Jan. 1 is a statutory holiday, but there are many places that are open on the first day of the year. Here’s a roundup.
Look alive, it’s almost 2025! Many businesses and workplaces will be closed for Jan. 1, which is a statutory holiday, as people enjoy the last days of the holiday season.
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But for those who want to get errands done, work out or be productive on the first day of the year, here is a roundup of what’s open and closed on New Year’s Day in Metro Vancouver.
Shopping
If you’re not sick of shopping, many malls around town will be open.
Cadillac Fairview’s Richmond Centre will be open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on New Year’s Day. while its downtown Vancouver mall, Pacific Centre, will be open to shoppers from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on New Year’s Day.
In Burnaby, both Metropolis at Metrotown and The Amazing Brentwood will be open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., while Park Royal in West Vancouver will have its doors open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
McArthurGlen Designer Outlets near the Vancouver airport will be keeping normal hours on New Year’s Day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., while Tsawwassen Mills will be open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Most grocery stores will be open on New Year’s Day, including Save-On-Foods locations, which will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. But check your neighbourhood store’s hours before heading out.
All Costco warehouses in Metro Vancouver will be closed on Jan. 1.
Attractions
It’s still winter break and kids are not back to school until Jan. 6, so most attractions, especially family-friendly ones, are open on the holiday.
Science World is open noon to 5 p.m., including for members who normally get a 30-minute head start compared to the public.
The Vancouver Aquarium will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and FlyOver Canada will be taking folks for a ride during its regular hours from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The Vancouver Art Gallery will be closed.
Christmas may be over, but many attractions are keeping their dazzling light displays into the new year.
In North Vancouver, Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park will stay lit until Jan. 19. On New Year’s Day, the attraction will be open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Recreation
Some community centres will be open on New Year’s Day, but most will be closed. Check your local community centre for their hours.
In Vancouver, all community centres are closed on Jan. 1, except for Kerrisdale (open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.), Mount Pleasant (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and Trout Lake (10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.).
For those who want to start the new year with a dip, Vancouver Aquatic Centre is the place to go, open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Kerrisdale pool will be open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., while both Britannia and Killarney pools will open from 1 to 5 p.m. and 1 to 9 p.m., respectively. Lord Byng will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Hillcrest pool will be closed.
For libraries, most Vancouver Public Library branches will be closed on Jan. 1. The only exception is Carnegie Branch in the Downtown Eastside, which will be open 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Those looking to lace up their skates can do so at Britannia, Hillcrest, Kerrisdale, Killarney, Kitsilano, Sunset, Trout Lake and West End rinks.
For those who want to skate outdoors, the Robson Square ice rink will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Local mountains may have varying degrees of snow quality, but they will be open to skiers and snowboarders on New Year’s Day barring any major rainstorms. Cypress Mountain Resort will be open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Mount Seymour will be open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Grouse Mountain’s Skyride gondola will be taking people up the mountain from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Food and drink
Some restaurants and cafés might be closed on New Year’s Day, but not as many as on Christmas Day.
TransLink
TransLink buses, SkyTrain and SeaBus will be running on holiday schedules on Jan. 1. The West Coast Express will not operate. Remember, weekend fares will be in effect, so riders need only pay for a one-zone fare to travel across the system.
TransLink also offers free transit for passengers on New Year’s Eve.
Government offices
Government offices will mostly be closed on Jan. 1, as are banks, Canada Post outlets, B.C. Liquor stores and ICBC locations.