Here is a look at some activities in Toronto this Victoria Day long weekend
People watch the Toronto Victoria Day fireworks on the beach THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
From annual beach fireworks to ferry rides to the Islands, the City of Toronto has launched a full lineup of events and attractions for Victoria Day long weekend.
Here's a breakdown of what you need to know:
Victoria Day Fireworks at Ashbridges Bay Park
On Monday, the city will host an official fireworks display at Lake Shore Boulevard East and Coxwell Avenue.
"Attendees are encouraged to use public transit and leave personal vehicles at home," officials say.
While fireworks are allowed on private property before 11 p.m. during holidays, the city issued the reminder that a permit is required to ignite them on any other day.
'Fireworks are not permitted in City parks or on beaches, balconies, streets, parking lots or property that is not owned by the person setting off the fireworks,' the city says.
Bylaw officers and police will also be patrolling for illegal fireworks use, and misuse can be reported to 311.
CaféTO patios are back
CaféTO officially kicks off this weekend, with more than 280 curb-lane patios, 550 sidewalk cafés, and 700 private patios participating across the city.
The outdoor dining program runs from May through October, offering residents and tourists a chance to enjoy the city's food scene while supporting local restaurants and bars.
Ferries to Toronto Island Park
The summer ferry schedule to Toronto Island Park kicks off Friday where online tickets come with express entry at the terminal.
'Ferry passengers are encouraged to avoid peak times by departing from the mainland before 10 a.m. and returning before the last ferry,' officials said.
Starting this weekend, Bike Share Toronto will launch four stations and 250 bikes across Ward's, Centre and Hanlan's Point, though officials warn bikes must stay on the Island and are not permitted on ferries.
Golf courses
All five municipal golf courses will be open throughout the long weekend, with tee times available for online booking.
Nature lovers can also visit Centennial Park Conservatory and Allan Gardens Conservatory, both open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
Riverdale Farm, High Park and the Toronto Zoo
Riverdale Farm and the High Park Animal Display will be open daily during the long weekend. Visitors can see a range of farm animals and enjoy green space within the city.
The Toronto Zoo will remain open on Victoria Day from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online, and visitors can explore 10 km of trails and over 3,000 animals.
St. Lawrence Market
The South Market is open Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Saturday Farmers Market at the North Market runs from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the Sunday Variety Vintage Market at the Temporary Market operates from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Museums, galleries and art spaces
Fort York will be open this long weekend (May 17–19) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Other Toronto history museums will operate on Saturday and Sunday but close on Monday. General admission is free.
City-run art galleries, including Assembly Hall and the Etobicoke Civic Centre, will be open Saturday but closed Sunday and Monday. The Clark Centre for the Arts and Cedar Ridge Creative Centre will be closed Monday only.
For a full list of city-run family-friendly activities this long weekend, head to the City of Toronto's website.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
5 hours ago
- CTV News
Border slowdown: Nearly 289K fewer vehicles crossed Ambassador Bridge so far this year
Border traffic has fallen across the country. CTV Windsor's Travis Fortnum explains. Weekend trips to Detroit. Baseball games. Target runs. They're all taking a hit as Canadians rethink crossing the border. New numbers show a sharp drop in cross-border traffic through Windsor this year, part of a wider shift in travel habits fueled by political tension, border scrutiny, and a growing urge to spend money at home. From January through April: 1,731,091 vehicles crossed the Ambassador Bridge — that's 286,673 fewer than the same period in 2024, according to the Bridge and Tunnel Operators Association (BTOA). Passenger cars alone were down by 55,020; truck traffic dropped 176,875. At the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, the dip is more modest — a year-to-date decline of 19,068 vehicles, with 6,581 fewer passenger cars than last year. The slowdown, felt at crossings across Canada, is being driven by what the Customs and Immigration Union calls a growing reluctance among Canadians to visit the U.S. 'They're worried about the scrutiny they're going to face specifically going into the U.S.,' said Union President Mark Weber. He said front-line CBSA officers are seeing fewer Canadians return — not because they're stuck — but because they're not going in the first place. 'Staffing-wise, it's actually been to our benefit,' Weber added. 'We're pretty short-staffed generally, so we've seen a little bit of an easing up on overtime demands.' CBSA tells CTV News it hasn't scaled back staffing despite the slowdown. At the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel, weekday numbers are still strong — thanks to commuters. But leisure travel is clearly down. 'Normally, Saturday morning, Sunday morning, around 10 or 11 a.m., we'd be backed up,' said Tunnel CEO Tal Czudner. 'Now? That's when you're seeing the big drops … less discretionary travel, which I think speaks to keeping your money here.' CBSA data for the final week of May (May 25-31) puts that trend in sharp focus. Only 372,037 Canadian land travellers re-entered from the U.S., down from 534,598 during the same week last year. That's a drop of 162,561 people. And it may be just the beginning. Summer staycations? A new Conference Board of Canada report finds fewer Canadians are making plans to travel into the U.S. at all. Just 27.1 per cent say they're likely to visit the States in the next few years — down from 53.2 per cent last fall. The think tank estimates that shift could redirect up to $8.8 billion into Canada's domestic tourism sector this year — as more Canadians cancel U.S. trips and stay closer to home. At the same time, American visitors to Canada are also declining, with a 10.7 per cent drop in land arrivals in April. But the net effect, experts say, is still a win for Canada's tourism industry, since Canadians spend far more abroad than tourists spend here. So as summer approaches, Windsor's border crossings may feel a little quieter — but tourism hotspots across Canada may be in for a louder season than expected.
