There’s outdoor fun, live music and fireworks on deck this Canada Day, according to the City of Toronto.
With summer in full swing, the city says it is thrilled to offer a variety of city-organized public and community events to help Torontonians celebrate Canada’s 155th anniversary on Friday.
Here is a list of some of these attractions and what is open and closed:
Fireworks:
- The fireworks return to Ashbridges Bay on Friday. The show starts at 10pm. Ashbridges Bay Park is located on Lake Shore Boulevard East, at the foot of Coxwell Avenue, and is easily accessible by public transportation. Read more about the security measures that Toronto police have put in place for the event.
- You can also see fireworks shows in Mel Lastman Square and Downsview Park.
- Fireworks at Stan Wadlow Park have been rescheduled for July 2 and canceled at Milliken Park.
Attractions:
- CN Tower: from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Ontario Science Center: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Toronto Zoo: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The zoo will also open Splash Island on July 1st.
- Royal Ontario Museum: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Fort York Historic Site: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Scarborough Museum: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- The St. Lawrence Market is closed on Canada Day and will open Saturday from 5 to 4 p.m.
City Parks and Pools: Toronto’s city parks, outdoor pools, children’s pools and splash areas will open Canada Day. Indoor swimming pools and community centers will be closed, including the toilets inside.
Toronto Island Park: A great place to enjoy a scenic picnic, hike or bike ride, and includes the interactive Franklin Children’s Garden. There are also many attractions offered by independent operators, such as Centerville Theme Park and Far Enough Farm.
Riverdale Farm: Toronto residents and visitors can visit a running farm in the city center. Riverdale Farm is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free.
High Park Animal Attraction: Toronto’s oldest animal attraction has entertained people for 120 years and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. High Park roads will be closed to vehicular traffic during the three days of the long Canada Day weekend.
The Victory Day fireworks show returns to Ashbridges Bay on Friday at 10pm. (Chris Young / The Canadian Press)
StrollTO: Take advantage of free self-guided walking itineraries in 140 neighborhoods of Toronto via StrollTO.
Golf at Municipal Courses: Toronto’s five municipal golf courses are located in beautiful parks and offer vacation rates. These affordable, high-quality, TTC-accessible courses are open daily, including Canada Day.
Tennis Courts: Public tennis courts across the city will be networked and available during the long Canada Day weekend. Public places are free. Tennis players are asked to share the courts by limiting their playing time to half-hour intervals if others are waiting to use the courts.
Conservatories and Greenhouses: Flowers are in full bloom at Centennial Park Conservatory and Allan Gardens Conservatory. Both are open daily from 10 am to 5 pm and admission is free. While the Allen Gardens are in the process of being renovated, the toilets inside the conservatory are closed. Portable toilets are available outside, next to the playground.
ActiveTO returns: ActiveTO will only take place on Saturday and Sunday. Bayview Avenue, from Rosedale Valley Road to Lawren Harris Square, and River Street, between Bayview Avenue and Spruce Street, will be closed to vehicular traffic from Saturday at 7 p.m. to Sunday.
Beaches: Toronto’s beaches are open and most will be monitored from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm People wishing to swim are advised to check the condition of the designated bathing beaches before going there. .
Cherry Beach during the summer of 2020. Toronto’s beaches are open and most will be monitored from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Canada Day. (John Badcock / CBC)
Public transport:
- The TTC routes will operate on their festive schedule on Friday
- GO Transit will operate on its Saturday-Friday schedule.
- The TTC will increase bus service from Woodbine Station and Coxwell Station on Line 2 to accommodate travel to and from Ashbridges Bay Park for Canada Day Fireworks.
Grocery / LCBO / Beer Stores:
- Most large grocery store chains are closed on Fridays.
- LCBO stores close Friday.
- Selected beer shop locations will open Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Shopping centers:
- CF Eaton Center: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Yorkdale Mall: closed.
- Scarborough City Center: closed.
- Square One Mall: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Vaughan Mills: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Pacific Mall: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Toronto Premium outlets: 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Others:
- Government offices and branches of the Toronto Public Library will close on Friday.
- There will be no collection or delivery of mail at Canada Post on Friday.