As Victoria Day approaches, residents of Toronto are gearing up for a long weekend filled with outdoor festivities. This year, it marks the unofficial start of summer, despite the cool May weather. The following guide outlines what’s open, what’s closed, and where you can enjoy fireworks on this special holiday.
What’s Open on Monday, May 18
- Many LCBO stores
- The Beer Store
- Toronto Eaton Centre (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
- Grocery Stores as per new Ontario Government regulations
- Rabba Fine Foods
- Wine Rack
- The Wine Shop
- The Distillery Historic District
- Centreville at Centre Island
- Royal Ontario Museum
- Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
- CN Tower
- Casa Loma
- Toronto Zoo
- Little Canada
- Art Gallery of Ontario
- Hockey Hall of Fame
- Movie Theatres
- Universities
What’s Closed
- Municipal, provincial and federal government offices, including Canada Post
- Schools
- Some LCBO stores
- Banks
- Toronto Public Library branches
- Fort York National Historic Site
- No garbage collection
- Recreation programs at City of Toronto parks and facilities
Where to See Fireworks
Toronto will celebrate with a spectacular fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay Park on Monday at 10 p.m. The show lasts for 14 minutes. Ideal viewing locations include:
- Ashbridges Bay Park beach
- The boardwalk from Emdaabiimok Ave. to Victoria Park Ave.
- Woodbine Beach
- Woodbine Park
- Tommy Thompson Park
Other Ontario locations known for fireworks displays include Blue Mountain Village, Friday Harbour Resort, Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Barrie, and Muskoka.
Getting Out of Town
If you’re looking to leave the city, consider these popular Ontario destinations:
- The Blue Mountains
- Collingwood
- Muskoka
- Prince Edward County
- Niagara-on-the-Lake
- Haliburton Highlands
- Kawarthas
Ontario Parks and Outdoor Destinations
Enjoy nature at some of Ontario’s favorite parks:
- Algonquin Provincial Park
- Bruce Peninsula National Park
- Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
- Sandbanks Provincial Park
- Arrowhead Provincial Park
Due to high demand, be sure to reserve a camping and day-use permit early. Consider dining outdoors at local breweries, wineries, or cideries in Collingwood, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Elora, Stratford, and Port Dover.
