The City of Toronto is 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 takes place at Ashbridges Bay Park on Monday, May 19 at 10 p.m.
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 long weekend service is available on the TTC’s website.
Important reminder about fireworks
Residents are allowed to set off fireworks on their own private property without a permit before 11 p.m. on Victoria Day and Canada Day. A permit is needed to set off fireworks on all other days. 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 the Toronto Police Service will be patrolling parks, beaches and other 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 setting 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. Dispose of them in a 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.
CaféTO kicks off for 2025
As warmer weather arrives, Toronto’s streets are once again set to come alive with vibrant outdoor dining opportunities as CaféTO 2025 kicks off this Victoria Day weekend.
From May through October, residents and visitors are encouraged to explore CaféTO patios and support local.
More than 280 local restaurants and bars are participating in this year’s curb lane cafe program, as well as more than 550 sidewalk cafes and more than 700 private patios, helping to energize neighbourhoods, support small businesses and create dynamic public spaces that bring people together.
More information about CaféTO is available on the City’s website.
Take in nature at parks and beaches
The City has more than 1,500 parks and beaches 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-designated 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.
Summer at Toronto Island Park
The 2025 summer schedule for ferries to Toronto Island Park starts Friday, May 16.
Ferry passengers are encouraged to avoid peak times by departing from the mainland before 10 a.m. and returning before the last ferry. Online ticket holders get express entry to the ferry terminal.
Tickets can be purchased on the City’s website.
The Toronto Parking Authority is bringing Bike Share Toronto to Toronto Island Park starting on Friday, May 16. Four stations with 250 bikes will be located on Ward’s and Centre Islands as well as Hanlan’s Point. Riders are reminded that Island bikes stay on the Island. More information is available on the Bike Share Toronto website.
More information about Toronto Island Park is available on the City’s website.
Cool off at splash and spray pads
On Saturday, May 17, more than 140 splash and spray pads in City parks will open for the season, operating daily from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. until Sunday, September 14.
Caregivers are reminded to supervise children as these are unsupervised water-play areas.
Splash pad locations are available on the City’s Swimming and Water Play webpage.
Community recreation programs
On Monday, May 19, all City community recreation facilities will be closed. Regularly scheduled drop-in programs and registered activities will operate on Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18. More information and schedules are available on the City’s Parks & Recreation webpage.
Tee off at municipal golf courses
All five City golf courses will be open throughout the long weekend. Tee times can be booked online up to seven days in advance. More information is available on the City’s golf webpage.
Explore 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 website.
See the animals at Riverdale Farm, High Park and the Toronto Zoo
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 website.
The High Park Animal Display is open daily between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Roads in the park are closed to vehicular traffic on weekends and public holidays; however, several TTC routes connect to High Park. More information about the High Park Animal Display is available on the City’s website.
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. More information is on the Toronto Zoo website.
Exhibitions at City-run galleries
Assembly Hall and the Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Galleries (Main Gallery and Ascent Gallery) will be open on Saturday, May 17 but closed on Sunday, May 18 and Monday, May 19. The Clark Centre for the Arts and Cedar Ridge Creative Centre will be closed on Monday, May 19.
More information including visiting hours and directions can be found on the City’s Cultural Centres & Galleries webpage.
Toronto History Museums
Fort York National Historic Site, 250 Fort York Blvd., is open Saturday, May 17, Sunday, May 18 and Monday, May 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Other Toronto History Museums are closed on Monday, May 19 but will operate during their regular hours on Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18. Visitors can enjoy free general admission including site tours, hands-on activities and more at:
More information about museum programming is available on the City’s Museums webpage.
Visit a Toronto Public Library
Toronto Public Library (TPL) branches are closed on Sunday, May 18 and Monday, May 19.
A complete list of TPL branches and their hours of operation is available at tpl.ca/branches.
TPL cardholders can download and stream eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, newspapers, movies and music anytime by visiting tpl.ca/downloads.
Explore St. Lawrence Market
The South Market will be open on Saturday, May 17, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Saturday Farmers Market at the North Market will operate as usual from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Sunday Variety Vintage Market at the Temporary Market will operate from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visit the St. Lawrence Market website for more information.
Tips for travellers
Those travelling over the long weekend should plan their journey in advance, allow extra time, consider taking public transit or other travel methods such as walking or cycling, and follow signage to keep everyone safe. A map of all road closures is available on the City’s website.
The Green P parking website has information about parking and EV charging.
The Bike Share Toronto app offers a convenient and sustainable mode of transportation. Users can plan their trip and hop on a Bike Share Toronto classic bike or e-bike. More information is available on Bike Share Toronto’s website.
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