You’re Invited: Celebratory Events on Victoria Day May 19, 2014

This video presents “Toronto Victoria Day Fireworks 2013 at Ashbridges Bay Park, May 20, 2013” from Peter Mykusz on Vimeo.

“You could sense the excitement and anticipation as thousands of excited people made their way to Ashbridges Bay Park for the annual fireworks display. They were not disappointed as wave after wave of spectacular fireworks delighted the crowd. You can hear the sizzle and sounds of over 2,000 fireworks that were used in this video. The City of Toronto’s Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division hosted this event.

Ever since 1854, Canada has been celebrating Victoria Day in honour of Queen Victoria the “Mother of Confederation.” Queen Victoria reigned from 1837 to 1901. The Birthday of the current reigning queen is also celebrated.”

Peter Mykusz

The City of Toronto will offer the following activities on Monday, May 19, including the annual Victoria Day fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay (some of these activities have FREE admission):

  • The Victoria Day fireworks at Ashbridges Bay Park will start at 10 p.m.
    • The show will feature about 2,000 fireworks, with a spectacular finale.
    • Ashbridges Bay Park is located on Lake Shore Boulevard East at the foot of Coxwell Avenue and is easily accessible by public transit.
      • TTC service will be increased between Queen Street East and Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth) on the 22A Coxwell, 64 Main and 92 Woodbine South bus routes.
        • Members of the public are strongly urged to use public transit and leave personal vehicles at home.
    • City bylaws prohibit members of the public from setting off or selling fireworks in any City park.
      • Enforcement officers will be onsite to help ensure a safe and enjoyable event at Ashbridges Bay.

  • Golf
    • Toronto has five municipal golf courses.
    • They are open daily, including on Victoria Day.
    • More information about the City-run golf courses is available at http://www.toronto.ca/golf.
  • Tennis courts
    • All public tennis court sites will have nets up and will be available for use throughout the Victoria Day weekend.
    • Public sites are FREE and available to the general public.
    • Tennis players are asked to share the courts by limiting their play time to half-hour intervals if others are waiting to use the courts.
  • Riverdale Farm
    • It is a family attraction where visitors can see traditional farm animals such as cows, horses and chickens.
    • While there, visit the farm residence and the Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum.
    • Riverdale Farm will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 19.
    • Admission is FREE.
    • More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/zoo/ or by calling 311.
  • High Park Zoo
    • Come see the High Park Zoo’s spring babies.
    • The zoo, located on Deer Pen Road, offers domestic and exotic animals.
    • The zoo will be open to visitors from 7 a.m. to dusk.
    • More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/zoo/ or by calling 311.
  • Toronto Island Park
  • Greenhouses
    • A wide variety of flowers are in full bloom at Centennial Park Conservatory (151 Elmcrest Rd.) and Allan Gardens Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave.).
    • Both conservatories are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Admission is FREE.
    • Information is available by calling Centennial Park Conservatory at 416-394-8543 and Allan Gardens Conservatory at 416-392-7288 or visit http://bitly.com/QFFu6S.
  • Discovery Walks
    • Residents can explore their city on foot.
    • The Discovery Walks program is a series of 11 self-guided walks linking ravines, parks and neighbourhoods.
    • Ranging from 1.5 to 11 kilometres, the walks are designed to showcase Toronto’s outstanding natural features and cultural and historical attractions.
      • Brochures and maps are available.
  • Historic Sites
    • At Fort York National Historic Site, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., there will be demonstrations of Georgian-era cooking, English country dancing, and kids can participate in a soldiers’ drill.
      • Admission: adults $7.96, children $3.76, youth $4.87, seniors $3.81(plus tax).
      • Visitors can also join a walking tour (FREE) that explores early British military influences on Toronto’s changing urban landscape.
      • Location: 250 Fort York Blvd.
    • Montgomery’s Inn at Dundas Street West and Islington Avenue will host its annual Victoria Day Tea from 1 to 4 p.m.
      • Admission is $10 plus tax.
    • Spadina Museum: Historic House and Gardens – Toronto’s own Downton Abbey – will take visitors on a tour of the house through the eyes of the prominent Austin family, whose struggles and triumphs were closely tied to those of Toronto as they entered the 20th century.
      • Spadina Museum is open from noon to 5 p.m. and is located at 285 Spadina Rd., next door to Casa Loma.
      • Admission fees: adults $7.96, seniors and youth $5.75, children six and older $4.87.
      • Admission is FREE for children five and younger.

Municipal services

Please note the following municipal facilities will be closed on Victoria Day, Monday, May 19:

  • City recreation centres (recreation programs will not operate that day)
  • City of Toronto offices
    • However, all City emergency services and 24-hour operations will be provided during the holiday.
      • Residents can call 311, 24 hours a day, seven days a week for more information about City services.
  • The City of Toronto Archives

Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Contact Info

  • Information on fares, routes, schedules and service.
    • 416-393-4636 (INFO)
    • Recorded information available 24 hours daily.
    • Operator-assisted service is available from 8:00am to 6:00pm daily, except statutory holidays.
    • TTY Hearing Impaired Service, 416-481-2523, Daily, 8:00am-6:00pm; except statutory holidays.
  • Main Switchboard
    • 416-393-4000
    • Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm

City of Toronto Contact Info

Phone within Toronto city limits: 311.

Phone outside city limits: 416-392-CITY (2489)
(can be used within Toronto if you can’t reach 311).

TTY customers: 416-338-0TTY (0889)
Fax: 416-338-0685
E-mail: 311@toronto.ca

If your matter is urgent, please call them. They are open 24/7.

Enjoy!

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