Here are some great, celebratory events for this holiday weekend including Victoria Day on Monday, May 20 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada:
- most of the following events and activities are FREE
This video presents “MEC Bikefest Toronto 2012”:
- MEC Bikefest Toronto 2012 was “a blast at the Distillery District and 2013 will bring the bike into community at Trinity Bellwoods Park” on May 18
MEC Bikefest Toronto 2013
Presented by: Mountain Equipment Co-op
FREE
Clinics and Group Rides cost $5 with proceeds going to Cycle Toronto
May 18, 2013
11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Trinity Bellwoods Park
790 Queen Street West
(Ossington and Queen Street West)
Website: events.mec.ca/event/3957/mec-bikefest-toronto-2013-may18
Email: torontobikefest@mec.ca
Phone: 416-340-2667
- MEC Bikefest is a daylong community celebration of all things bicycle related:
- Something for everyone
- Informative clinics, and group rides through the city
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Clinics and rides range from 1.5-2 hours
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You must pre-register for clinics and group rides
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Clinics and Group Rides are just $5 each, plus tax
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Please note that you must be 14 years old to participate in any clinic
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Want to participate in a clinic or ride but don’t have your own bike?
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Contact them directly and they will try to find a bike to accommodate you
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- FREE drop-in activities for kids
- FREE bicycle safety checks
- Bicycle demos
- MEC Bikefest Bike and Gear Swap
- Gear giveaways
- FREE bike valet (provided by Cycle Toronto)
- FREE basic repairs and tune-ups
- MEC Marketplace
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Local bicycle retailers and exhibitor booths
- Community and cycling advocacy information
- You don’t need your own bike to take part in MEC Bikefest
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Even kids will find bikes to ride at the Kids’ Bike Station
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- Public Transit:
- Option 1)
- Take the subway to Ossington Station on the Bloor line
- And connect to Bus 63 Ossington towards Liberty Village
- And ride bus straight down Ossington
- Then exit at Shaw Stop and walk 2 blocks east to Trinity Bellwood Park Gates at the head of Strachan Ave
- Option 2)
- Take the 501 Queen Streetcar. Exit at Queen and Strachan
- Then walk through Trinity Bellwood Park Gates
- Option 1)
Semblance
Presented by: Rebecca Gallery
FREE
Exhibition Runs Until May 18, 2013
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Rebecca Gallery
317 Grace Street
(Grace and Harbord)
Website: www.rebeccagallery.com
- Semblance by Stephen Séguin
- “This exhibition examines multiple perspectives, both big and small, that we overlook every day
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These drawings can be seen as satellite images or as microscopic diagrams
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Arteries and highways can easily be mistaken for one another, while satellite imagery of human growth can be confused with spreading bacteria
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With each connection, boundaries are blurred and the similarities between us and our environment become more obvious
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- Public Transit: Christie Subway Station
- Heritage Toronto announced the launch of its 2013 Tours program!
