Easter Weekend in the City

It's Easter weekend in the city and with statuatory holidays all around you're probably wondering what's open, what's closed and what you'll be doing on a quiet Friday afternoon.

Well, I suppose, first off, if you celebrate Easter, there are dozens of churches across T.O. that will be celebrating Friday, Saturday and Easter Sunday. Monday mass is celebrated in many faiths as well, though most people will probably be out buying discounted chocolate eggs by then.

On Good Friday there will also be the sombre and traditional Way of the Cross which starts at 10am from U of T's Newman Centre (89 St George St).

Otherwise, getting around is easy as traffic will be mostly 416'ers and the TTC will be running on holiday schedule. Careful if you're driving though as the blogTO forecast calls for some very white conditions.

In terms of shopping, most stores are legally required to close unless they happen to be a big tourist destination... which in a city like ours, leaves you some options.

On Friday:

Yonge Street and the Eaton Centre are considered tourist hot spots, so shops and restaurants are likely to be open.

Just north of the city in Markham, the Pacific Mall will be open as well (Hello Kitty easter eggs, anyone?).

If you need cash, you'll have to use the ATM as banks are, obviously, closed.

On Sunday:

Most stores are closed, once again, but expect tourist spots and a few others (particularly chain stores) to open their doors for at least the afternoon.

As for entertainment, movie theatres will be open for business... expect crowds.

If you plan to have a house party or just kick back on your snowy porch, you'd better crack open the liquor cabinet 'cause the LCBO and Beer Store have already closed for the weekend, and no, convenience stores aren't selling it yet.

Got anything to add? Leave a comment below.

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Photo by Flickrite pastelginger. More in her photostream.