Ontario Place
955 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Toronto, ON, ON M6K 3B9
Originally the site of an iconic theme park that closed in 2012, Toronto’s Ontario Place has since been transformed into 155 acres of public parks and paths that offer views of Lake Ontario, downtown Toronto, and Billy Bishop Island. The park’s two man-made islands are also home to Budweiser Stage and outdoor entertainment venues.
The Basics
Like most of Toronto’s public parks, Ontario Place is best explored at a leisurely pace. On the East Island, Trillium Park offers a walking and bike path; grassy areas for lounging or picnics; an entertainment pavilion with views of the CN Tower; Vista Eatery, a restaurant with a patio and healthy food options; and Budweiser Stage, Toronto’s most popular outdoor concert venue.
Walking and bike paths continue on to the West Island, which is home to the Cinesphere, the world’s first permanent IMAX movie theater; a small beach and adjacent snack stand; a lookout point with views of Lake Ontario; and remnants of the island’s now-closed theme park.
Things to Know Before You Go
Ontario Place is a must for joggers, cyclists, and families with children.
Trillium Park offers unobstructed views of the CN Tower and the Toronto skyline.
Bathrooms are located at the easternmost entrance of Trillium Park and at Vista Eatery, as well as in the Marina Office adjacent to the Cinesphere.
There are three entrances to Ontario Place: the east entrance on Ontario Place Boulevard, the main entrance across from New Brunswick Way, and the west entrance across from Ontario Drive.
How to Get There
Located southwest of downtown, Ontario Place is easily accessible via Toronto’s comprehensive public transit system. Take bus 121 to the entrance, or take the GO train, streetcar 501, or bus 29 to Exhibition Place, an 8-minute walk from Ontario Place. Alternatively, a dock for Toronto’s bike-share program is located on Remembrance Drive just east of Inukshuk Park.
When to Get There
During warm-weather months, from April to October, Ontario Place buzzes with walkers, runners, cyclists, and picnickers. For a quieter experience, explore on a weekday morning.
Visit Ontario Place for the best views of the annual Labor Day weekend air show, a showcase of North America’s best aerial-acrobatic jet teams. The outdoor Budweiser Stage holds concerts from May through September.
Where to Find the Best Views of Lake Ontario
For the best views, enter Ontario Place through the east entrance and walk through Trillium Park. To your left, take in unobstructed views of downtown Toronto and the CN Tower. From the foot and bike path, visitors can also watch planes land at Billy Bishop Airport. A lookout point on the west island offers sweeping views of Lake Ontario and the Etobicoke cityscape.
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