Victoria Day 2014: Fireworks, what’s open/closed & Toronto events

The Victoria Day long weekend is upon us and there’s plenty to do in the city to celebrate the unofficial kickoff to summer. The weather forecast is sunny but on the cool side.

What’s open & closed

Although LCBO and Beer stores are closed on Monday, many cottage-area LCBO stores that normally close at 6 p.m. on Friday may remain open later into the evening and also on Saturday evening. Customers should check for individual store hours online at lcbo.com or by calling (800) ONT-LCBO (668-5226).

Some Beer Stores will have extended hours on Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Click here to view the list of stores.

Closed on Victoria Day (Monday):

• LCBO and Beer stores
• Libraries and schools
• Banks
• Government offices
• No garbage pickup
• No mail delivery

Open:

• TTC will run on a holiday schedule on Monday
• GO Transit will run on a Saturday schedule on Monday
• Most malls are open on Monday: Eaton Centre (10 a.m – 6 p.m.), Square One (11 a.m. – 6 p.m.), Vaughan Mills (10 a.m. – 7 p.m.), Cookstown Outlet Mall (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.), Bramalea City Centre (11 a.m. – 6 p.m.) and Pacific Mall (11 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
• Tourist sites and city-run golf courses

Firework displays

Thinking of planning your own display? Toronto bylaws prohibit members of the public from setting off or selling fireworks in any city park.

Ashbridges Bay Park
The fireworks show starts at 10 p.m. on Monday at the park, located at Coxwell Avenue and Lake Shore Boulevard, featuring about 2,000 fireworks.

A special viewing area will available for people with disabilities and their families. Seating in that area is limited.

Ashbridges Bay Spit will be closed for fireworks setup starting at 10 a.m.

Admission is free. Click here for more information.

Canada’s Wonderland
After spending your day at the amusement park, located at 9580 Jane St. in Vaughan, you can take in a fireworks display over Wonder Mountain.

The show starts at 10 p.m. on Sunday (weather permitting), and it’s included with park admission.

Click here for more information.

Other Victoria Day events in Toronto & across GTA

Riverdale Farm

See traditional farm animals such as cows and horses at Riverdale Farm, and while you are there, you can visit the farm residence and the Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum.

The farm, which is located at 201 Winchester St., will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, and admission is free.

Click here for more information.

High Park Zoo
If you love baby animals, head on over to the High Park Zoo to see the adorable spring babies.

The park is located at Parkside Drive and Bloor Street West, and the zoo will be open from 7 a.m. to dusk.

Admission is free.Click here for more information.

Toronto gardens
For those who love to garden, check out the Centennial Park Conservatory (151 Elmcrest Rd.) and Allan Gardens Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave.).

The conservatories are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free.

Click here for more information.

Fort York
Travel back in time as you check out English country dancing, a soldiers’ drill and a walking tour.

Click here for admission and other information.

Click here for other events at the city’s historic sites.

SuperFan ComicCon
If comics are your thing, the SuperFan ComicCon will be taking place for the first time in Toronto.

The event features anime vendors, memorabilia and collectibles, cosplay costume contests and more.

The event will be held from Saturday to Monday at the Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place.

Click here for admission and other information.

Artfest at the Distillery
Artfest Toronto kicks off its summer season at the historic Distillery District.

The three-day event features exhibits from top artists and artisans showcasing their arts and crafts. There will also be gourmet foods and live music on hand.

Click here for more information.

Black Creek Pioneer Village
Ever dreamed about being rescued by your Prince Charming? Well, you don’t have to be child to fall in love with fairy tales.

Listen to the classic tales of Beauty and the Beast, Peter Pan and Cinderella, and also participate in prince and princess lessons, treasure hunts, a pirate workshop, Cinderella’s Ball and more.

The event runs from Saturday to Monday. Click here for admission and other information.

Harbourfront Centre
The circus comes to town this long weekend! The HarbourKIDS Toronto International Circus Festival features acrobats, jugglers, comedians and clowns.

It runs from Saturday to Monday. Click here for admission and other information.

Toronto Zoo
Giant pandas Er Shun and Da Mao, polar bear Humphrey, gorilla silverback Charles, and other cute animals are awaiting you at the zoo.

Visitors can all check out World Turtle Week and the Long Weekend Zoo Challenge from Saturday to Monday.

Click here for admission and other information.

Golf and tennis
All city-operated golf courses and public tennis courts will be open on Victoria Day.

Splash pads
Most city-run splash pads are open on Saturday.

Brampton
Chinguacousy Park (9050 Bramalea Rd.) in Brampton will feature amusements rides, a petting zoo, paddle boats, mini golf and more from Friday to Monday.

Admission is free. Click here for more information.

Mississauga
Belt out your rendition of When the Saints Go Marching In as you take dance in a Mardi Gras-style pep rally at Celebration Square (300 City Centre Dr.) on Monday.

You can also move to the New Orleans’ brass beats of the Stooges Brass Band.

The event will be held from noon to 2 p.m. and admission is free. Food trucks will be on site from noon to 8 p.m.

Click here for more information.

Milton
The Milton Fair Grounds (136 Robert St.) will host a Family Fun Fair & Fireworks Show from Friday to Monday (10 a.m. to dusk)

The event features food trucks, a midway, other family fun, and fireworks.

Click here for more information.

Got a suggestion to add to this list? Click here to submit.