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Ontario Place: Toronto's Lakeside Playground

Explore Toronto's iconic waterfront destination: a revitalized park with entertainment, trails, and stunning city views. Open 365 days a year!

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Ontario Place, located on Toronto's waterfront, is a revitalized park and entertainment venue with a rich history. Originally opened in 1971 as a futuristic theme park on artificial islands, it has evolved into a modern recreational space featuring Trillium Park, the Budweiser Stage, and the iconic Cinesphere.

A brief summary to Ontario Place

Local tips

  • Check the Ontario Place website for event schedules, including free concerts and art installations in Trillium Park.
  • Take public transit, as parking is limited, especially during events at the Budweiser Stage.
  • Enjoy a walk or bike ride along the William G. Davis Trail, which offers scenic waterfront views.
  • Visit the Cinesphere for a unique cinematic experience on its massive IMAX screen.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Toronto, take the GO Train Lakeshore Line to Exhibition GO Station. From there, walk south towards the lake and follow the signs to Ontario Place, approximately a 10-15 minute walk. Alternatively, several TTC bus and streetcar routes (29, 63, 504B, 509, 511) have stops within a 10-15 minute walk of Ontario Place. A single TTC fare is $3.30.

  • Walking

    From the Harbourfront area, head west along the Martin Goodman Trail. Follow the trail along the waterfront, past Coronation Park and Inukshuk Park. Ontario Place will be on your left, with Trillium Park easily accessible from the trail. The walk is approximately 30-45 minutes, offering scenic views of Lake Ontario and the city skyline.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From downtown Toronto, a taxi or ride-share to Ontario Place will take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The drop-off area is located in Parking Lot 2, east of the main gates. A typical ride-share fare from Union Station is estimated to be $13-17. Note that accessible parking is available in Lot 2.

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Discover more about Ontario Place

Ontario Place, an iconic landmark on Toronto's waterfront, boasts a unique history and a promising future. Originally conceived as a showcase for the province of Ontario, it opened in 1971 as a futuristic theme park built upon three artificial islands. Designed by Eberhard Zeidler and landscape architect Michael Hough, Ontario Place quickly became a popular destination, drawing millions of visitors with its innovative attractions, including the Cinesphere, the world's first permanent IMAX theater, and the five interconnected pods suspended above the water. Over the years, Ontario Place evolved, adding a water park, children's play areas, and the Molson Amphitheatre (now Budweiser Stage). However, by the early 2010s, the park's main attractions closed for redevelopment. Today, Ontario Place is undergoing a major revitalization, transforming into a year-round destination with expanded green spaces, public trails, and new attractions. Trillium Park, opened in 2017, offers a naturalized landscape with stunning city views. The Budweiser Stage continues to host concerts, and the Cinesphere screens films regularly. Future plans for Ontario Place include a family-friendly waterpark and wellness destination by Therme Canada, as well as the relocation of the Ontario Science Centre to the site. With its blend of history, recreation, and entertainment, Ontario Place remains a vital part of Toronto's waterfront and a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.

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