What does the Victoria Day long weekend mean to you? For some in Toronto, it’s the first trip to the cottage. For others, it’s a chance to stay in the city and enjoy it at a slightly slower pace.
The upcoming long weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summertime in the GTA. It’s the perfect opportunity to step outside, explore familiar places, or discover something new, whether that’s within your neighbourhood or a short drive away.
Here are some of our favourite ways to spend the Victoria Day long weekend in and around Toronto:
Staying in the City
While many leave Toronto for the weekend, those who stay are often rewarded with a quieter, more open version of the city.
There’s a subtle shift across Toronto. Some neighbourhoods feel a little more relaxed, while others remain lively, with busy patios, bustling shops, and local events happening outdoors. It’s the kind of weekend that doesn’t require a set plan. A leisurely afternoon in a nearby park, a walk through a familiar neighbourhood, or an unplanned stop along the way can easily fill the day.
This Victoria Day long weekend, events to check out in the city include STACKT Market’s Asian Night Market (May 16), the Saturday Farmers’ Market at Evergreen Brick Works (May 16), and Electric Island at Woodbine Park (May 16-17).
Enjoying the Longstanding Tradition of Fireworks on Lake Ontario
The long weekend traditionally closes with fireworks along the lake, with Ashbridges Bay remaining one of the city’s most well-known viewing points.
As dusk settles, the waterfront draws a steady crowd, with people gathering along the beaches, boardwalks, and surrounding parks. It’s a familiar moment in the city’s calendar and a simple way to mark the start of the season.
Getting Out of the City
For many, Victoria Day is also the first opportunity to head outside the city.
Cottage country naturally draws a large share of long weekend traffic, but there are also closer options that offer a change of pace without requiring a full getaway.
Trail systems and conservation areas throughout York Region provide space to walk, cycle, or simply spend time outdoors. Along the lake, destinations like Oakville and Burlington offer waterfront paths, marinas, and quieter settings that feel distinctly removed from the downtown core.
Further out, Niagara-on-the-Lake is always a popular choice for a day trip or overnight stay, known for its vineyards, historic streets, and slower pace.
Keeping It Simple
Not every plan needs to be structured around an event or destination. The long weekend often lends itself to smaller, more spontaneous moments: picking up coffee and walking through your neighbourhood, meeting friends for an unplanned patio visit, or spending time outdoors without a set agenda.
These are the kinds of routines that begin to define the season. As spring gives way to summer, the city offers more space to move through it at your own pace. Enjoy!
What’s your favourite way to spend the Victoria Day long weekend? Connect with BAZIS on social media (Facebook, X, or Instagram) and let us know!