What is Open on Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day Mania: What's Open, What's Closed, and a Pop of Poppy Power!

Curious about what's open and closed this Remembrance Day across Canada? From cannabis to poppies, we’ve got you covered!

As Remembrance Day approaches, Canadians gear up to pay their respects to the brave souls who served and lost their lives in the line of duty. However, there's more to the day than just solemn ceremonies and moments of silence. Whether you're in Winnipeg, Montreal, or Toronto, you might be wondering what's actually open, closed, or just plain quirky about this observance.

In Winnipeg, the Royal Canadian Legion has made headlines by partnering with Amazon to sell remembrance poppies online for the very first time. That means you can get your poppy without even leaving your couch! Not only are they promoting remembrance in a modern way, but they're also raising funds for veterans and their families. You can wear your poppy proudly while lounging in your pajamas – how's that for multitasking?

Heading to Montreal, the Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) is open for business on this day too! While schools, colleges, and a few other retail outlets might close their doors, the local cannabis stores remain steadfast in their operations. Talk about a diverse way of remembering our heroes: from poppies to pot, Canadians know how to balance respect with convenience!

And if you're in Ontario, brace yourself for some inconsistency. While it's not a statutory holiday, various businesses, including the popular Co-op Food Store, will adjust their hours. For example, they’ll be open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. – just enough time to grab those snacks for your Remembrance Day movie marathon!

Fun Fact: The poppy became a symbol of remembrance due to a famous World War I poem, "In Flanders Fields,” written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae after he witnessed poppies growing amidst the war-torn landscape.

Another interesting tidbit: Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day, is observed in several countries around the world, including the United Kingdom and Australia, making it a truly international moment for remembrance and reflection.