What's open and closed in Toronto for the 2025 August long weekend
Most grocery and liquor stores will remain open, public transit will operate on holiday schedule Monday
There's lots to do and see in Toronto this long weekend, ranging from music festivals and nature conservatories to golf courses. You could, of course, also check out the city's newest green space: Biidaasige Park in the redeveloped Port Lands.
Whether you are looking to step out for festivities or run errands, here's a look at what's open and closed on the long weekend.
Public transit operations
The TTC is operating on its usual Saturday and Sunday schedule. However, hours of operation will differ on Monday. The TTC will operate on its holiday schedule and subways will start around 6 a.m.
GO Transit will operate similarly over the weekend, and it will operate on its Saturday schedule on Monday. Extra service is being added to the Barrie line Friday through Sunday for people returning from the Veld Music Festival and those attending Carribean Carnival.
People should visit the TTC and the GO website's directly for up-to-date service changes.
Grocery stores and liquor
Most grocery stores will remain open throughout the weekend, though they might have reduced hours on Monday. Check your local store for specifics.
St. Lawrence Market will operate regularly on the weekend, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. However, the market will be closed on Monday.
Drug stores are also expected to operate on holiday hours on Monday. Check your local store for specifics.
Select LCBO locations will remain open on Monday. Check online to see the operating hours of your nearest store. The Beer Store will have 85 locations open across Ontario on Monday, check online to locate open stores near you.
Fireworks
Canada's Wonderland will have a fireworks display on Sunday, Aug. 3. However, this long weekend is not a designated fireworks day, and residents are required to obtain a permit from Toronto Fire Services to set off fireworks on their property, the city said in a news release .
It is illegal to set off fireworks in city parks, beaches, streets, parking lots or other private property, the city said.
Attractions
Many public spaces like conservatories, museums and outdoor pools will remain open this long weekend.
Allan Gardens Conservatory and Centennial Park Conservatory are free and open all three days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Outdoor pools, wading pools, and splash pads will remain open as Environment Canada predicts a sunny weekend. Outdoor pools are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
People are advised to follow safety precautions when swimming, ensuring there is a lifeguard on duty and swimming in supervised areas only, the city said in a news release.
Indoor pools and community centres will remain open on Saturday and Sunday but closed Monday. Hours of operation and additional information can be found on the city website.
The animal display at High Park will welcome visitors all weekend from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Roads within the park are closed to vehicles on weekends and holidays. This is Canada's oldest animal display and there are feeders facilitating interactions with animals.
Toronto Island Park ferries will be operational and expected to be busy this weekend, city said. Travel during non-peak hours is encouraged. The busiest hours for the ferry are from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The city is urging people to buy tickets online and plan your trip ahead of time.
All branches of the Toronto Public Library will be closed on Sunday and Monday.
Festivals
Toronto Caribbean Carnival is back. This is the city's biggest celebration of Caribbean culture and the Grand Parade will be on Saturday, Aug. 2.
Over one million people are expected to take part in the parade, the carnival website says. St. Lawrence Market will feature delicious Caribbean food, crafts and culture on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Market Street.
There are some road closures for the carnival from 11 p.m. on Friday to 6 a.m. on Sunday. These include:
- Lake Shore Boulevard W. between Bathurst Street and Colborne Lodge Drive.
- Strachan Avenue between Fleet Street and Lake Shore Boulevard W.
- Jameson Avenue between Springhurst Avnue and Lake Shore Boulevard W.
- Dunn Avenue between Springhurst Avenue and Lake Shore Boulevard W.
- Dufferin Street between Springhurst Avenue and Lake Shore Boulevard W.
- Westbound Gardiner Expressway off-ramp at Jameson Avenue.
- Eastbound Gardiner Expressway off-ramp at Jameson Avenue.
- Westbound Gardiner Expressway off-ramp at Dunn Avenue.
- Eastbound Gardiner Expressway off-ramp at Dunn Avenue.
Downsview Park will host the Veld Music Festival, which bills itself as Canada's largest electronic music festival. The event will run Friday through Sunday.
The Toronto Food Truck Festival will also place Friday through Monday at Woodbine Park. The festival will feature an array of food and free games for children, the festival website says. The festival hours vary daily, check online to see the timings.
Sports and activities
Five municipal golf courses across the city will remain open this weekend. Golfers are advised to book their spot in advance. Check individual golf course websites for hours of operation and booking information.
Public tennis and pickleball courts will be open. Players should expect some longer wait times and are requested to limit play time to 30-minute intervals if people are waiting to use the courts.
Shopping
All Cadillac Fairview (CF) malls across Ontario will remain open throughout the weekend, including Fairview Mall, Sherway Gardens and Markville.
Toronto Eaton Centre will remain open Monday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Other CF malls will remain open Monday, but each mall has its own hours of operation and you can find the information online.
The Promenade Shopping Centre will remain open all three days and is hosting nine shows by the Royal Canadian International Circus from Friday through Monday. Performances include trapeze artists, dancers and acrobats. Tickets are available online.
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