The May 24 long weekend is basically Canada's unofficial warm-up act for summer. Three days off, the city waking up again, patios throwing open their doors for the first time, and the whole thing capped off with fireworks. Toronto has the goods for every kind of weekend. Pack your days full or just finally sit on a patio with a frosty pilsner.
Here's what's happening and where to be during Victoria Day weekend in Toronto.
Victoria Day Fireworks at Ashbridges Bay Park
If you do one thing this long weekend, make it the fireworks. The City of Toronto's annual Victoria Day fireworks display takes place at Ashbridges Bay Park on the Monday evening, starting at 10 p.m. on Lake Shore Boulevard East.
The show runs approximately 14 minutes and lights up the east end sky over the waterfront - visible from the boardwalk stretching from Lower Coxwell Avenue to Victoria Park Avenue.
It draws serious crowds every year, so show up early with a blanket, grab some snacks, and stake out a spot along the shore. The park is TTC accessible, which is strongly recommended - parking fills fast. If you want to beat the post-show transit rush, some regulars swear by the 22 Southbound from Coxwell Station over the more obvious routes.
Hit the Toronto Islands
The summer ferry schedule to Toronto Island Park kicks off Victoria Day weekend, making this the perfect first island trip of the year. Catch the ferry from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at Harbourfront and spend a few hours on the beaches, walking the boardwalk, or just taking in that classic skyline view from across the water.
Bike Share Toronto also launches four stations and 250 bikes on the islands starting this weekend - a great way to cover more ground between Ward's Island, Centre Island, and Hanlan's Point. Book your ferry tickets online in advance and aim to head out before 10 a.m. to beat peak crowds.
Catch a Toronto Baseball Game
One of the best ways to spend a Victoria Day weekend afternoon in this city is catching a baseball game downtown. The home team hosts a full four-game series over the long weekend, so there's no shortage of options regardless of which day works for you:
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Friday, May 22 - 7:07 p.m. - vs. Pittsburgh (Bautista & Encarnacion HR Bobblehead giveaway)
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Saturday, May 23 - 3:07 p.m. - vs. Pittsburgh (Cricket Day at the Park)
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Sunday, May 24 - 12:15 p.m. - vs. Pittsburgh (Jr. Jays Sundays)
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Monday, May 25 - 7:07 p.m. - vs. Miami (Born Ready' Vladdy Bobblehead giveaway)
The Friday and Monday bobblehead giveaways tend to move fast - get there early if you want one. The Sunday afternoon start is a great low-key option if you want to leave the evening free for the long weekend fireworks later.
Before first pitch, start your afternoon right at Steam Whistle Brewing - one of the best pre-game spots in the city, sitting right at the foot of the CN Tower, a short walk from the ballpark.
The patio opens seven days a week and there's no better way to settle into game-day mode than with a cold pilsner in the sun. Steam Whistle tailgates are a great way to kick off the day before an afternoon of action - see the full tailgate schedule here.
Check out where to go before and after a Toronto baseball game for the full rundown on how to build the perfect game day.
Explore the Roundhouse and the Waterfront
If you're already in the downtown core, the area around Steam Whistle's home at the John Street Roundhouse is worth spending real time in. The historic Roundhouse sits at the foot of the CN Tower, steps from the waterfront trail, Harbourfront Centre, and the ferry terminal to the islands.
Stop in at the Steam Whistle Kitchen for a proper meal and a pint before you explore. The Kitchen menu and the Tap Room make for a solid long-weekend lunch or afternoon hang - cold Steam Whistle Pilsner on draught, good food, and a setting that doesn't feel like anywhere else in the city. Take a peek at the Tap Room and the Pilsner Hall if you've never been inside - the space is genuinely impressive.
Get Outside: High Park, the Beaches, and Beyond
Victoria Day weekend is when Toronto remembers it has incredible green space. A few options worth your time:
High Park
One of the best parks in the country. The cherry blossom season is wrapping up but the park is fully alive by mid-May, with trails, Grenadier Pond, the animal paddock, and plenty of flat open space for a picnic. Get there early on the weekend - it fills up fast.
The Beaches Neighbourhood
Walk the boardwalk along the eastern waterfront, grab a coffee along Queen Street East, and if the weather cooperates, the beach itself is back in business. It is one of those Toronto spots that genuinely feels like a different city.
There is a slower pace here that works perfectly for a long weekend. You can stretch the walk, sit by the water, or just people-watch for a while. It is easy to turn a quick visit into a full afternoon.
The Zoo
Open throughout the long weekend from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., with nearly 3,000 animals across more than 10 km of walking trails. Book tickets online in advance.
