What's open and closed in Montreal on New Year's Day

Nobody wants to wake up on the first day of the new year and not have that trusty Gatorade handy.

Before we bid farewell to 2022, you might want to stock up on other essentials for New Year’s Day as plenty of offices, attractions, and even restaurants are closed on the first day of the year.

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Keep in mind that while most Ville de Montreal offices will be closed, the 311 Information Line will be open throughout the week. Residents and tourists can receive information about municipal services by calling 311 or (514) 872-0311.

Also, note that New Year’s Day hours are a bit of a crapshoot and we recommend calling business and restaurants before to get their individual holiday hours.

Here is what’s open and closed on New Year’s Day in Montreal. Because, using champagne as a milk substitute is not always ideal.

What’s closed:

All banks will be closed (January 2 as well)
All federal and provincial government offices will be closed
All post offices will be closed
Most restaurants will be closed, with exceptions being those in Chinatown and hotels
Montreal museums such as the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the McCord Museum, and Pointe-A-Calliere will be closed
Outdoor markets, including Atwater Market, Jean-Talon Market, and Maisonneuve Market will be closed
SAQ liquor stores will be closed (closes at 5 pm on New Year’s Eve)
The SQDC will be closed on New Year’s Day
Most grocery stores (larger than 375 square meters) will be closed
Most retail stores and malls will be closed (including all malls in downtown Montreal)
The Biodome, the Botanical Gardens, and the Science Centre will be closed
Parks (outdoor skating rinks and cross-country trails) will be closed meaning equipment rentals and cleanup will not occur

What’s open:

Some depanneurs will remain open
Some pharmacies will remain open, especially larger chains like Pharmaprix
Most movie theatres will remain open, including Dollar Cinema, Cinéma Banque Scotia, and Cineplex Forum
Arenas, pools, and libraries will have varying hours by borough
Public transit will remain in operation, though it will be operating on a Sunday schedule, metro trains will be set at 10-minute intervals (January 2 as well)
Parking meters follow their regular schedule throughout the holiday season with no exceptions
Montreal Casino will remain open
St. Joseph’s Oratory and the Notre-Dame Basilica will remain open
Atrium le 1000s Skating Rink will remain open
All parking meters follow their regular schedule throughout the holiday season. No exceptions.