London There are plenty of activities to enjoy this Canada Day, but many malls, government offices, and shops will be closed for the day.
Fireworks at Harris Park will start lighting up the sky at 10 p. m.
· Posted: Jul 01, 2026 5:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: 8 hours ago
This Canada Day marks the country’s 159th birthday. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
Families in London have lots of fun and free things to do on Canada Day.
Residents are advised to stay hydrated and keep cool since this year’s celebration falls during a heat wave. Cooling centres and other resources will be available for some relief.
At the same time, several malls, government offices, and stores will be closed for the holiday as usual.
Here’s a rundown of what’s open and what’s closed:
Shopping and businesses
White Oaks Mall, CF Masonville Place, and Westmount Mall will be shut down. The Covent Garden Market is also closed. Most grocery stores will not operate for the holiday, but shoppers can visit individual store websites for exceptions and details. All LCBO stores are closed. However, three Beer Store locations in London will open on Canada Day at 1600 Dundas St. E., 414 Wharncliffe Rd. S. (drive-through only), and 1080 Adelaide St. N., operating from 11 a. m. to 6 p. m.Government facilities
All banks and city administrative offices are closed for the holiday including City Hall, Citi Plaza, all Ontario Works offices, and Provincial Offences Administrative Offices. Garbage collection won’t happen on Wednesday; it’ll shift forward by one day.Recreation
All city spray pads and wading pools are available for use from 9 a. m. to 9 p. m. Storybook Gardens is welcoming visitors from 10 a. m. to 6 p. m. Recreation centres across the city will remain open on Canada Day with free programming such as yoga, crafts, swimming, badminton, and science workshops. A complete list of activities along with their hours can be found on the city’s website. Some exciting free events will take place downtown on Wednesday too! The London Heritage Council is hosting an event showcasing diverse cultures from noon until late at night on Dundas Place; then at 6 p. m., celebrations begin in Harris Park featuring live music, activities, and food trucks! Fireworks will light up Harris Park starting around 10 p. m.Public transit
The London transit system will run on a holiday schedule Wednesday which means fewer buses than usual days. Several detours and stop closures may occur because of Canada Day celebrations; riders should check out the London Transit website to plan their trip.Roads and bridges
Dundas Street will be blocked off between Ridout Street and Richmond Street. Talbot Street won’t allow traffic between King Street and Carling Street. Queens Avenue is shut down from Ridout Street North to Riverside Drive along with Wharncliffe Road North. Ridout Street North is also blocked off from Fullarton Street to King Street. Thames Street won’t let vehicles through from Dundas Street to Harris Park Gate. Both Queen’s Bridge and Kensington Bridge won’t allow vehicle traffic starting at 8 p. m. Check Renew London for all road closure information related to Canada Day.Source link
