Remembrance Day Toronto 2025: Services, Memorials & Closures

November 11 in Toronto doesn’t come with fireworks or fanfare. It’s quiet on purpose. Remembrance Day Toronto 2025 lands on a Tuesday, and while it’s not a statutory holiday in Ontario, the city still slows down. Some gather at cenotaphs. Others pause on the sidewalk for a brief silence. And a few just want to know: What’s open? Where can I go? What time does it all happen?

Here’s how Toronto marks the day, including services, closures, transit tips, and where to stop if you’re passing through. All details are based on 2024 events and the City’s current listings, so double-check before you head out.

Remembrance Day Toronto 2025: What to Know Before You Go

Major Remembrance Day Ceremonies

Most official services begin around 10:45 a.m., leading into a two-minute silence at 11:00 a.m. You don’t need a ticket—just show up and be respectful.

Old City Hall (Queen & Bay): This is the city’s main civic event. Expect a crowd, a formal ceremony, and full street closures around the square.
Fort York (100 Garrison Rd): A military setting with a bit of history in the backdrop. The program usually starts a few minutes earlier than most—around 10:40 a.m.
Scarborough War Memorial (2190 Kingston Rd): A quieter East-end gathering with longtime local participation.
East York Civic Centre (850 Coxwell Ave): A smaller gathering in the Memorial Gardens. Often attended by families and neighbourhood groups.
York Cemetery (160 Beecroft Rd, North York): This site offers a peaceful option if you’d rather avoid the core.
Soldiers’ Tower (University of Toronto): Service starts at 10:30 a.m. with bells ringing beforehand. If you’re on or near campus, it’s worth the visit.

Road Closures Around Downtown

If you’re planning to attend the Old City Hall ceremony, leave the car at home. Closures run from about 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Bay Street from Albert to Richmond
Queen Street West between Bay and York
Albert Street (local access only)
No parking in the closed sections during those hours

TTC surface routes will be diverted—check live alerts day-of for route changes.

TTC Service Adjustments

TTC operates a regular weekday schedule on Nov 11. But there’s one symbolic pause worth noting:

At 11:00 a.m., all TTC vehicles stop for two minutes.
Subways hold at stations
Buses and streetcars pull over at the nearest stop

It’s not a delay. It’s part of the day.

What’s Closed in Toronto on November 11

Closed:

Public libraries
Government offices (federal, provincial, municipal)
Recreation centres and city-run indoor programs
Canada Post (no mail pickup/delivery)
Some banks
Garbage/recycling collection (delayed by one day)

Schools:

Open – Most public schools remain in session, but mark the day with in-class ceremonies or announcements
Colleges & universities operate as usual

Open (But Check Ahead)

LCBO & The Beer Store

Most locations are open but may close earlier than usual
Confirm store hours for your local branch

Transit

TTC: weekday service, with the 11:00 a.m. pause
GO Transit: standard weekday schedule

Memorial Spots Worth Visiting Anytime

Not all tributes happen at the microphone. If you’re looking for a quieter way to mark the day, these public spots are open year-round:

Old City Hall Cenotaph – Downtown’s main remembrance site
Coronation Park – Along Lake Shore, with trees planted in memory of veterans
Soldiers’ Tower – U of T campus memorial with student and alumni names carved in
South African War Memorial – Queen & University intersection
Victory Peace Monument – Tucked into Exhibition Place near the water

You don’t have to attend a service to pause and reflect.

Before You Go

Get there early. Especially downtown—crowds build fast
Dress for it. Cold mornings, standing outside
Silence matters. Whether you’re in a ceremony or on the street, two minutes is all it takes
Respect the space. No phones, no photos during the silence. Just be present
Bring a poppy. Or pick one up from a Legion box before the day

Whether you plan to attend a ceremony or simply pause to reflect, Remembrance Day Toronto 2025 is a moment to honor and remember those who served. Keep an eye on schedules, follow road closures, and take time to experience the city’s commemorations safely.

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