Spend an action-packed day at Ontario Place with this summer itinerary.
Summertime fun at Ontario Place isn’t just a thing of the past. While revitalization plans are in the works to bring it 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 the whole family entertained for an entire day.
Check out the art installations
Over the years, Ontario Place has showcased a number of art installations from Winter Light Exhibitions to the In/Future immersive art exhibition. This summer, there is one installation worth checking out.
On the East Island, you’ll find 1000 FACES. This art installation created by a team of artists and led by Alejandro Figueroa, aka +AMOR, is described as a multi-sensorial kinetic experience. 1000 FACES is dedicated to Indigenous children discovered across Canada in unmarked graves and provides a space for dialogue, awareness, and reconciliation.
Location: East Island near Trillium Park
Grab lunch at the Vista Eatery
After a full morning, refuel at the Vista Eatery. This cafeteria-style eatery offers your typical concession stand options, including jumbo hotdogs, cheeseburgers, nachos and Kawartha Dairy ice cream. Order at the counter, grab a table on the patio and enjoy the views of Lake Ontario.
Location: 955 Lake Shore Blvd.
Ride around Ontario Place on a Segway
You might need a little bit of time to digest your lunch, so a great way to explore the Ontario Place grounds with minimal physical exertion is to join a Segway tour with Go Tours Canada. These tours are great for experienced riders but if you've never ridden a Segway before, fret not! It's easy and quick to learn.
The tour will start with a quick lesson on how the Segways work. They operate on a self-balancing system through sensors in the footpads. Lean forward or backwards to move in that respective direction and tilt the handlebars left or right to turn that way. Once everyone is comfortable, your guided tour of Ontario Place begins.
You'll cover a lot of ground, visiting both West and East Islands, lookout points, the Sunken Ships and Trillium Park. You'll learn about the history of Ontario place, ride over various terrain, including paved walkways and wooded areas, and stop for lots of photo opportunities.
Tours run from Friday to Sunday. Participants must be 12+ years of age and reservations are required.
Location: East Island, just east of the Vista Eatery
Play on an Inflatable Waterpark
The Lake Shore Inflatable Waterpark provides families the perfect day out on the water. Bookings run in two-hour intervals, and children as young as six-years-old can partake in the fun as long as they are accompanied by an adult 16 years or older.
Some waterpark equipment to look forward to includes slides, trampolines, obstacles and more!
Location: East of the Centre Entrance
Enjoy Live Music
Ontario Place Summer Live Music Festival runs from July 7-August 28, taking place between Thursdays and Sundays. The different artists include Cappella groups, Indigenous performers and award-winning jazz musicians. Grab a blanket or some lawn chairs and enjoy the free performances.
Location: Trillium Park
Recreational activities
In addition to the tours and rental activities, 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.
After dark activities
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.
