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Here is a look at some activities in Toronto this Victoria Day long weekend

Here is a look at some activities in Toronto this Victoria Day long weekend

CTV News15-05-2025
People watch the Toronto Victoria Day fireworks on the beach THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
From annual beach fireworks to ferry rides to the Islands, the City of Toronto has launched a full lineup of events and attractions for Victoria Day long weekend.
Here's a breakdown of what you need to know:
Victoria Day Fireworks at Ashbridges Bay Park
On Monday, the city will host an official fireworks display at Lake Shore Boulevard East and Coxwell Avenue.
"Attendees are encouraged to use public transit and leave personal vehicles at home," officials say.
While fireworks are allowed on private property before 11 p.m. during holidays, the city issued the reminder that a permit is required to ignite them on any other day.
'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,' the city says.
Bylaw officers and police will also be patrolling for illegal fireworks use, and misuse can be reported to 311.
CaféTO patios are back
CaféTO officially kicks off this weekend, with more than 280 curb-lane patios, 550 sidewalk cafés, and 700 private patios participating across the city.
The outdoor dining program runs from May through October, offering residents and tourists a chance to enjoy the city's food scene while supporting local restaurants and bars.
Ferries to Toronto Island Park
The summer ferry schedule to Toronto Island Park kicks off Friday where online tickets come with express entry at the terminal.
'Ferry passengers are encouraged to avoid peak times by departing from the mainland before 10 a.m. and returning before the last ferry,' officials said.
Starting this weekend, Bike Share Toronto will launch four stations and 250 bikes across Ward's, Centre and Hanlan's Point, though officials warn bikes must stay on the Island and are not permitted on ferries.
Golf courses
All five municipal golf courses will be open throughout the long weekend, with tee times available for online booking.
Nature lovers can also visit Centennial Park Conservatory and Allan Gardens Conservatory, both open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
Riverdale Farm, High Park and the Toronto Zoo
Riverdale Farm and the High Park Animal Display will be open daily during the long weekend. Visitors can see a range of farm animals and enjoy green space within the city.
The Toronto Zoo will remain open on Victoria Day from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online, and visitors can explore 10 km of trails and over 3,000 animals.
St. Lawrence Market
The South Market is open Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Saturday Farmers Market at the North Market runs from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the Sunday Variety Vintage Market at the Temporary Market operates from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Museums, galleries and art spaces
Fort York will be open this long weekend (May 17–19) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Other Toronto history museums will operate on Saturday and Sunday but close on Monday. General admission is free.
City-run art galleries, including Assembly Hall and the Etobicoke Civic Centre, will be open Saturday but closed Sunday and Monday. The Clark Centre for the Arts and Cedar Ridge Creative Centre will be closed Monday only.
For a full list of city-run family-friendly activities this long weekend, head to the City of Toronto's website.
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Costumes, closures and the Grand Parade: What to know about Toronto Caribbean Carnival this weekend
Costumes, closures and the Grand Parade: What to know about Toronto Caribbean Carnival this weekend

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Costumes, closures and the Grand Parade: What to know about Toronto Caribbean Carnival this weekend