- This year’s Tours program will run from the end of April until October and have 58 tours in total, including 26 new tours
Heritage Toronto Walk: Exhibition Place and the Battle of York, 1813
Presented by: Heritage Toronto
FREE
Donations Encouraged
May 18, 2013
1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Dufferin Gate of Exhibition Place
Website: www.heritagetoronto.org
Email: rostep@toronto.ca
- April 27, 1813 was a traumatic day in Toronto’s history:
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Over 2,000 American soldiers landed just west of present-day Exhibition Place
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- Walk the route taken by the Americans as they advanced on Fort York and hear about the skirmishes and some of the new research discoveries about the battle
- LEADERS:
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Steve Collie (in English), Chinese Canadian National Council – Toronto Chapter (in Mandarin)
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Lisette Mallet (in French), with Exhibition Place Archives
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- START POINT: Dufferin Gate, Exhibition Place (Dufferin St, South of Gardiner Expressway and TTC stop)
- FINISH POINT: General Services Building, 2 Manitoba Dr, East end of Exhibition Place
- FOCUS: Historical
- DIFFICULTY: Pavement, park grounds
- This tour will also be presented on July 19, 2013
Henna Workshop for Teens (ages 12 – 18) (Lillian H. Smith Branch)
Presented by: Toronto Public Library
FREE
May 18, 2013
12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Lillian Smith Library
239 College Street
(Spadina and College)
Website: www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDMEVT136143&R=EVT136143
Email: tpinto@torontopubliclibrary.ca
Phone: 416-393-7746
- Come learn the history and science of henna
- “Henna by Fia” will show everyone different types of henna design and apply a sample of henna with glitter on everyone
- For ages 12-18
- Space is limited so please call the branch to register 416-393-7746
- Public Transit:
- TTC College streetcar from College subway station west to Spadina
- or TTC College streetcar from Queen’s Park subway station west to Spadina
- or TTC Spadina streetcar from Union subway station north to College.
- or TTC Spadina streetcar south from Spadina subway station to College
The Art of Ronnie Wood
Presented by: Liss Gallery
FREE
May 18, 2013
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Liss Gallery
140 Yorkville Avenue
(Avenue and Bloor)
RSVP to info@lissgallery.com
Website: www.LissGallery.com
Email: info@lissgallery.com
Phone: 416-787-9872
- The Art of Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones
A Taste of the Dragon Boat Festival: Food demonstration and tasting (Lillian H. Smith)
Presented by: Toronto Public Library
FREE
May 18, 2013
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Lillian Smith Library
239 College Street
(Spadina and College)
Space is limited, please call 416-393-7746 to register.
Website: www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDMEVT136321&R=EVT136321
Email: blivingston@torontopubliclibrary.ca
Phone: 416-393-7746
- On the fifth day of the fifth moon, dragon boat races are traditionally held all over China… Culinary historian and tour guide, Shirley Lum of A Taste of the World Walks will share lore and legends behind the long paddle boats, a dead poet and the delicious sticky rice dumplings, a.k.a Zong Zi
- During this session, she will also shed light on how you make the savoury and sweet dumplings, then participants get a chance to make a little one to take home!
- Best part: we end with a sampling of dumplings pre-made by Shirley
- Public Transit:
- TTC College streetcar from College subway station west to Spadina
- 0r TTC College streetcar from Queen’s Park subway station west to Spadina
- or TTC Spadina streetcar from Union subway station north to College
- or TTC Spadina streetcar south from Spadina subway station to College
East Asian Fashion (North York Central)
FREE
May 18, 2013
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
North York Central Library
5120 Yonge Street
(Yonge and Sheppard)
Website: www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDMEVT127901&R=EVT127901
Please call (416) 395-5639 to register for this free program.
Phone: 416-395-5639
- Susan Fohr from the Textile Museum talks about 19th century East Asian Fashion, robes, headdresses etc., from the museum’s beautiful collection
- The focus of this program is on design, materials, techniques, function and symbolism
- Public Transit: North York Centre subway station
JJ Lee (with Mei Lee Ogden) & Ester Pugliese @ loop Gallery
Presented by: loop Gallery
FREE
The Exhibit Runs Until May 19, 2013
Gallery Hours: Wed – Sat, 12-5pm; Sun 1-4pm
loop Gallery
1273 Dundas Street West
(Dundas and Dovercourt Avenue)
Website: www.loopgallery.ca
Email: loopgallery@primus.ca
Phone: 416-516-2581
- “Mei was identified as Hard of Hearing at the late age of 3.5; consequently, her spoken language development was delayed
- Using mixed media, Lee and her daughter explore the space between high and low art, visual and spoken language, mark making and representation, hearing and Deaf, narrative and abstraction
- The mixed media works in Pugliese’s exhibit consider the human inclination to adjust outward appearances, illustrating this tendency with contrasting examples from nature
- Each work presents audio graphs of impromptu performances culled from YouTube, layered with audio spectrograms of natural events (glacial collisions, earthquakes), sculptural forms implying air movement, and charted output and capacity data from wind farms“
- Public Transit: Dundas Street Car to Dovercourt
CBC Toronto Canada Lives Here Experience
Produced by: CBC
FREE
May 16 – 19, 2013
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
CBC Toronto
250 Front Street West
(John Street and Front Street)
To register for tours and special events, visit our website.
