What’s open and closed on Truth and Reconciliation Day 2026

Truth and Reconciliation Day is upon us. The relatively recent statutory holiday is meant to honour and remember those in the Indigenous community who have been affected by residential schools, including the children who never came home and the families they left behind.

READ MORE:Truth and Reconciliation Day 2026: Events happening around Metro Vancouver

Sept. 30 has been designated as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and falls on a Wednesday in 2026. The date is set regardless of what day of the week it falls on.

When the stat falls on a weekend, workplaces that recognize it may schedule the following weekday off in lieu. Check with your workplace to find out its policy.

It’s both. The holiday was first recognized federally in 2021 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. In 2023, the province of B.C. also passed an act making it an official statutory holiday.

It coincides with Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots Indigenous-led movement started by Northern Secwpemc (Shuswap) author and activist Phyllis Webstad, a member of the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation (Canoe Creek Indian Band).

Here’s what’s open and closed on Truth and Reconciliation Day 2026 around Metro Vancouver:

Metro Vancouver malls are open and welcoming shoppers, albeit with shortened hours.

These malls are open with holiday hours of 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30:

• Pacific Centre, Vancouver
• Guildford Town Centre, Surrey
• Richmond Centre
• Metropolis at Metrotown, Burnaby
• Park Royal, West Vancouver

The Amazing Brentwood in Burnaby is open its regular hours, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For outlet shoppers, the McArthurGlen mall near YVR in Richmond is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., while Tsawwassen Mills in Delta is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Costco locations will be open their usual weekday hours of 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Ikea’s stores will also be open but with slightly shorter hours than a typical Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Grocery stores and pharmacies are generally open on Truth and Reconciliation Day.

If you’re looking to get out of the house with the kids, many local attractions remain open.

Science World is open its usual 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with early 9:30 a.m. entry for members.

The Vancouver Aquarium is open its regular hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The aquarium once again has special programs planned for Truth and Reconciliation Day, including storytelling, drumming and cultural teachings from local Indigenous artists and knowledge keepers, including a firsthand account from a residential school survivor.