Toronto is laying out its plans for the Civic Holiday long weekend, and GTA residents thinking of heading into the city will find a mix of open pools, parks and attractions — along with a long list of closures on the Monday holiday.
According to a City of Toronto news release, the city's 10 supervised swimming beaches will be open, and residents are being urged to check the latest beach conditions at toronto.ca/beaches before heading out. Outdoor pools, wading pools and splash pads will all be open on Monday, August 3, with drop-in leisure swims available at outdoor pool locations.
Indoor pools and community centres will follow a different schedule: open Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2, but closed on the holiday Monday.
Islands, parks and farm animals
Toronto Island Park is expected to draw big crowds over the weekend, and the City is encouraging visitors to plan ahead. Ferry information, including online ticket purchases, is available at toronto.ca/ferries.
The City is also highlighting the recently expanded Biidaasige Park, which now includes Canoe Cove — a new waterfront promenade with skyline views and added green space for recreation and community events, alongside existing playgrounds, trails, cycling paths and water play features.
The High Park Animal Display will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., though roads inside High Park are closed to vehicles on weekends and holidays. Riverdale Farm will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Toronto Zoo will welcome visitors from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. throughout the weekend.
Allan Gardens Conservatory and Centennial Park Conservatory will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission.
What's closed
Cultural centres and galleries will run on limited weekend hours and close on Monday, August 3. All Toronto History Museums will operate on regular weekend hours and close Monday, with free admission to all sites — though Fort York National Historic Site will remain closed until it reopens on Wednesday, August 5.
Every Toronto Public Library branch will be shut on Sunday, August 2 and Monday, August 3, though cardholders can still stream eBooks, magazines, movies and music online at any time.
The St. Lawrence Market and its Saturday Farmers' Market will operate on their regular schedules.
Getting around
The TTC will run its Holiday service schedule on Monday, August 3. Anyone driving to a round of golf is in luck: all five municipal golf courses will be open throughout the weekend, and golfers are being encouraged to book tee times in advance.
Public tennis and pickleball courts will be available across the city all weekend, with players asked to limit play to 30-minute intervals when others are waiting.
Fireworks reminder
The City is also warning residents that the Civic Holiday is not a designated fireworks day. Fireworks are only permitted on one's own property with a permit from Toronto Fire Services, and are banned in parks, on beaches, on balconies, on streets, in parking lots and on other private property. Misuse or illegal sales can be reported to 311 or through the City's website.
