JUNE 30 2020
The country is turning 153 years old this Wednesday, July 1st! With Stage 2 reopening last week, Toronto residents can now fully enjoy Canada Day, as more attractions and city events can take place to make the holiday more celebratory.
But remember it’s important to still adhere to public health measures and to keep two metres apart from those not in your household or social circle. As always a mask is recommended when physical distancing is not possible.
Here's what you can do on Canada Day in Toronto
Canada Day is of course a national holiday, which means that there will be closures throughout the City, including Canada Post and City Hall. However, many things throughout the city will remain open, including some of Toronto’s biggest attractions.
The Toronto Islands
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The Toronto Islands are now open to the public. Visitors must buy tickets online in advance and there will be a limit of 5,000 tickets per day. Tickets will also only be valid for the selected day of purchase.
All passengers on the ferry will be required to wear face coverings. To reduce crowding, the City is encouraging visitors to travel outside of peak times. The busiest time for travel from the terminal to Toronto Island Park is between 9:30am and 12:30pm, and between 3:30 and 6:30pm for the return trip.
Drive-In Concert
Ontario’s first-ever drive-in concert will be happening in Markham on Canada Day.
Produced by Cabin Media Entertainment, the Dean Brody and Andrew Hyatt concert will take place at the Markham Fairgrounds. After the performance, fireworks are slated to close out the night.
Vehicle passes, available from $209 (plus fees and taxes) per vehicle, are available here.
Drive-Ins in the GTA
5 Drive-In / Facebook
A number of drive-ins in the GTA will be open on Canada Day, showing a selection of movies.
The theatres include the 5 Drive-In and The Starlight Theatre in Oakville, The Stardust Drive-In Theatre in Newmarket, and Starlite in Hamilton.
Toronto Beaches
You can go enjoy six Toronto beaches which officially opened on June 22nd.
The beaches that are officially open today are Bluffer’s Park Beach, Cherry/Clarke Beach, Kew-Balmy Beach, Marie Curtis Park East Beach, Sunnyside Beach, and Woodbine Beach.
Physical distancing measures should still be followed when visiting a beach or a park.
Swimming Pools
City of Toronto
It looks like Canada Day might be a scorching 34°C, so it will be worth it to go to one of the City’s swimming pools, which are now open to the public.
Water recreational services have reopened, including splash pads, wading pools, and, indoor and outdoor pools.
Major attractions that are open on Canada Day
- Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada (288 Bremner Boulevard): 10am to 8pm — Purchase timed tickets online in advance.
- Toronto Zoo (2000 Meadowvale Road): 10:15am to 5:30pm – Scenic Safari in-car experience only, tickets available online.
- Aga Khan Museum (77 Wynford Drive): 10am to 8pm — Purchase timed tickets online in advance.
- Casa Loma (1 Austin Terrace): 9:30am to 5pm — Tickets available online.
Parks
@umadsornah/Instagram
The weather is expected to be warm with a humidex of 33°C, making it the perfect day to spend some time outside. Going to a park for a picnic to meet friends or to go relax with a book is a viable option if you have the day off.
Many green spaces will be accessible to Torontonians, including Ontario Place (which is open from 6am to 11pm daily), High Park, Trinity Bellwoods Park, Tommy Thompson Park, Rouge National Park, and Bluffer’s Park in Scarborough.
Regardless of where you decide to spend your Canada Day, remember to physically distance and observe all safety protocols that are currently in place.
If you would prefer to stay indoors and celebrate, there are also virtual events taking place throughout the day.
Happy Canada Day, everyone!
SOURCES: DAILY HIVE TORONTO 1, 2