Website: www.canadaliveshere.ca
Email: cathleen.saville@cbc.ca
Phone: 416-205-7976
- CBC Toronto opens its doors to the public for an inspired free open house event featuring “THE CANADA LIVES HERE EXPERIENCE”, a bigger-than-life exhibit that looks at the Canadian experience through the lens of the CBC
- The public is invited to the CBC Broadcasting Centre in Toronto, for fun-filled activities and events, and the opportunity to meet their favourite CBC personalities
- Public Transit: St. Andrew’s subway station
Artfest Toronto, Spring Art & Craft Show
Produced by: Artfest Ontario
FREE Admission
May 18 – 20, 2013
11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
The Distillery District
55 Mill Street
(Parliament Street and Front Street East)
Website: www.artfestontario.com
Email: Lorymacdonald@gmail.com
Phone: 705-812-2914
- Artfest Toronto launches the summer season Victoria Day weekend with a celebration of artists and artisans from across Canada
- This juried outdoor show will feature 85 artists at the Historic Distillery District for three days only
- Come stroll the cobble stone lanes and explore the beauty of the District. Offerings include pottery, glass, jewellery, artisan clothing, paintings, photographs, wood products, gourmet foods, live music and much more
Toronto International Circus Festival
Produced by: Zero Gravity Circus & Harbourfront Centre
FREE
May 18 – 20, 2013
11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Harbourfront Centre
235 Queens Quay West
(Queens Quay West and Lower Simcoe Street)
Website: www.torontocircusfestival.com
Email: info@zgcircus.com
Phone: 416-469-1440
- The circus is back in town!
- It’s time again for the Toronto International Circus Festival!
- This Victoria Day weekend, see dazzling daredevils, amazing acrobats, hilarious buskers and more take over Harbourfront Centre
- This events suits all ages
This video presents “Victoria Day Fireworks 2012 Toronto Ashbridges Bay”:
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Ashbridges Bay Fireworks Finale May 21, 2012 Toronto Ontario
Victoria Day Fireworks at Ashbridges Bay Park
Presented by City of Toronto
May 20, 2013
10 p.m.
Ashbridges Bay Park
Lake Shore Boulevard East at the foot of Coxwell Avenue
- The City of Toronto will host a sparkling display of Victoria Day fireworks at Ashbridges Bay Park starting at 10 p.m
- This year the City will be featuring a combination of over 2,000 fireworks complete with a spectacular finale!
