact hours using each chain’s store locator, website, or app, as individual locations may vary slightly.