Toronto’s Weekend Holiday Schedule: Check Before You Take the Family Out

Traffic Alert: Before we provide details on the open and closed status of popular establishments in the GTA, here’s an important note for Saturday, February 14: Toronto police say motorists planning to visit the downtown area should be aware of road closures due to a protest. This rally will begin at the intersection of Yonge Street and Steeles Avenue and proceed south for 3.8 kilometers, concluding at Yonge Street and North York Boulevard, just north of Sheppard Avenue.

The police are warning of “extreme traffic” due to the expected turnout of 200,000 protesters.

“If you’re in the neighborhood, please plan accordingly, as significant traffic delays are expected,” police advised.

Now, here’s the weekend schedule, Insha’Allah.

Operating Locations This Weekend:

Olympics Events and Watch Parties:

–       CBC Olympic House: The CBC Toronto Broadcast Centre will offer free admission all weekend, with special events for kids on Saturday.

–       CF Eaton Centre: Enjoy viewing areas, a hockey zone, and indoor curling from 11 am to 7 pm. 

Other Popular Destinations:

–       Canadian International AutoShow: Open from 10:30 am to 9 pm.

–       CN Tower: Regular hours from 10 am to 11 pm.

–       Ripley’s Aquarium: Open from 9 am to 9 pm.

–       Toronto Zoo: Open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, with special programming like the Gabby’s Dollhouse event throughout the weekend.

–       Royal Ontario Museum: Open from 10 am to 5:30 pm, featuring some Lunar New Year events.

–       Art Gallery of Ontario: Open from 10:30 am to 4 pm.

–       Hockey Hall of Fame: Open from 10 am to 5 pm.

–       High Park Zoo: Open from 9 am to 5 pm.

–       Riverdale Farm: Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

Ice Rinks, Pools, and Other Activities:

–       Nathan Phillips Square: Open from 10 am to 10 pm.

–       Harbourfront Centre Skating Rink: Open Monday from 10 am to 10 pm, closed during the day on Saturday and Sunday, except for public skate times.

–       Outdoor Skating Rinks: Open from 10 am to 6 pm.

–       Indoor Rinks: Available at Gord and Irene Risk Community Centre from 12 pm to 3 pm and Scarborough Arena Gardens from 1 pm to 4 pm.

–       Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre: Open from 9 am to 9 pm.

–       Skate Lending Library: Located at Mel Lastman Square, offering free skates and helmet rentals from 10 am to 4 pm.

–       Play Mobile: Available at West Mall Rink and L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

–       Swimming Pools and Recreation Centres: Various locations will be open at different times; please check the city’s website for details: [Toronto Family Day](https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/family-day/#:~:text=Allan%20Gardens%20Conservatory,time%20at%20your%20Toronto%20Zoo)

Transit Information:

–       TTC: Holiday service will operate on its Sunday schedule, with an earlier start time of 6 am. Any routes that do not typically operate on Sundays will not run on the holiday.

–       GO Transit: Will operate on a Saturday schedule.

Services:

–       Canada Post and garbage collection will operate as usual on Family Day.

Closed Locations:

Public Services:

– Municipal and provincial government services.

– Toronto schools, universities, and colleges.

– Major banks.

– Toronto Public Library branches.

– Private mail couriers, such as UPS and FedEx.

Most grocery stores, including No Frills, Costco, and Metro, will be closed.

Shopping Malls:

– CF Fairview Mall

– CF Sherway Gardens

– CF Shops at Don Mills

– Scarborough Town Centre

– Yorkdale Shopping Centre

– Dufferin Mall

Attractions:

– St. Lawrence Market

– Museum of Contemporary Art

On behalf of Muslim Network TV and the GTA Muslims Today team, have a safe and enjoyable long weekend, and above all, take care of yourself and your family, Insha’Allah.

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