The Victoria Day long weekend has seemingly crept up on Toronto this year, given the unseasonably cool weather so far in May. However, this marks the first long weekend of the outdoor season, heralding the start of summer.
What's Open on Monday, May 18
Several establishments and attractions will be open on Victoria Day, including many LCBO stores, The Beer Store, Toronto Eaton Centre from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., grocery stores (as per new Ontario Government legislation), Rabba Fine Foods, Wine Rack, The Wine Shop, The Distillery Historic District, Centreville at Centre Island, Royal Ontario Museum, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, CN Tower, Casa Loma, Toronto Zoo, Little Canada, Art Gallery of Ontario, Hockey Hall of Fame, movie theatres, and universities.
What's Closed
Closed on Victoria Day include municipal, provincial, and federal government offices including Canada Post, schools, some LCBO stores, banks, Toronto Public Library branches, Fort York National Historic Site, and recreation programs at City of Toronto parks and facilities. There will be no garbage collection.
Where to See Fireworks
The City of Toronto will host its annual Victoria Day fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay Park (1561 Lake Shore Blvd. E) on Monday at 10 p.m. The 14-minute show can be viewed from the park's beach or the boardwalk between Emdaabiimok Ave. and Victoria Park Ave. Other good viewing spots include Woodbine Beach, Woodbine Park, and Tommy Thompson Park. Elsewhere in Ontario, fireworks are typically held at Blue Mountain Village, Friday Harbour Resort, Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Barrie, and Muskoka.
Get Out of Town
Popular Ontario destinations for the Victoria Day long weekend include The Blue Mountains, Collingwood, Muskoka, Prince Edward County, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Haliburton Highlands, and Kawarthas. Favourite parks and outdoor destinations include Algonquin Provincial Park, Bruce Peninsula National Park, Scenic Caves Nature Adventures, Sandbanks Provincial Park, and Arrowhead Provincial Park. Reservations for camping and day-use permits are essential as the long weekend is extremely popular. For patio season, try dining outdoors at local breweries, wineries, or cideries in Collingwood, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Elora, Stratford, and Port Dover.
