Ontario’s first statutory holiday of the year, Family Day, is this Monday.
Here’s a list of what’s open/closed in Toronto on this provincial holiday, which is observed on the third Monday of February, as well as how transit will be affected.
What will be open?
– Some shopping centres, including the CF Toronto Eaton Centre, which will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
– Most movie theatres, pharmacies/drug stores, and Wine Rack locations
– Most attractions, including The Toronto Zoo (9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), Aga Khan Museum (10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.), Casa Loma (9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.), The Distillery Historic District (10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.), Arcadia Earth (noon to 5 p.m.), Royal Ontario Museum (10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.), Art Gallery of Ontario (10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.), Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada (9 a.m. to 9 p.m.), Hockey Hall of Fame (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), CN Tower (10 a.m. to 11 p.m.), and Kidspark at Harbourfront Centre (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)., and The Well (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
– Free drop-in swimming and/or programming at 15 of the City of Toronto’s recreation centres: Memorial Pool and Health Club, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Regent Park Community Centre and St. Lawrence Community Recreation Centre, and Rouge Valley Community Recreation Centre, all from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Trinity Community Recreation Centre and York Recreation Centre, both from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; East York Recreation Centre, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Etobicoke Olympium, Humber Community Pool, and Dennis R. Timbrell Resource Centre, all from noon to 3 p.m.; Ethennonnhawahstihnen’ Community Recreation Centre and L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre, both from 1 to 4 p.m.; and Agincourt Recreation Centre, Birchmount Recreation Centre, and Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre, all from 2 to 5 p.m.
– Several outdoor ice rinks and skating trails, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Family Day, weather permitting. Nathan Phillips Square will be open on Family Day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Skate Lending Library at Mel Lastman Square will also be open on Monday from noon to 4 p.m.
– Gord and Irene Risk Community Centre arena (noon to 3 p.m.) and Scarborough Arena Gardens, from 1 to 4 p.m., for indoor public skating
– Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre will be open, weather permitting, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
– Toronto Island Park will be open on Monday, however people should note that the ferry is operating on a reduced service due to the current ice conditions until further notice. The city is advising passengers traveling to and from Toronto Island Park that they may experience longer wait times over the Family Day weekend due to the modified service as well as increased passenger volumes.
– Dentonia Park and Scarlett Woods golf courses as well as Woodbine Park for winter disc golf play
– Allan Gardens and Centennial Park conservatories, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
– Riverdale Farm and High Park Zoo , from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free at both locations. People should note that High Park is closed to most vehicle traffic on weekends and holidays.
– Six Toronto History Museums: Colborne Lodge, and Todmorden Mills, both from noon to 3 p.m.; and Fort York National Historic Site, Montgomery’s Inn, Scarborough Museum, and Spadina Museum, all from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
-The YMCA of Greater Toronto Health & Fitness centres, operating on holidays hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What will be closed?
– All schools
– Most malls, including Yorkdale Shopping Centre, CF Fairview Mall, Scarborough Town Centre, CF Sherway Gardens, Dufferin Mall, and CF Shops at Don Mills
– Most grocery stores
– LCBO and The Beer Store locations
– Banks/financial institutions
– Most municipal, provincial, and federal government offices and services
– All Toronto Public Library branches
– The City of Toronto’s four cultural centres/galleries: Assembly Hall, Cedar Ridge Creative Centre, Clark Centre for the Arts, and Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery.
– Four of Toronto’s 10 city-run museums: Gibson House, Mackenzie House, Market Gallery, and Zion Schoolhouse
Garbage and mail collection
– Garbage collection will run as normal.
– Canada Post mail delivery will also take place on Monday as that is a federal service.
How will transit be affected?
The TTC will be operating on a holiday schedule, with most routes beginning at around 6 a.m.
GO Transit, meanwhile, will run on a Saturday schedule.
The UP Express will also be operating on a Saturday schedule on Family Day.
Fish for free in Ontario on Family Day weekend
This Family Day weekend, people across Ontario can fish for free from Feb. 14 to 16 without purchasing a licence or Outdoors Card. People should note that Conservation Fishing Licence catch-and-possession limits continue to be in effect along with restrictions in sanctuaries and other fishing regulations.
This weekend is the first of four occasions during the year when Canadian residents can fish for free in Ontario. The others include Mother’s Day (May 9 to 10) and Father’s Day (June 20 to 21) weekends, and Family Fishing Week from June 27 to July 5.