Absolutely! Stores do open on Sundays in Canada, though their hours and the extent of their operation vary depending on the type of store and the province. Most shopping centres across Canada open from 12 pm to 6 pm on Sundays, which offers a decent window for weekend shoppers to run their errands.
Short answer: Yes, Stores are open on Sunday in Canada
Historically, the landscape of Sunday shopping in Canada has been shaped by legal and cultural shifts. The Lord’s Day Act of 1906 originally prohibited business transactions on Sundays to preserve the sanctity of the day. However, in 1985, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that this act violated the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This ruling paved the way for provinces to set their laws concerning Sunday shopping.
By 1993, most provinces allowed regulated Sunday shopping, though the regulations vary. For instance, in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the three territories, there are no restrictions at all—stores can remain open 24/7 if they choose. On the other hand, Quebec regulates shopping hours even outside of Sundays and holidays.
History of Sunday shopping laws in Canada
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1906 | The Lord's Day Act was passed in Canada, prohibiting business transactions on Sundays. |
| April 24, 1985 | The Supreme Court of Canada struck down the Lord's Day Act in the BIG M DRUG MART case, ruling it contravened the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. |
| June 1990 | An Ontario High Court judge ruled the Retail Business Holiday Act unconstitutional. |
| August 31, 1982 | Some retailers in Alberta, including The Brick, began opening on Sundays, breaking a 76-year-old law. |
| June 7, 1992 | Malls and grocery stores across Ontario, including Ottawa, opened for business on Sunday, marking the start of widespread Sunday shopping. |
| 1992 | Bowing to public pressure, the Rae government amended the Retail Business Holidays Act to permit Sunday shopping in Ontario. |
| 1998 | Newfoundland became the last province in Canada to pass legislation deregulating Sunday shopping. |
It is common for supermarkets and shopping centres in urban areas to be open from around noon to 6 pm. For example, in Toronto, many shops in malls open around 11 am or noon, making afternoons a vibrant shopping time, while mornings are quieter. Similarly, in Montreal, many stores, including those in the extensive underground mall, are open on Sundays.
Overall, if you're a shopper looking to browse retail stores on a Sunday in Canada, you're in luck. Though opening hours are shorter than on other days, the majority of shopping centres and large retailers will be available from noon to early evening. For specific opening hours, especially around public holidays or unique regional regulations, it’s always a good idea to check online or call ahead to ensure that the stores you wish to visit will be open.
Keep in mind, while Sunday shopping in Canada is widely accepted, hours may vary slightly based on local laws and individual store policies. Happy shopping!
