Canada – A beautiful day at Ontario Place
Summertime fun at Ontario Place isn’t just a thing of the past. While revitalization plans are in the works to bring this iconic landmark back to its former glory, there are actually a lot of things happening at Ontario Place to warrant a full-day visit to the waterfront property.
From exploring the grounds on a Segway to playing on the water, below is a list of activities to keep you and your fam entertained day or night.
Take a self-guided tour
Download the Driftscape mobile app and take the ArtworxTO Ontario Place Tour, a roughly 40-minute smartphone-guided stroll through the 155-acre public space. The tour starts at the entrance to Trillium Park and highlights some of Ontario Place’s history and lesser known gems.
Snap pics by Disco Wall
Over the years, Ontario Place has showcased a number of art installations from new and established creators. This summer’s can’t-miss art work is Disco Wall, an illuminated acrylic prism that houses a wall of spinning disco balls.
This sculptural piece by Ottawa-based artist Nate Nettleton joyously symbolizes the spirit of celebration and renewal. Check it out near the entrance to Trillium Park, on the East Island.
Grab lunch by the lake
Fuel up for sightseeing with a Double Trouble Beach Burger washed down with a milkshake made from local-fave Kawartha Dairy ice cream.
Open Saturdays and Sundays, Trillium Park’s General Store offers summer faves like burgers, hot dogs, frozen treats and beverages to take out and enjoy in the park. (Expect cafeteria-style Vista Eatery to open later in the summer with patio seating by the lake.)
Have fun in the sun!
Want to squeeze in a workout? There are a number of public recreational areas which are free to use. Choose from basketball courts, table tennis, beach volleyball and even a skate park. Facilities are open daily and available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Catch an outdoor concert
With two concert venues onsite—Budweiser Stage and Echo Beach —Ontario Place is a must-visit for live music lovers. Catch lake breezes while you rock out to fan faves like The Cure (June 14, 2023), Shania Twain (June 23 & 24, 2023), Post Malone (July 19 & 20, 2023) and others.
Roast s’mores over a bonfire
The fun doesn’t stop once the sun goes down! In fact, one of my favourite spots to catch the sunset in Toronto is right from Trillium Park. The view of the CN Tower and skyline make for an impressive view as the sky turns various shades of orange, pink and purple. Stay after dark and enjoy the fire pits with some friends.
Nothing says summer nights like a crackling fire! Roast some marshmallows and cozy up at one of the fire pits. There are three fire pits to choose from (Trillium Park, Lakeside, and Vista Fire Pit) all of which must be booked in advance. You have to provide your own wood, but nearby Hotel X Toronto is making things easy and convenient with Firewood and S’Mores Packages.
In the Firewood Package, you’ll get a bag of wood, kindling and a BBQ lighter (a carrying buggy is also available with a deposit). The S’Mores Package includes homemade marshmallows, dark chocolate and ruby chocolate discs, graham crackers and bamboo sticks for roasting. Grab a group of your friends and have some laughs around the fire.
