I've experienced recently twice in different occasion.

1) US - YYZ - Domestic
When YYZ-Domestic flight was canceled, I had to pick up the bag and stored in a private storage

2) International - YYZ - US
As YYZ-US flight was canceled but already entered US zone (terminal F), I left the baggage and stayed at a hotel, which means entered Canada. ---

The later should be the special occasion and you won't be able to ask them to check in early in the previous day of the flight.