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Published May 14, 2026 • 2 minute read
What’s open and closed on Victoria Day in Pembroke, Petawawa, and the Upper Ottawa Valley? Postmedia filesArticle content
As area residents prepare to enjoy the first long weekend of the summer season, many businesses and services across the Upper Ottawa Valley will be operating on modified schedules for Victoria Day on Monday, May 18.
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The statutory holiday, observed nationwide, honours the birthday of Queen Victoria, who was born on May 24, 1819. Queen Victoria reigned from 1837 to 1901 and played a significant role in Canadian history, including presiding over Confederation in 1867. The holiday was first declared in the Province of Canada in 1845 and has remained a public celebration ever since.
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Today, Victoria Day marks both a historical observance and the unofficial start of summer for many Canadians. The long weekend is traditionally associated with cottage openings, gardening and fireworks displays, while also serving as a day off for students and some workers.
Here’s a look at what’s open and closed across the Upper Ottawa Valley on Victoria Day this Monday, May 18.
In the Upper Ottawa Valley, municipal offices, banks, Canada Post and most government services will be closed on Monday. Schools in the Renfrew County District School Board and the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board will also be closed. Both the Pembroke Public Library and the Petawawa Public Library will be closed for the holiday.
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The Beer Store in Pembroke will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Victoria Day, however, the Petawawa The Beer Store location will be closed.
Due to recent changes in provincial legislation that allow more retail businesses to operate on Victoria Day and Family Day, 304 LCBO stores will be open on Monday, May 18 across Ontario. You can use the store locator at LCBO.com to find your store and check their hours.
Walmart will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday however Giant Tiger in downtown Pembroke will be closed.
Most area grocery stores will be open on Victoria Day. Metro in Pembroke is expected to be open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., No Frills 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Hyska’s Your Independent Grocer in Petawawa 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. – but it doesn’t hurt to check before heading out. Food Basics is reporting that most stores will be open but say to check with your local store for details.
In terms of pharmacies, the Pharma Plus location in the Pembroke Mall is closed, but most others in Pembroke and Petawawa will be open. Pharma Plus on Pembroke Street and in Petawawa will both be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Shoppers Drug Mart in both Pembroke and Petawawa will be open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mulvihill’s west end location is generally open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays while Rowan’s Pharmasave in downtown Pembroke is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. but call ahead to be sure.
Other Pembroke and Petawawa retailers and restaurants are independent so some may be open while others are not. Those open will make their own hours. It is suggested you call ahead.
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