5/14/2013 8:32:55 PM

May 14, 2013
The City of Toronto will offer a wide variety of activities for residents on Monday, May 20, including the annual Victoria Day fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay. Many family attractions, including two farms, three historic sites and other facilities described below, will be open. City recreation centres will be closed on Victoria Day and recreation programs will not operate that day.

"Toronto has great family activities to do on Victoria Day Monday at our parks, recreation centres and museums," said Mayor Rob Ford. "Everyone is invited to come down to Ashbridges Bay for fireworks and a day at the beach."

The City of Toronto will host Victoria Day fireworks at Ashbridges Bay Park starting at 10 p.m. on May 20. 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 the Bloor-Danforth subway on the Coxwell (22A), Main (64) and 92 Woodbine South 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 on site to help ensure a safe and enjoyable event at Ashbridges Bay.

Golf: Toronto has five municipal golf courses that 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.

Splash pads: Most splash pads open across the city on Saturday, May 18, with some exceptions. Splash pads adjacent to outdoor pools and those under construction will open later in the season. Splash pads operate daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. by push-button release. Splash pads are unsupervised water play areas so caregivers are reminded to supervise their children. More information, including hours of operation and up-to-date information on splash pad locations, is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks or by calling 311.

Riverdale Farm: Riverdale Farm 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 20. Admission is free.

Far Enough Farm: The little farm on Centre Island is home to horses, donkeys, cows, goats, pigs, rabbits, peacocks and emus. Located next to Toronto's Centreville Amusement Park on Centre Island, the farm will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

High Park Zoo: Victoria Day is a great time to 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.

Toronto Island Park: Catch a ferry to Toronto Island Park for a scenic picnic, hike or bike ride. The interactive Franklin Children's Garden is another attraction. Ferry schedule and fares: http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm

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://www.toronto.ca/parks/featured-parks/conservatories/

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, cultural and historical attractions. Brochures and maps are available.

Historic Sites
The City of Toronto Historic Sites celebrate Victoria Day Monday with fun and interesting historical activities for everyone.

At Fort York National Historic Site, 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 free walking tour that explores early British military influences on Toronto's changing urban landscape. Location: 250 Fort York Blvd. Check website for special directions during construction of a new visitor centre: http://www.toronto.ca/culture/museums/fort_york_access.htm.

Montgomery's Inn at Dundas Street West and Islington Avenue will host its annual Victoria Day Tea. Admission is $10 plus tax.

Spadina Museum: Historic House & Gardens 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 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.

For those looking for outings on Saturday and Sunday during the long weekend, all of the historic sites are open and offer guests an opportunity to experience Toronto's history in authentic settings. Event information, locations, hours and prices are available at http://www.toronto.ca/culture/museums/featured-events.htm.

Municipal services
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) will operate on its holiday service schedule on Victoria Day, with most routes starting at 6 a.m. For holiday service details, call the TTC's customer information line in advance of the holiday at 416-393-4636 or visit
http://www3.ttc.ca/Routes/General_Information/Service_Details.jsp.

City of Toronto offices will be closed on the Victoria Day holiday. 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 will be closed on Monday, May 20. More information about the Archives is available at http://www.toronto.ca/archives.