News Release
May 14, 2024

The City of Toronto is once again offering a wide range of fun activities and attractions for residents and visitors to enjoy during the Victoria Day long weekend.  

Victoria Day Fireworks at Ashbridges Bay Park

The City’s fireworks display will be held at Ashbridges Bay Park on Monday, May 20, at 10 p.m. The show will feature beautiful fireworks and a spectacular finale. 

Ashbridges Bay Park is located on Lake Shore Boulevard East at the foot of Coxwell Avenue and is accessible by public transit. Attendees are encouraged to use public transit and leave personal vehicles at home. Information about TTC schedules, routes and expanded long weekend service is available on the TTC’s webpage.

Important reminder about fireworks

Fireworks on Victoria Day and Canada Day are allowed until 11 p.m. without a permit for residents on private property. 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. 

Fireworks should be handled and supervised by adults 18 years of age or older. People under 18 years old are not permitted to discharge fireworks. Those setting off fireworks must be mindful of their surroundings and not discharge fireworks where they may be a nuisance or pose a risk of fire, injury or damage to any person or property.  

The City’s bylaw enforcement officers and Toronto Police Services will be patrolling various parks and waterfront areas to ensure compliance with the Fireworks Bylaw.  

The misuse or illegal sale of fireworks can be reported to 311 by phone or by submitting a service request at www.toronto.ca/311

In the event of a fire, call 9-1-1. 

Safe fireworks disposal

Those choosing to set off fireworks on their own private property must also safely dispose the fireworks as improper disposal can cause fires in waste collection vehicles and at facilities.  

To dispose of used or unused fireworks, completely submerge the fireworks in water and soak them overnight. Put the soaked fireworks in a plastic bag to keep them from drying out and dispose of them in your Garbage Bin. Never put used or unused fireworks in the Blue Bin.  

More information about fireworks rules, safety tips and proper disposal is available on the City’s fireworks webpage.   

Enjoy the City’s parks and beaches

The City has more than 1,500 parks and beaches for residents and visitors to enjoy this long weekend. People visiting these spaces are reminded that bonfires are not permitted in parks, beaches or public spaces, except for City-designed fire pits which require a permit. Amplified sound such as DJ equipment and large wireless speakers and littering in parks and on beaches are also not permitted. 

Swimming without a lifeguard on duty is not recommended and beachgoers are advised to always monitor the weather and water conditions, never swim alone and stay close to the shore. More information can be found on the City’s Beaches webpage.

The Toronto Police Service will respond to public safety issues in parks and beaches this weekend. City Bylaw Enforcement Officers will also monitor busy parks and beaches. 

Stay cool and refreshed at our splash and spray pads

Splash and spray pads will open for the season on Friday, May 17 with a few exceptions at sites undergoing maintenance or located on outdoor pool decks. Splash pads operate daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and are activated with push-button features. Caregivers are reminded to supervise children as these are unsupervised water-play areas. Information about splash-pad locations is available on the City’s Swimming and Water Play webpage.

Take a swing at municipal golf courses

Toronto’s five municipal golf courses are located on beautiful parkland. These affordable, high-quality and TTC-accessible courses are open daily which includes this long weekend. More information about the golf courses and booking tee times is available on the City’s golf webpage.

Visit conservatories and greenhouses 

Flowers are in full bloom at Centennial Park Conservatory and Allan Gardens Conservatory. Both conservatories are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free.  

More information about conservatories can be found on the City’s webpage. 

Escape to Riverdale Farm

Residents and visitors to Toronto can escape urban life and visit a working farm in the heart of the city. Riverdale Farm is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. More information is available on the City’s webpage 

See the High Park Animal Display

Toronto’s oldest animal display is open daily between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Roads in the park will be closed to vehicular traffic for all three days of the Victoria Day long weekend. More information about the High Park Animal Display is available on the City’s webpage. 

Head to the Toronto Zoo

Get up close and learn more about your favourite animals. The Toronto Zoo is open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily including Victoria Day. Visitors can discover more than 3,000 animals while exploring more than 10 km of walking trails. Timeslots can be booked online on the City’s Zoo webpage.  

Check out Toronto History Museums

All Toronto History Museums are closed on Monday May 20 but will be operating at regular hours on Saturday and Sunday this weekend. 

General admission to all 10 Toronto History Museums is free and provides everyone an opportunity to fully participate in cultural heritage and spaces. For locations, hours of operation and more, visit Toronto History Museums’ webpage 

Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Media Relations