A City guide to activities and attractions
Happy Thanksgiving! In addition to taking a beautiful fall walk or hitting some to the city’s incredible bike trails this weekend, the City of Toronto invites residents and visitors to enjoy the upcoming long weekend with numerous fun activities and attractions. There is something for everyone to enjoy including many city cultural gems and outdoor activities.
Several popular Toronto tourist attractions open on Thanksgiving
- The Art Gallery of Ontario – open from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- The CN Tower – open from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Ripley’s Aquarium – open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Royal Ontario Museum – open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Toronto Zoo – open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Pumpkinfest – Downsview Park – 35 Carl Hall Road. Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily.
CaféTO curb lane patios
Enjoy Thanksgiving meals outdoors on one of Toronto’s CaféTO patios during the final weekend of the 2024 curb lane patio season. Sidewalk patios will continue to be available year-round. A big thank you to all the restaurant owners, Business Improvement Areas, workers and patrons who have supported outdoor dining throughout the season.
Community recreation centres (closed Monday)
Community recreation centres will be open for regular program hours on Saturday, October 12, and Sunday, October 13. On Monday, October 14, all City community recreation centres, indoor pools and indoor rinks will be closed. More information can be found at the City’s recreation centers webpage.
Conservatories
Both the Centennial Park Conservatory and Allan Gardens Conservatory will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more details, visit the City’s Conservatories webpage.
These GTA malls are open on Thanksgiving Monday
- The Eaton Centre – open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Markville Mall – open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Pacific Mall – open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Square One Shopping Centre i open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cultural centres and City-run galleries (closed Monday)
City-run cultural centres and galleries will be open during regular weekend hours but closed on Monday, October 14. More information including visiting hours can be found on the City’s Cultural Centres & Galleries webpage.
Golf at municipal courses
Toronto’s municipal golf courses will be open daily throughout the long weekend, offering an affordable, high-quality golf experience. For more information, visit the City’s Golf webpage.
Green P Parking and Bike Share Toronto
Planning to drive or charge an EV over Thanksgiving weekend? Check out the Green P parking website before leaving to find parking and EV charging nearby.
Take advantage of a special Saturday rate (between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m.) at 2 Church St. (carpark 43) near St. Lawrence Market. More information is available on the Green P parking webpage .
Looking for a convenient and sustainable mode of transportation? Download the Bike Share Toronto app. Users can plan their trip and hop on a Bike Share Toronto classic bike or e-bike. More information is available on Bike Share Toronto’s webpage .
High Park Animal Display
The High Park Animal Display will be open daily between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Visitors should note that roads in the park will be closed to vehicular traffic throughout the long weekend. Learn more on the City’s webpage.
Riverdale Farm
Riverdale Farm, a working farm in downtown Toronto, will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily over the weekend. Admission is free. More information is available on the City’s webpage.
St. Lawrence Market (closed Sunday and Monday)
The South Market will be open on Friday, October 11, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, October 12, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, it will be closed on Sunday, October 13, and Monday, October 14.
The Saturday Farmers Market will operate on Saturday, October 12, from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. This weekend is also the last chance to visit Arts at the Market vendors at the Front Street entrance on Friday and Saturday.
The Sunday Variety Market will return on Sunday, October 20.
For more details, visit the St. Lawrence Market website.
Tennis and pickleball play
Public tennis and pickleball courts continue to operate throughout the long weekend. For more information on locations, visit the City’s Tennis webpage.
Details on pickleball courts can be found on the Pickleball webpage.
Toronto History Museums (closed Monday)
On Saturday, October 12, and Sunday, October 13, Toronto History Museums will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free activities and programs. For more details, visit the City’s Festivals & Events Calendar: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/.
Toronto Zoo
Celebrate the Thanksgiving weekend with a visit to Toronto Zoo to see more than 3,000 animals and explore 10 kilometers of walking trails. For more information or to book tickets, visit the Toronto Zoo website.
TTC service updates
The TTC will operate on a holiday service schedule on Monday, October 14. Plan ahead by visiting the TTC website for up-to-date service information.
Washrooms in parks
Seasonal washrooms in parks will be open during the Thanksgiving long weekend. Residents can locate the nearest washroom by visiting the Parks & Recreation Washrooms webpage.
Food safety
Residents are encouraged to visit Toronto Public Health’s Food Safety at Home webpage for a delicious and worry-free Thanksgiving gathering with family and friends. Review tips on safer food preparation and serving and learn how to store your food safely, even during a power outage. More information can be found on the City’s webpage.
Those planning to skip cooking at home and dine out can find the food safety records of food establishments across the city through DineSafe. This helpful tool allows Toronto diners to make informed decisions about where to eat. More information is available on the City’s DineSafe webpage.
For a full list of festivals and events happening across Toronto, visit the City’s Festivals & Events Calendar.
feature image supplied by Pumpkinfest Toronto
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