Things to do in Toronto on the August long weekend

City of Toronto offers numerous fun activities and attractions for the August long weekend

In addition to Toronto’s world famous Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade and tourist attractions open, there are numerous other activities to enjoy in the City of Toronto this weekend. That’s right, the City is pleased to offer a wide range of fun activities and attractions for residents and visitors to enjoy over the Civic holiday long weekend.

City Beaches

Soak up some sun and enjoy one of the city’s beaches this long weekend. The City encourages residents and visitors to enjoy the water safely this weekend by:

• Swimming only when lifeguards are on duty and within supervised swimming areas.
• Staying within arm’s reach of children who are in or near water.
• Never swimming alone or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen and limiting exposure to heat and sun.
• Calling 911 in case of emergency.

Find more information and a map with all the beaches on the City’s Beaches webpage.

Outdoor pools, wading pools and splash pads

Outdoor pools, splash pads and wading pools are all great options to stay cool this summer and will be open throughout the weekend and on Monday. More information about outdoor pools, wading pools and splash pads including hours of operation are available on the City’s Swimming & Water Play webpage.

Toronto Island Park

Toronto Island Park is a popular destination and like many other major attractions will be busy this weekend. The City strongly encourages residents and visitors to:

• Be patient and plan ahead
• Plan travel during non-peak hours – the ferry is busiest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. when heading to the islands, and from 5:30 to 9 p.m. for return trips to the city, especially from Centre Island.
• Buy tickets online before heading to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. Online ticket holders enter the terminal through a separate line during busy travel times.

More information about ferry services including online ticket purchases please visit the City’s Toronto Ferries webpage.

Community Centres and Indoor Pools

Indoor pools and community centres will be open Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4, but will be closed on Monday, August 5.

Conservatories & greenhouses

Allan Gardens Conservatory and Centennial Park Conservatory are free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this long weekend. More information is available on the City’s Conservatories webpage.

Cultural Centres

Cultural Centres will be operating on limited weekend hours and closed on Monday, August 5. More information including hours of operation is available on the City’s Cultural Centres & Galleries webpage.

Golf at municipal courses

Toronto’s five municipal golf courses are open daily throughout the long weekend. Golfers are encouraged to book in advance. Tee times can be booked:

• online by visiting the individual course page
• by phone by calling the golf course

More information is available on the City’s Golf webpage.

High Park Animal Display

The High Park Animal Display will be open to visitors from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. all weekend. Residents and visitors are reminded that roads within High Park are closed to vehicular traffic on weekends and holidays. More information is available on the City’s Zoos & Farms webpage.

Visit Riverdale Farm

Admission is free to Riverdale Farm which will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the long weekend. More information is available on the City’s Riverdale Farm webpage.

St. Lawrence Market – Taste of the Caribbean Festival

On Sunday, August 4, the Taste of the Caribbean Festival will fill Market Street with the food, crafts and culture of the Caribbean. Visit the vendors and enjoy live music from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The St. Lawrence Market and the Saturday Farmer’s Market will be open during the Civic Holiday long weekend for regular business hours:

• Saturday, August 3: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Farmer’s Market 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Sunday, August 4: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Monday, August 5: Closed

Play some tennis or pickleball!

Public tennis and pickleball courts will be available for use across the city throughout the long weekend. Players are asked to share the courts by limiting their play time to half-hour intervals if others are waiting to use them.

More information about public courts is available on the City’s Tennis Court Listing webpage.

More information can also be found on the City’s Pickleball Court webpage.

Visit one of Toronto’s many Museums

Toronto History Museums sites are open on Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free activities and programs through the weekend. More information at the City’s Festival and Events calendar. Fort York is open on Monday, August 5 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. All other museum sites are closed on August 5.

Toronto Public Library

All Toronto Public Library branches will be closed on Sunday August 4 and Monday, August 5. Visit the Toronto Public Library webpage  for a complete list of branches and hours of operation.

Residents are encouraged to download and stream eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, newspapers, movies and music by visiting the eBooks & Online content webpage on the Toronto Public Library webpage .

TTC

The TTC will operate on its Holiday service schedule on the Civic Holiday. More information is available on the TTC webpage .

Visit the Toronto Zoo!

Guests can join the Toronto Zoo in celebrating the ‘50 Day ZOObilee Countdown’ to its 50th birthday on Thursday, August 15.

More information including details about the 50th anniversary celebration, hours of operation and ticket information is available on the Toronto Zoo’s website .

Important Reminder about Fireworks

The August Civic Holiday is not a designated fireworks day. Residents are only permitted to set off fireworks on their property if they have obtained a permit from Toronto Fire Services. Fireworks are not allowed in City parks or on beaches, balconies, streets, parking lots or other private property.

The misuse or illegal sale of fireworks can be reported to 311 by phone or by submitting a service request on the City’s 311 webpage. More information about fireworks rules is available on the City’s Fireworks webpage.

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