Canada Day 2024: What's open and what's closed in Toronto
Many businesses and services will be closed Monday for the statutory holiday
The country is preparing to celebrate the 157th anniversary of Canada's founding on Monday, and events are happening across Toronto.
Environment Canada is forecasting a sunny day with a high of 24 C, so expect the crowds to be out in full force.
"Major events like Canada Day and Pride, which is also happening this weekend, are part of why this city is a vibrant and dynamic one," city spokesperson Nitish Bissonauth said at a news conference Friday.
"We look forward to welcoming many residents and visitors to this weekend's events."
Here is a look at the plans for Canada Day festivities, fireworks, as well as what's open and closed on the statutory holiday.
Where to watch fireworks
The city's main 14-minute fireworks display will take place at Ashbridges Bay Park, starting at 10 p.m.
Toronto police say the event is expected to draw large crowds, and there will be a large police presence in the area to promote the safety of participants. Police said drivers should expect major delays, including on Lakeshore Boulevard E.
Fireworks will also be held at Centennial Park in Etobicoke (256 Centennial Park Rd.), Milliken Park in Scarborough (5555 Steeles Ave. E.), and Stan Wadlow Park in East York (888 Cosburn Ave.), all at 10 p.m.
There will be no fireworks at Nathan Phillips Square, Mel Lastman Square or Fort York, the city said.
Residents are allowed to set off their own fireworks without a permit on Canada Day, but the city is reminding residents of the rules: they can only be set off on residents' private property until 11 p.m. and are not allowed in parks, on beaches, balconies, streets or parking lots.
What to do on Canada Day
The city will be hosting family-friendly activities all day at Amesbury Park in North York at 1507 Lawrence Ave. W. from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Programming includes a flea market, jumping castles, food trucks, live music and fireworks.
There will also be activities held at Thomson Memorial Park in Scarborough from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., including a free pancake breakfast, live music, performances, art activities and craft vendors.
The Royal Ontario Museum will be open on Canada Day with free admission for visitors.
The Art Gallery of Ontario, which is normally closed on Mondays, will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The CN Tower will operate from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The tower will be lit red and white at night.
Ripley's Aquarium is open all day from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Canada's Wonderland will be open throughout the weekend from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with activities, live music, street performers, special food and fireworks displays on Sunday and Monday night.
The Aga Khan Museum will be open with free admission and extended hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The museum is hosting its Rhythms of Canada festival over the weekend, which will feature food vendors, all-ages activities, musical performances by local artists, and art from across the Muslim world.
The Toronto Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with early admission available to members starting at 8:30 a.m.
Cineplex theatres will be open with regular hours on Monday.
Toronto's beaches will be open all weekend and most will be supervised from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Beachgoers are encouraged to check the status of swim beaches before going.
All city-run outdoor pools are open and operating on a full summer schedule., from noon to 8:00 p.m. Splash pads are also open and operating daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Ferry service to and from Toronto Island will operate fully on Monday from 8 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
The city's nine history museums will be open with free admission. Family-friendly activities and performances in collaboration with local Chinese, Somali and Korean communities will take place at some locations. For more information visit the city's website.
Municipal golf courses will be open at regular hours during the long weekend.
High Park and Riverdale Farm will be open to visitors all weekend.
The Eaton Centre will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Square One will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
What's closed on Canada Day
The St. Lawrence Market is closed on Monday.
All Toronto Public Library branches will be closed.
Canada Post will be closed on Canada Day, with no collection or delivery of mail.
The following malls will be closed:
- Yorkdale
- Fairview Mall
- Sherway Gardens
- Shops at Don Mills
- Dufferin Mall
- Scarborough Town Centre
Public transit
All TTC routes will operate on a Sunday schedule on Canada Day, except service will start earlier, at approximately 6 a.m. Any routes that normally don't operate on Sundays won't run on Monday.
Starting at noon on Monday, the TTC will increase subway service on Line 2 Bloor-Danforth and run extra buses on the 22 Coxwell and 92 Woodbine South routes for those travelling to Ashbridges Bay Park for the Canada Day fireworks display.
"The TTC anticipates that many customers will be attending the festivities. Customers are reminded that some streets may be closed and TTC routes may be required to divert," the TTC said in a statement.
Transit riders can check the service advisories page on www.ttc.ca for updated information.
GO Transit will be running a Saturday scheduled on the Canada Day Monday.