CTV News
7 hours ago
- CTV News
Northern New York towns offer deals to lure back Canadian tourists
Businesses in northern New York are rolling out a welcome mat, but are facing overwhelming resentment from Canadians upset with Trump. If you've sworn off summer trips to the U.S., a new report suggests you're not alone. But some businesses just across the border are sending Quebecers a message that being Canadian comes with perks if you take a trip to northern New York. 'It's an unsettled time,' said Kristy Kennedy with the North Country Chamber of Commerce. 'What can we do within our power and within our world to make everybody feel welcomed?' With 70 per cent of its tourism coming from Canada, the chamber is rolling out a red and white welcome mat. In Plattsburgh, on the Adirondack Coast, that means hotel rooms at par at the Best Western Plus. At Bluff Point Golf Resort, free range balls and a sleeve on the house. And at Pizza Palace, a large two-topping pie and 10 wings for $36. Other towns like Lake Placid and Jay are also offering deals. But a new Léger poll suggests that while a lot of Canadians are travelling this summer, few want to go to the States. Seventy-five per cent say tariffs have influenced their plans to visit the U.S., with over half cancelling trips altogether. And tariffs aren't the only reason. 'The list is long from there. The political climate between the U.S. and Canada at number two. Third on the list is, half don't feel safe in the U.S. anymore. Exchange rate factors in at number four,' said Steve Mossop, Leger360's Western Canada Executive Vice-President. He adds that the deals may not solve those problems. 'The anti-U.S. sentiment is overwhelming in Canada right now,' he said. To that, Kennedy said: 'We know it won't fix everything.' But she adds that for these towns, it's not just about boosting business but bringing friends, family and French back to its streets - restoring that cross-border connection one small step, or one big special, at a time.
Globe and Mail
9 hours ago
- Globe and Mail
Wingfield Gardens Introduces Completely Unique Garden Retreats to Reconnect Retreat-Goers with Everything Natural
Campbellford, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 5, 2025) - Wingfield Gardens, a leading retreat destination in the Campbellford countryside, is excited to be leading the way for a new type of countryside experience for large groups. This offering aims to provide guests with an immersive, eco-friendly experience that reconnects them with nature while promoting wellness and sustainability. This unique garden-focused retreat program features accommodations in idyllic cottages set in nature, immersive dining experiences using produce from Wingfield Gardens' on-site sprawling gardens, and a range of wellness activities designed to harmonize mind, body, and spirit with the natural world. Julian Youd, founder of Wingfield Gardens, stated, " Our garden Retreat program responds to the growing demand for authentic, sustainable travel experiences. We've created an environment where guests can truly disconnect from the stresses of modern life and reconnect with nature in its purest form." Guests can connect to nature by interacting with gardens, and seeing what a true countryside experience feels and looks like with their loved ones. The values of connection and learning are deeply rooted at Wingfield so that each guest's group leaves with lasting memories that change they way they see the world. To touch and see the beauty and bounty of nature each day. Wingfield gardens also feature educational components, giving guests access to skills about gardening they can incorporate into their daily lives after leaving the retreat. This includes workshops on art, cooking with garden produce. Wingfield Gardens has partnered with local farmers and artisans to source additional products and services, supporting the regional economy and reducing the retreat's carbon footprint. " By embracing the magic of the gardens in every aspect of our retreats we're not just offering a vacation-we're providing a transformative experience that can inspire lasting positive changes in our guests' lives," Youd shared. Wingfield Inn & Gardens now accepts bookings for the summer and fall seasons. Visit to learn more about eco-friendly wellness getaways. About Wingfield Gardens Wingfield Gardens is a premier retreat destination located in the heart of Campbellford, Ontario. The company has quickly gained recognition for its commitment to sustainable tourism and holistic wellness experiences. Wingfield Gardens has partnered with other known names in the getaway industry such as Bee City Canada, Polemnna Barn, Dewmill Events, and Everywhere Ontario. Wingfield Gardens offers accommodations for up to 30 guests across three homes on a 5-acre property, providing a unique blend of comfort, privacy, and natural beauty. Since its establishment in 2022, Wingfield Gardens has been committed to providing exceptional guest experiences and supporting the local community.
