Thanksgiving in Toronto: Guide to activities and attractions

eAwazLifestyle

Toronto – The City of Toronto invites residents and visitors to enjoy the upcoming long weekend with fun activities and attractions. There is something for everyone to enjoy including many city cultural gems and outdoor activities.  

CaféTO curb lane patios 

Enjoy Thanksgiving meals outdoors on one of Toronto’s CaféTO patios during the final weekend of the 2024 curb lane patio season. Sidewalk patios will continue to be available year-round. A big thank you to all the restaurant owners, Business Improvement Areas, workers and patrons who have supported outdoor dining throughout the season. 

Community recreation centres 

Community recreation centres will be open for regular program hours on Saturday, October 12, and Sunday, October 13. On Monday, October 14, all City community recreation centres, indoor pools and indoor rinks will be closed. More information can be found at the City’s recreation centers webpage.

Conservatories  

Both the Centennial Park Conservatory and Allan Gardens Conservatory will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more details, visit the City’s Conservatories webpage.

Cultural centres and City-run galleries 

City-run cultural centres and galleries will be open during regular weekend hours but closed on Monday, October 14. More information including visiting hours can be found on the City’s Cultural Centres & Galleries webpage.

Food safety  

Residents are encouraged to visit Toronto Public Health’s Food Safety at Home webpage for a delicious and worry-free Thanksgiving gathering with family and friends. Review tips on safer food preparation and serving and learn how to store your food safely, even during a power outage. More information can be found on the City’s webpage.

Those planning to skip cooking at home and dine out can find the food safety records of food establishments across the city through DineSafe. This helpful tool allows Toronto diners to make informed decisions about where to eat. More information is available on the City’s DineSafe webpage

Golf at municipal courses 

Toronto’s municipal golf courses will be open daily throughout the long weekend, offering an affordable, high-quality golf experience. For more information, visit the City’s Golf webpage.

Green P Parking and Bike Share Toronto  

Planning to drive or charge an EV over Thanksgiving weekend? Check out the Green P parking website before leaving to find parking and EV charging nearby. 

Take advantage of a special Saturday rate (between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m.) at 2 Church St. (carpark 43) near St. Lawrence Market. More information is available on the Green P parking webpage (opens in new window).

Looking for a convenient and sustainable mode of transportation? Download the Bike Share Toronto app. Users can plan their trip and hop on a Bike Share Toronto classic bike or e-bike. More information is available on Bike Share Toronto’s webpage (opens in new window).

High Park Animal Display 

The High Park Animal Display will be open daily between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Visitors should note that roads in the park will be closed to vehicular traffic throughout the long weekend. Learn more on the City’s webpage

Prevent virus spread  

Each year, cases of RSV and the flu rise during the fall season. COVID-19 also increases in the fall, though it can surge at other times throughout the year as well.   

TPH reminds residents to take preventative measures against respiratory viruses as they gather indoors and in larger groups this long weekend. For the best protection, it’s important to wash hands frequently, consider wearing a well-fitted mask in crowded indoor spaces, stay home if you feel sick, cover your cough and get vaccinated for influenza and COVID-19 when available. Vaccines can be booked through your primary care provider, participating pharmacies or on the Ministry of Health’s website (opens in new window)

Riverdale Farm 

Riverdale Farm, a working farm in downtown Toronto, will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily over the weekend. Admission is free. More information is available on the City’s webpage.

St. Lawrence Market 

The South Market will be open on Friday, October 11, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, October 12, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, it will be closed on Sunday, October 13, and Monday, October 14.  

The Saturday Farmers Market will operate on Saturday, October 12, from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. This weekend is also the last chance to visit Arts at the Market vendors at the Front Street entrance on Friday and Saturday.  

The Sunday Variety Market will return on Sunday, October 20.  

For more details, visit the St. Lawrence Market website.  (opens in new window)

Toronto History Museums 

On Saturday, October 12, and Sunday, October 13, Toronto History Museums will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free activities and programs. For more details, visit the City’s Festivals & Events Calendar: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/. 

Toronto Zoo 

Celebrate the Thanksgiving weekend with a visit to Toronto Zoo to see more than 3,000 animals and explore 10 kilometers of walking trails. For more information or to book tickets, visit the Toronto Zoo website. (opens in new window)

TTC service updates 

The TTC will operate on a holiday service schedule on Monday, October 14. Plan ahead by visiting the TTC website (opens in new window)for up-to-date service information. 

Washrooms in parks 

Seasonal washrooms in parks will be open during the Thanksgiving long weekend. Residents can locate the nearest washroom by visiting the Parks & Recreation Washrooms webpage

For a full list of festivals and events happening across Toronto, visit the City’s Festivals & Events Calendar