- TTC service will be increased between Queen Street East and the Bloor-Danforth subway on the Coxwell (22A), Main (64) and 92 Woodbine South routes
- City bylaws prohibit members of the public from setting off or selling fireworks in any City park
- Enforcement officers will be on site to help ensure a safe and enjoyable event at Ashbridges Bay
Other City of Toronto Activities Available on Victoria Day, May 20, 2013:
- Golf:
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Toronto has five municipal golf courses that are open daily, including on Victoria Day
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More information about the City-run golf courses is available at http://www.toronto.ca/golf
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- Tennis courts:
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All public tennis court sites will have nets up and will be available for use throughout the Victoria Day weekend
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Public sites are FREE and available to the general public
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Tennis players are asked to share the courts by limiting their play time to half-hour intervals if others are waiting to use the courts
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- Splash pads:
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Most splash pads open across the city on Saturday, May 18, with some exceptions
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Splash pads adjacent to outdoor pools and those under construction will open later in the season
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Splash pads operate daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. by push-button release
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Splash pads are unsupervised water play areas so caregivers are reminded to supervise their children
-
More information, including hours of operation and up-to-date information on splash pad locations, is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks or by calling 311
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- Riverdale Farm:
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Riverdale Farm is a family attraction where visitors can see traditional farm animals such as cows, horses and chickens
-
While there, visit the farm residence and the Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum. Riverdale Farm will be opened from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 20
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Admission is FREE
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- Far Enough Farm:
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The little farm on Centre Island is home to horses, donkeys, cows, goats, pigs, rabbits, peacocks and emus
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Located next to Toronto’s Centreville Amusement Park on Centre Island, the farm will be opened from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Admission is FREE
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- High Park Zoo:
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Victoria Day is a great time to see the High Park Zoo’s spring babies
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The zoo, located on Deer Pen Road, offers domestic and exotic animals
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The zoo will be opened to visitors from 7 a.m. to dusk
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- Toronto Island Park:
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Catch a ferry to Toronto Island Park for a scenic picnic, hike or bike ride
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The interactive Franklin Children’s Garden is another attraction
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Ferry schedule and fares: http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm
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- Greenhouses:
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A wide variety of flowers are in full bloom at Centennial Park Conservatory (151 Elmcrest Rd.) and Allan Gardens Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave.)
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Both conservatories are opened from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Admission is FREE
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Information is available by calling Centennial Park Conservatory at 416-394-8543 and Allan Gardens Conservatory at 416-392-7288 or visit http://www.toronto.ca/parks/featured-parks/conservatories/
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- Discovery Walks:
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Residents can explore their city on foot
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The Discovery Walks program is a series of 11 self-guided walks linking ravines, parks and neighbourhoods
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Ranging from 1.5 to 11 kilometres, the walks are designed to showcase Toronto’s outstanding natural features, cultural and historical attractions
-
Brochures and maps are available
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- Historic Sites
- The City of Toronto Historic Sites celebrate Victoria Day Monday with fun and interesting historical activities for everyone
- At Fort York National Historic Site, there will be:
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Demonstrations of Georgian-era cooking, English country dancing, and kids can participate in a soldiers’ drill
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Admission: adults $7.96, children $3.76, youth $4.87, seniors $3.81(plus tax)
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Visitors can also join a FREE walking tour that explores early British military influences on Toronto’s changing urban landscape
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Location: 250 Fort York Blvd.
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Check website for special directions during construction of a new visitor centre: http://www.toronto.ca/culture/museums/fort_york_access.htm
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- Montgomery’s Inn at Dundas Street West and Islington Avenue
will host its annual Victoria Day Tea: Admission is $10 plus tax
- Spadina Museum: Historic House & Gardens:
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Will take visitors on a tour of the house through the eyes of the prominent Austin family, whose struggles and triumphs were closely tied to those of Toronto as they entered the 20th century
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Spadina Museum is located at 285 Spadina Rd., next door to Casa Loma
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Admission fees: adults $7.96, seniors and youth $5.75, children six and older $4.87
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Admission is FREE for children five and younger
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- For those looking for outings on Saturday and Sunday during the long weekend
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All of the historic sites are open and offer guests an opportunity to experience Toronto’s history in authentic settings
-
Event information, locations, hours and prices are available at http://www.toronto.ca/culture/museums/featured-events.htm
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Certain City of Toronto Facilities are Closed on Victoria Day, May 20, 2013:
- City recreation centres will be closed on Victoria Day and recreation programs will not operate that day
- The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC):
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Will operate on its holiday service schedule on Victoria Day, with most routes starting at 6 a.m.
