Toronto Remembrance Day: Key Events and What’s Open or Closed

Canadians will observe Remembrance Day on November 11, taking time to honor military personnel, both lost and currently serving. This day is marked by a two-minute silence at 11 a.m. to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the country. In Toronto, a variety of ceremonies will commemorate this significant occasion.

Toronto Remembrance Day Ceremonies

On this solemn day, various ceremonies will take place across Toronto. Here are some of the key events:

• Prospect Cemetery: The 97th annual sunrise service starts at 8 a.m. at 1450 St. Clair Ave. W.
• City of Toronto Ceremonies: Ceremonies will commence at many significant locations. Attendees are urged to arrive by 10:45 a.m. at:
• Cenotaph at Old City Hall (60 Queen St. W.)
• Memorial Gardens at East York Civic Centre (850 Coxwell Ave.)
• Cenotaph at Etobicoke Civic Centre (399 The West Mall)
• York Cemetery Cenotaph, North York (160 Beecroft Rd.)
• Scarborough War Memorial (2190 Kingston Rd.)
• York Civic Centre Cenotaph (2700 Eglinton Ave. W.)
• Fort York National Historic Site: A ceremony will take place at 10:40 a.m. Guided tours focusing on military history will be available.
• Queen’s Park: A ceremony at the Ontario Legislative Building will start at 10:45 a.m.
• Royal Canadian Legion: Multiple branches will host ceremonies across Toronto and beyond.
• RCAF Foundation: A ceremony will occur at 10:40 a.m. at the William G. Barker VC Monument, with a sunset ceremony planned for 4:50 p.m.
• University of Toronto’s Soldiers’ Tower: A Service of Remembrance begins at 10:30 a.m. with a bell recital at 10:10 a.m.
• Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre: A service at 10:15 a.m. includes a fly-past by the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association.
• Toronto Zoo: A ceremony is set for 10:55 a.m. at the Waterside Theatre, occurring after normal opening hours.

Road Closures for Remembrance Day

Several road closures will take place due to the ceremonies. Notable closures include:

• Old City Hall: Queen St. W. between York St. & Bay St., and Bay St. from Dundas St. W. to Richmond St.
• Queen’s Park: Wellesley St. W. between Queen’s Park Crescent East & West.

What’s Open and Closed on Remembrance Day

While many services are affected, some remain operational:

• Public Transit: TTC and GO Transit will operate on regular schedules. All transit services will pause for two minutes at 11 a.m. to observe the moment of silence.
• Grocery Stores and Pharmacies: Open during regular hours.
• Shopping Malls: Major malls will operate as usual.

In contrast, the following establishments will be closed:

• LCBO and Beer Store will open at noon.
• Canada Post will not deliver mail.
• Major banks will be closed for in-person services.
• Federal government offices will be closed.

Canadians are encouraged to engage in the various Remembrance Day events in Toronto and reflect on the sacrifices made by military personnel throughout history.