Title: Metro Vancouver's Truth and Reconciliation Day Hours

Truth and Reconciliation Day will be observed on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. This statutory holiday honors Indigenous communities affected by residential schools, including the children who did not return home and their families. The day is also recognized as Orange Shirt Day, a movement initiated by Indigenous author and activist Phyllis Webstad, who is a member of the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation.

The holiday was first federally recognized in 2021 and became an official statutory holiday in British Columbia in March 2023. The date remains fixed, regardless of the day of the week it falls on. If it lands on a weekend, some workplaces may observe the holiday on the following weekday. Employees are encouraged to check their workplace policies regarding the holiday.

In Metro Vancouver, many businesses and attractions will have adjusted hours for Truth and Reconciliation Day. Most malls will be open but with shortened hours. The following malls will operate from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Pacific Centre in Vancouver, Guildford Town Centre in Surrey, Richmond Centre, Metropolis at Metrotown in Burnaby, and Park Royal in West Vancouver. The Amazing Brentwood in Burnaby will maintain its regular hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For outlet shoppers, McArthurGlen mall near YVR in Richmond will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., while Tsawwassen Mills in Delta will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Costco will operate its usual hours of 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Ikea will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Grocery stores and pharmacies are expected to remain open. Many local attractions will also welcome visitors. Science World will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with early entry for members at 9:30 a.m. The Vancouver Aquarium will have regular hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Special programs for Truth and Reconciliation Day will include storytelling, drumming, and cultural teachings from Indigenous artists and a residential school survivor.

In Kits Point, the Museum of Vancouver and the Vancouver Maritime Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre will also be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring a special Pink Floyd presentation in the evening. Flyover Canada at Canada Place will operate from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. However, the Vancouver Art Gallery will be closed, as it is every Tuesday.

Community centers in Vancouver will have varied hours. Some will remain open, including Coal Harbour from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., False Creek from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and others with different schedules. More than half of the city’s fitness centers will be open, including Hillcrest and Britannia. Ice rinks and several golf courses will also be available.

Public libraries in the Vancouver system will be closed on September 30, except for the Carnegie Branch in the Downtown Eastside. Many recreational facilities in Surrey will remain open, and most restaurants and coffee shops, particularly larger chains, will operate as usual.

TransLink services, including buses, SkyTrain, and SeaBus, will run on holiday schedules, while the West Coast Express will not operate. Vancouver city hall and government offices, including Service Canada and passport offices, will be closed, reopening on Wednesday, October 1. Canada Post will not collect or deliver mail on this day, and most banks and credit unions will also be closed. Most B.C. Liquor Stores will have shortened hours, typically from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., but this may vary due to ongoing pickets affecting some locations. Residents are advised to check the hours for their local stores.