Thanksgiving lands on Monday, October 12 this year, which means one last long weekend of peak fall colour before the season turns. Whether you’re hosting, travelling home, or just looking for something to do between turkey sandwiches, here’s what to expect across the province.
A quick note before we start: holiday hours vary by store and location, and they can change at the last minute. The provincial government has confirmed its offices are closed Monday, but for retailers and attractions I’ve leaned on how previous Thanksgiving Mondays have played out. Check with the specific place before you head out.
The short version
- Monday, October 12: most government offices, banks, schools and big-box retailers are closed.
- Tuesday, October 13: back to regular hours.
- Biggest tip: do your grocery run by Sunday. Monday is not the day to discover you’re out of butter.
What’s closed
Government and services. Service New Brunswick, provincial offices, federal offices (including Service Canada) and city halls in Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John are closed Monday. Public libraries and schools are closed too, as are the province’s universities and colleges.
Groceries and big retail. In past years, Walmart, Sobeys and Atlantic Superstore locations have been closed on Thanksgiving Monday, along with NB Liquor stores. Expect the same this year and plan your shopping and your wine accordingly.
Malls. Regent Mall in Fredericton, McAllister Place in Saint John and Champlain Place in Dieppe have all closed for the holiday in previous years.
Transit. Fredericton Transit and Saint John Transit have not run on Thanksgiving Monday in the past. If you rely on the bus, line up a ride.
What’s usually open
Pharmacies. Most Shoppers Drug Mart locations typically stay open, though often on reduced hours, and hours differ from store to store. Call ahead if you need a prescription.
The Saint John City Market. It has opened late morning on past Thanksgiving Mondays, and it’s a good stop for a walk-around and a snack.
Fredericton rec facilities. City arenas, sports fields and the indoor pool have stayed open on the holiday in previous years, which is a lifesaver if you have restless kids or relatives who need to burn off dinner.
Restaurants and gas stations. Plenty of independent restaurants and gas stations open, but many close or run shortened hours. A phone call or a look at their social media page beats a wasted trip.
What’s worth the drive
If the weather cooperates, this is the weekend to get out of town.
Hopewell Rocks (Hopewell Cape). The flowerpot formations are open on Thanksgiving Monday in past years, usually from mid-morning to late afternoon. Check the tide table first: walking the ocean floor at low tide is the whole point, and it’s a very different experience at high tide.
Fundy National Park and Alma. Fall colour, waterfalls and quiet trails, followed by a stop in Alma for fresh-baked sticky buns and, if you’re lucky, a lobster roll. Leave early; the village fills up on long weekends.
The Saint John area. Combine the City Market with a look at the Reversing Falls and a walk through Irving Nature Park. It’s a full day with a lot of variety and not much driving once you’re there.
Moncton’s Magnetic Hill Zoo. It has opened on past Thanksgiving Mondays and is a reliable family option, especially if you have kids who are done with sitting at the table.
The Beaverbrook Art Gallery (Fredericton). Past holiday hours have been shorter, typically noon to 5 p.m., so go in the afternoon. A good rainy-day backup.
The Saint John River Valley. For a pure scenic drive, follow the river north from Fredericton. Stop at the Hartland Covered Bridge, the longest in the world and free to visit any time, and keep going if you want to chase the colour.
A note on seasonal attractions. Some places, like the Fundy Trail Parkway and heritage sites such as Kings Landing, wind down for the season around now. Check their websites for their current schedule before committing to a long drive.
Before you go
- Confirm hours with a phone call or a quick check of the business’s website or social pages.
- Top up the gas tank on Sunday, especially if you’re heading somewhere rural.
- Pack for the weather: Fundy-coast mornings can be a lot colder than the river valley.
- Expect traffic on the main routes Friday afternoon and Monday evening.
Happy Thanksgiving, New Brunswick. Drive safe, and save me some pie.
