Victoria Day weekend in Toronto: what’s open and closed, where to watch fireworks

People watch the Toronto Victoria Day fireworks on the beach on Monday, May 20, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Victoria Day celebrations are coming fast, and warm temperatures are expected.

Environment Canada is predicting a mix of sun and cloud, with a high of 27 C and a low of 17 C.

Here is a list of what’s open and what’s closed, as well as where you can watch the fireworks.

What’s open:

Attractions

• CN Tower
• Ripley’s Aquarium
• Royal Ontario Museum
• Art Gallery of Ontario
• Toronto Zoo
• All City of Toronto golf courses

Shopping and retail:

• CF Toronto Eaton Centre
• Toronto Premium Outlets
• 304 LCBO locations
• 73 Beer Store locations
• Scarborough Town Centre
• Yorkdale Shopping Centre

What’s closed:

• All federal, provincial and municipal government offices
• Toronto Public Library branches
• Community centres
• Banks

In March, changes to Ontario’s Retail Business and Holiday Act from the provincial government are now allowing retail stores and malls across the province to remain open on Family Day and Victoria Day.

Where to watch the fireworks

The City of Toronto will be hosting its Victoria Day fireworks at Ashbridge’s Bay, beginning at 10 p.m.

Those attending are encouraged by the City of Toronto to leave personal vehicles at home and use public transit. Routes and schedules can be found here.

If you are hosting your own fireworks watch party, the City of Toronto allows residents to set off fireworks on their private properties before 11 p.m. on Victoria Day, according to a City of Toronto press release.

Line 6 Finch West closed during long weekend

Line 6 Finch will be closed all weekend long for system upgrades and FIFA World Cup preparations, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and Metrolinx said in a statement

Closures will begin Friday at 2:30 a.m. and will end on Tuesday at 4 a.m. Replacement shuttle buses will operate along Finch Avenue West during the closure.

According to Metrolinx officials, the planned closure was scheduled in part to prepare for increased ridership ahead of the FIFA World Cup and other major events in the city.

“The work has been strategically scheduled to prepare the line for increased ridership demand during upcoming major events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”