Canada Day falls on a Wednesday this year. This means you need to plan ahead for midweek closures across Saint John and the rest of New Brunswick.

While government offices and most retail stores lock their doors for the holiday, the city is hosting plenty of celebrations to keep you entertained. Here is everything you need to know about what is open, what is closed, and where to celebrate in Saint John, based on information from CBC News.

Retail and Grocery Stores

You need to buy your groceries before Wednesday. All Sobeys, Walmart, and Atlantic Superstore locations are closed. The Saint John Costco is also closed for the day.

If you want to shop locally, the Saint John City Market is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. McAllister Place is closed. Most Shoppers Drug Mart locations remain open, but you should call your local store to confirm their holiday hours.

Public Services and Transit

Getting around the city requires a personal vehicle or a taxi. Saint John Transit halts all operations on Canada Day. Fredericton Transit also stops running for the day, while Codiac Transpo in Moncton operates on a modified schedule.

Do not plan to run errands at government buildings. Saint John City Hall, all public libraries, Service New Brunswick, and Service Canada are closed.

Saint John Celebrations and Fireworks

Saint John kicks off its Canada Day celebrations at noon. You can find events and activities at the boardwalk amphitheatre, the Area 506 container village, and Market Square. The night ends with a massive fireworks display over Long Wharf at 10 p.m.

If you are traveling outside the city, Moncton hosts a three community firework display at Riverfront Park at 10 p.m. Fredericton hosts events at Officers’ Square starting at noon, with fireworks launching from the Westmorland Street Bridge at 10:40 p.m. The city is closing the bridge to traffic from 7:30 p.m. until midnight.

CBC New Brunswick wants to see your Canada Day photos. You can email your pictures to cbcnb@cbc.ca to be featured in a special edition of Your Lens. Include your name, the location, and a brief description of the photo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Saint John Transit running on Canada Day?

No. Saint John Transit halts all operations for the holiday.

What time do the Saint John fireworks start?

The fireworks display begins at 10 p.m. over Long Wharf.

Can I buy groceries on Canada Day?

Major grocery chains like Sobeys, Walmart, and Atlantic Superstore are closed. However, the Saint John City Market is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.