Things to do in Toronto on Thanksgiving long weekend

TORONTO, Oct. 6, 2023 – Although it is a holiday weekend here in Canada, there is still a lot for people to do including many ways to get outside and enjoy the autumn splendour. The City of Toronto encourages residents and visitors to take advantage of City-run attractions and recreational opportunities over the Thanksgiving long weekend, from Saturday, October 7 to Monday, October 9.

Community recreation centres
These centres will be open for regular program hours on Saturday, October 7 and Sunday, October 8. On Monday, October 9, all City community recreation centres, indoor pools and indoor rinks will be closed.

Conservatories and greenhouses
The Centennial Park Conservatory and Allan Gardens are open daily over the long weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. Visitors can learn more on the City’s Conservatories webpage.

Golf at municipal courses
Toronto’s five municipal golf courses are located on beautiful parklands. These affordable, high-quality, TTC-accessible courses are open daily throughout the long weekend. More information is available on the City’s Golf webpage.

High Park animal display
Toronto’s oldest animal display is open daily over the long weekend between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Visitors heading to High Park are reminded that roads in the park will be closed to vehicular traffic for all three days of the long weekend. More information is available on the City’s Zoos & Farms webpage.

Riverdale Farm
Residents and visitors to Toronto can visit a working farm in the city’s centre. Riverdale Farm is open daily all weekend from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. More information about the farm is available on the City’s Zoos & Farms webpage.

Tennis and pickleball courts
Public tennis and pickleball courts across the city will have nets up and will be available for free to the public throughout the long weekend. More information about public tennis courts is available on City’s Tennis webpage. Information about pickleball courts is also available on the City’s website.

Washrooms in parks

Seasonal washrooms remain open over the Thanksgiving long weekend. Residents can find their nearest washroom on the City’s Parks & Recreation Washrooms & Drinking Water webpage.

Toronto History Museums
Toronto History Museums are open on October 7 and October 8, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with many free activities and programs listed on the City’s Festivals and Events Calendar webpage.

Cultural centres & City-run galleries
Cultural centres will be open standard weekend hours and closed on Monday, October 9. More information and visiting hours are available on the City’s Cultural Centres & Galleries webpage.

Last weekend of 2023 CaféTO curb lane patio season

Get out and dine on a CaféTO patio this long weekend, the last weekend of 2023 CaféTO curb lane patio season. Sidewalk patios are available year-round. Thanks to all the restaurant owners, Business Improvement Areas, workers and diners who love outdoor dining. Winter is just around the corner and it’s time to get the streets ready and safe for snow.

St. Lawrence Market

St. Lawrence Market has many fresh options for your Thanksgiving meals this long weekend. The South Market (main building) is open on Friday, October 6, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, October 7, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Saturday Farmers Market, in the Temporary Market, 125 The Esplanade, is open from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. The St. Lawrence Market will be closed on Sunday, October 8 and Monday, October 9.

Toronto Zoo
There’s no better place to spend the Thanksgiving long weekend than at the Toronto Zoo where guests can discover more than 3,000 animals while exploring more than 10 kilometres of walking trails and four indoor tropical pavilions.

Zoo guests can check out the new state-of-the-art outdoor orangutan habitat before it closes for the winter season. The Toronto Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the world and remains committed to connecting people, animals and conservation science to fight extinction. For more information or to book your tickets, visit the Toronto Zoo website.

Food safety
To ensure a delightful and worry-free Thanksgiving gathering with family and friends, residents are encouraged to visit Toronto Public Health’s Food Safety at Home webpage.  Discover tips on responsible food shopping and storage, food preparation and serving and learn how to store your food safely, even in the face of a power outage.

Those planning to dine out during the holiday season can find food establishments’ food safety record through DineSafe. This valuable tool allows Toronto diners to make informed decisions about where to eat, ensuring that their Thanksgiving celebration is not only delicious but also worry-free. More information is available on the City’s DineSafe webpage.

Prevent virus spread
A reminder to residents as they gather indoors and in larger groups this long weekend to take preventive measures to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and influenza (flu). The best way to protect oneself and others against respiratory illness this season is to:

• wash your hands frequently
• wear a well-fitted mask in crowded indoor settings
• stay home if you feel sick
• cover your cough
• test for COVID-19 (if eligible).

More information about layers of protection is available on the City’s Reduce Respiratory Virus Spread Guide webpage.

TTC closures

On Friday, October 6, subway service on Line 1 between Spadina and St. Andrew stations will end early at 11:59 p.m. and remain closed on Saturday, October 7, due to track work. Regular service will resume on Sunday.

On Sunday, October 8, subway service on Line 1 between King and Osgoode stations will begin by 11 a.m. due to track work.

On Monday, October 9, the TTC will operate on a holiday schedule.

Road restrictions and closures

A number of road restrictions and closures related to events and critical City-led infrastructure work are in effect which may impact travel throughout the Thanksgiving Day long weekend. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and visit the City’s Road Restrictions & Closures webpage for more information.

More information about festivals and events is available on the City’s Festivals & Events Calendar webpage.

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