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For holiday service details, call the TTC’s customer information line in advance of the holiday at 416-393-4636 or visit http://www3.ttc.ca/Routes/General_Information/Service_Details.jsp
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- City of Toronto offices will be closed on the Victoria Day holiday
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All City emergency services and 24-hour operations will be provided during the holiday
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Residents can call 311, 24 hours a day, seven days a week for more information about City services
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- The City of Toronto Archives will be closed on Monday, May 20
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More information about the Archives is available at http://www.toronto.ca/archives
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Toronto Symphony Orchestra Presents Musical Chats (North York Central)
May 21, 2013
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
North York Central Library Auditorium
5120 Yonge Street
(Yonge and Sheppard)
Please REGISTER for this FREE program at 416-395-5639.
Website: www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDMEVT114629&R=EVT114629
Phone: 416-395-5639
- TSO Chat #2: Elgar’s Enigma Variations
- “In his warm and impressively varied Enigma Variations, the young British composer Sir Edward Elgar painted charming thumbnail sketches of his closest friends
- He ended the piece with a self-portrait that accurately predicted the glorious career that followed
- Classical music expert Rick Phillips lends insight to this brilliant crowd favourite
City of Toronto Contact Info
Phone within Toronto city limits: 311
Phone outside city limits: 416-392-CITY (2489)
(can be used within Toronto if you can’t reach 311)
TTY customers: 416-338-0TTY (0889)
Fax: 416-338-0685
E-mail: 311@toronto.ca
If your matter is urgent, please call them. They are open 24/7.
Always call 911 for emergencies.
TTC Contact Info
- Information on fares, routes, schedules and service
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416-393-4636 (INFO)
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Recorded information available 24 hours daily
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Operator-assisted service is available from 8:00am to 6:00pm daily, except statutory holidays
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TTY Hearing Impaired Service, 416-481-2523, Daily, 8:00am-6:00pm; except statutory holidays
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- Main Switchboard
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416-393-4000
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Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
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Enjoy!
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
NEWS RELEASE
May 14, 2013
City of Toronto’s public events and activities on Victoria Day holiday
The City of Toronto will offer a wide variety of activities for residents on Monday, May 20, including the annual Victoria Day fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay. Many family attractions, including two farms, three historic sites and other facilities described below, will be open. City recreation centres will be closed on Victoria Day and recreation programs will not operate that day.
“Toronto has great family activities to do on Victoria Day Monday at our parks, recreation centres and museums,” said Mayor Rob Ford. “Everyone is invited to come down to Ashbridges Bay for fireworks and a day at the beach.”
The City of Toronto will host Victoria Day fireworks at Ashbridges Bay Park starting at 10 p.m. on May 20. The show will feature about 2,000 fireworks, with a spectacular finale.
Ashbridges Bay Park is located on Lake Shore Boulevard East at the foot of Coxwell Avenue and is easily accessible by public transit. TTC service will be increased between Queen Street East and the Bloor-Danforth subway on the Coxwell (22A), Main (64) and 92 Woodbine South routes. Members of the public are strongly urged to use public transit and leave personal vehicles at home.
City bylaws prohibit members of the public from setting off or selling fireworks in any City park. Enforcement officers will be on site to help ensure a safe and enjoyable event at Ashbridges Bay.
Golf: Toronto has five municipal golf courses that are open daily, including on Victoria Day. More information about the City-run golf courses is available at http://www.toronto.ca/golf.
Tennis courts: All public tennis court sites will have nets up and will be available for use throughout the Victoria Day weekend. Public sites are free and available to the general public. Tennis players are asked to share the courts by limiting their play time to half-hour intervals if others are waiting to use the courts.
Splash pads: Most splash pads open across the city on Saturday, May 18, with some exceptions. Splash pads adjacent to outdoor pools and those under construction will open later in the season. Splash pads operate daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. by push-button release. Splash pads are unsupervised water play areas so caregivers are reminded to supervise their children. More information, including hours of operation and up-to-date information on splash pad locations, is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks or by calling 311.