Plan for a lot of walking and give yourself time to actually explore rather than rushing between exhibits. It is a solid option if you want something structured that still gets you outside for most of the day.
Fort York National Historic Site
Open Saturday through Monday (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) with free general admission. Worth a stop if you want a bit of history with your long weekend.
It is a quieter, more reflective option compared to the busier parks. You can move at your own pace, take in the views of the city skyline, and break up the weekend with something a little different.
Splash Pads
Over 140 splash and spray pads open across the city on Saturday. If you have kids in tow, they are officially running for the season.
They are an easy win when the weather turns warm, especially if you are looking for something low effort. Bring towels, expect a bit of chaos, and let the kids burn off energy while you actually get a moment to relax.
Live Music and Events
The May long weekend is historically one of the stronger weekends for live music in Toronto. Check local ticket sites like Ticketmaster and Eventbrite for what's on across the city - with three evenings in play, there's usually something across every venue size and genre.
Electric Island also launches its summer concert series around this time at Hanlan's Point on the islands, blending waterfront vibes with quality lineups.
Keep an eye on the Steam Whistle events calendar as well - the Roundhouse regularly hosts events throughout the summer season.
Host Your Own May Two-Four Party
Of course, "May two-four" didn't get its nickname by accident. Sometimes the best thing to do with a long weekend is crack a case and have people over. If you're hosting a backyard BBQ or a balcony hang, Steam Whistle Pilsner is the move - clean, crisp, and cold, brewed with just four all-natural ingredients and made to be enjoyed in exactly this kind of setting.
Tall cans travel well in a cooler from the Beer Store or LCBO, and they hold up on ice better than you'd think.
Going bigger? Steam Whistle's draught keg is the kind of addition that makes a long weekend party actually memorable. There's something about pouring draught in your own backyard that just feels right. Round out the setup with:
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A tap handle to serve it properly
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A wall-mount opener for the bottles - a crowd-pleaser every time someone reaches for one
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A Steam Whistle patio umbrella to keep things comfortable if the May sun actually commits to showing up
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An insulated 6-pack cooler if you're heading to the park or the beach instead of staying home
On the apparel side, dress the part. The Sign Painter Toronto Tee is a nod to the city that feels right on a long weekend like this, and the Steam Machine Tee is a classic. Throw on the New Era Snapback and you're good to go.
For everything else - what to grill, how to set up, and how to keep things running smoothly once the crew arrives - the Steam Whistle backyard BBQ guide covers it all without overcomplicating things - and this beer chili recipe is perfect for feeding the masses.
Make the Most of It
The May 24 long weekend only comes once a year, and Toronto makes a real occasion of it. Whether you spend it on the islands, in the park, at the ballpark, or on a backyard patio with a cold Steam Whistle in hand - there's no bad way to do it.
Visit the Steam Whistle Roundhouse | Browse the Steam Whistle online shop | Check upcoming events
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is Victoria Day 2026?
Victoria Day falls on Monday, May 18, 2026. The long weekend runs from Saturday, May 16 through Monday, May 18.
Where Are the Victoria Day Fireworks in Toronto?
The City of Toronto's official fireworks display takes place at Ashbridges Bay Park on Lake Shore Boulevard East, starting at 10 p.m. on Victoria Day Monday. The show lasts approximately 14 minutes and is free to attend.
Is Toronto Island Open on Victoria Day?
Yes. The summer ferry schedule to Toronto Island Park launches on Friday, May 16, just ahead of the long weekend. Ferries run from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at Harbourfront. Book tickets online for express entry.
Is the Toronto Zoo Open on Victoria Day?
Yes, the Toronto Zoo is open on Victoria Day from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Booking ahead online is recommended.
Can I Set off Fireworks in Toronto on Victoria Day?
Yes, on private property only, before 11 p.m., and only on Victoria Day itself. Fireworks are not permitted in city parks, on beaches, on balconies, or on any property you don't own. No permit is required for Victoria Day on private property.
What's Open and Closed on Victoria Day in Toronto?
Most major attractions, parks, and restaurants are open. The Toronto Zoo, Toronto Islands, High Park, and Fort York are all operating. City community recreation centres are closed on Monday. Some grocery stores keep reduced holiday hours - check with your local store in advance.
Where Can I Watch the Toronto Baseball Game on Victoria Day Weekend?
The home team plays at the downtown ballpark Friday through Monday during the long weekend. Pre-game, Steam Whistle Brewing is one of the closest and most popular spots to grab a pint before first pitch.
Posted on April 08 2026,
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