Toronto's Caribbean Carnival is back in town, with the big events kicking off Thursday night, bringing plenty of music, dancing and colourful costumes to the city's streets this weekend. The Caribbean Carnival, formerly known as Caribana, is one of North America's largest festivals, with more than a million people taking in the Grand Parade each year, according to the festival website. Kathy Motton, senior manager corporate communications of Destination Toronto, the official marketing organization for the city's tourism industry, says it's one of the most important tourist attractions of the year for Toronto. "It's really embedded in who we are as a destination," she said. "When people come here for Caribbean Carnival, it's about so much more than just the carnival. It's also about the culinary scene, the attractions, the unique neighborhoods, all the things that make Toronto worth visiting." With that in mind, here's a guide to help you enjoy this weekend's celebration of all things Caribbean in Toronto. Grand Parade Arguably the Caribbean Carnival's main event, the Grand Parade takes place on Saturday. The parade starts at 8 a.m., ending at 8 p.m., with a route along the city's waterfront. The parade will depart Exhibition Place Grounds at Princes' Boulevard, to Canada Boulevard, to westbound Lake Shore Boulevard W. It will then travel westbound along Lake Shore Boulevard W., turning approximately 100 metres west of Jameson Avenue before traveling eastbound on Lake Shore Boulevard W. The masquerade bands will return to Exhibition Place at British Columbia Road. It's mostly free to watch, but there are ticketed areas. Ticketed entrances are located at Dufferin Gates, Princes' Gates and Exhibition GO Station. Those without tickets are encouraged to enter the parade grounds by foot from Lake Shore Boulevard W. and Strachan Avenue, or Lake Shore Boulevard West and Parkside Drive. Here's what else is happening There are several other events taking place as part of Caribbean Carnival this weekend. Here's some of the highlights: Thursday, 7 p.m.: See the grandest costumes unveiled at the King and Queen Showcase at Lamport Stadium. Friday, 7 p.m.: The Ontario Steelpan Association puts on a show at Lamport Stadium with Keepin' Pan Alive. Friday, 1 p.m. to Saturday, 10 p.m.: New this year, check out Carnival Village at Sankofa Square Friday and Saturday, where you can take in live performances, artisan vendors, a pop-up bar lounge and Caribbean cuisine. Getting to the events The festivities at CNE/Exhibition Place can be easily accessed by GO Train, with Exhibition GO Station located right next door. Transit riders can also use their PRESTO card to get a 20 per cent discount on tickets to carnival events. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is changing some routes during the Carnival: 503 Kingston Road: Effective Saturday 8 a.m. to Sunday 1 a.m., the 503 Kingston Road streetcars will be extended to Sunnyside Loop on King Street W. and The Queensway. Stops not served: Dufferin Street between King Street W. and Dufferin Gate Loop. 307 Bathurst night bus: Effective Saturday 12 Sunday 4 a.m., 307 Bathurst night buses will operate both ways on Bathurst Street, Fort York Boulevard, Fleet Street, Manitoba Drive and Exhibition Loop. Stops not served: Fort York Boulevard south of Fleet Street, Lake Shore Boulevard W., Strachan Avenue. 80 Queensway: Effective Saturday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 80 Queensway buses will divert eastbound only on the Queensway, north on Roncesvalles Avenue, west on Howard Park Avenue and north on Parkside Drive, to regular route. Stops not served: northbound Parkside Drive, between Howard Park Avenue and the Queensway. 29/329 Dufferin and 929 Dufferin Express buses: Effective Saturday 12 a.m. to Sunday 4 a.m., buses on these routes will turn back north from Dufferin Gate Loop. Stops not served: Exhibition Place. Road closures With plenty of road closures in effect this weekend, Toronto police are encouraging locals and visitors alike to take transit around the Carnival events if they can. Those unable to leave their cars at home should expect delays and watch out for the following road closures: Road closures for the parade take effect on Saturday at 12 a.m. and continue until Sunday at 7 a.m., including: Lake Shore Boulevard W. from Fort York Boulevard to Colborne Lodge Drive. Lake Shore Boulevard W., westbound between Bathurst Street and Fort York Boulevard, is open to local traffic only. Strachan Avenue southbound from Fleet Street. The following Gardiner Expressway ramps will close at 12 a.m. on Saturday: Westbound Gardiner Expressway on-ramp at Jameson Avenue. Eastbound Gardiner Expressway off-ramp at Jameson Avenue. Eastbound Gardiner Expressway on-ramp from Jameson Avenue, and Lake Shore Boulevard W. at British Columbia Road. Westbound Gardiner Expressway off-ramp at Dunn Avenue. Lake Shore Boulevard W. will close to traffic at 12 a.m. from westbound Strachan Avenue to Parkside. Drive, and eastbound Lake Shore Boulevard W. from Colborne Lodge Drive to Strachan Avenue. The Princes' Gates will remain closed to vehicle traffic on Saturday starting at 1 a.m. Restricted Access Points: To assist with the flow of traffic and minimize disruptions to residents, the following streets will be restricted to local traffic only: Dufferin Street south of King Street W. Dowling Avenue south of King Street W. Stadium Road south of Lake Shore Boulevard W. Queens Quay W., west of Bathurst Street. Springhurst Avenue, west of Jameson Avenue. Springhurst Avenue, east of Jameson Avenue. Remembrance Drive.

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