Riverdale Farm: Riverdale Farm is a family attraction where visitors can see traditional farm animals such as cows, horses and chickens. While there, visit the farm residence and the Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum. Riverdale Farm will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 20. Admission is free.
Far Enough Farm: The little farm on Centre Island is home to horses, donkeys, cows, goats, pigs, rabbits, peacocks and emus. Located next to Toronto’s Centreville Amusement Park on Centre Island, the farm will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
High Park Zoo: Victoria Day is a great time to see the High Park Zoo’s spring babies. The zoo, located on Deer Pen Road, offers domestic and exotic animals. The zoo will be open to visitors from 7 a.m. to dusk.
Toronto Island Park: Catch a ferry to Toronto Island Park for a scenic picnic, hike or bike ride. The interactive Franklin Children’s Garden is another attraction. Ferry schedule and fares: http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm
Greenhouses: A wide variety of flowers are in full bloom at Centennial Park Conservatory (151 Elmcrest Rd.) and Allan Gardens Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave.) Both conservatories are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Information is available by calling Centennial Park Conservatory at 416-394-8543 and Allan Gardens Conservatory at 416-392-7288 or visit http://www.toronto.ca/parks/featured-parks/conservatories/
Discovery Walks: Residents can explore their city on foot. The Discovery Walks program is a series of 11 self-guided walks linking ravines, parks and neighbourhoods. Ranging from 1.5 to 11 kilometres, the walks are designed to showcase Toronto’s outstanding natural features, cultural and historical attractions. Brochures and maps are available.
Historic Sites
The City of Toronto Historic Sites celebrate Victoria Day Monday with fun and interesting historical activities for everyone.
At Fort York National Historic Site, there will be demonstrations of Georgian-era cooking, English country dancing, and kids can participate in a soldiers’ drill. Admission: adults $7.96, children $3.76, youth $4.87, seniors $3.81(plus tax). Visitors can also join a free walking tour that explores early British military influences on Toronto’s changing urban landscape. Location: 250 Fort York Blvd. Check website for special directions during construction of a new visitor centre: http://www.toronto.ca/culture/museums/fort_york_access.htm.
Montgomery’s Inn at Dundas Street West and Islington Avenue will host its annual Victoria Day Tea. Admission is $10 plus tax.
Spadina Museum: Historic House & Gardens will take visitors on a tour of the house through the eyes of the prominent Austin family, whose struggles and triumphs were closely tied to those of Toronto as they entered the 20th century. Spadina Museum is located at 285 Spadina Rd., next door to Casa Loma. Admission fees: adults $7.96, seniors and youth $5.75, children six and older $4.87. Admission is free for children five and younger.
For those looking for outings on Saturday and Sunday during the long weekend, all of the historic sites are open and offer guests an opportunity to experience Toronto’s history in authentic settings. Event information, locations, hours and prices are available at http://www.toronto.ca/culture/museums/featured-events.htm.
Municipal services
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) will operate on its holiday service schedule on Victoria Day, with most routes starting at 6 a.m. For holiday service details, call the TTC’s customer information line in advance of the holiday at 416-393-4636 or visit
http://www3.ttc.ca/Routes/General_Information/Service_Details.jsp.
City of Toronto offices will be closed on the Victoria Day holiday. All City emergency services and 24-hour operations will be provided during the holiday. Residents can call 311, 24 hours a day, seven days a week for more information about City services.
The City of Toronto Archives will be closed on Monday, May 20. More information about the Archives is available at http://www.toronto.ca/archives.
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. Toronto’s government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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You may also want to know:
- You’re Invited: Spring & Green Events in Ontario May 10 – 12, 2013 (ROMwalks May 1, 2013 – October 20, 2013)
- You’re Invited: May 4 – 5, 2013 Events in Ontario, Canada (BMFA Arts Centre’s 2013 Guest Artists Exhibition: Leslie Sorochan • Permitted Paths and Lynn Christine Kelly • Cycles of Life May 1-26, 2013)