What was Open on Good Friday 2016 in Toronto?

In 2016, Toronto, like every year, was bustling with activity as locals and tourists alike sought out open establishments for everything from retail therapy to a relaxing brunch. The following list gives a brief overview of the places and activities that were open on Good Friday 2016.

Shopping Malls

Even on public holidays, one can almost always rely on the city’s biggest shopping centres to remain open. In 2016, Toronto's famed Eatons Centre, often dubbed the heart of Toronto’s retail scene, operated from 10 am to 6 pm. Additionally, malls like the Pacific Mall and Vaughan Mills also opened their doors, providing ample opportunities for shopping.

Restaurants and Cafes

Gastronomical adventures were not halted on this holiday. Many restaurants and cafés across Toronto ran on their usual schedule, offering a respite for those wishing to dine out. Popular options in 2016 included The Drake Hotel, which offered an all-day brunch menu and Bellwoods Brewery, which offered a unique craft beer selection.

Parks and Recreational Facilities

Toronto is renowned for its green spaces, and many of these were accessible on Good Friday, including High Park, one of the city’s largest and best-loved parks. The Toronto Islands, a chain of small islands located offshore from the city centre, were also open for public exploration.

Museums and Galleries

Cultural establishments like The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) and the Ontario Science Centre welcomed guests on Good Friday. These locations allowed visitors to soak in a tremendous amount of culture, history, and scientific knowledge.

Toronto Zoo

In 2016, the Toronto Zoo was a great Good Friday destination. Open with regular hours, the zoo offered an engaging and educational experience for families seeking something fun to do with the kids.

Tourist Attractions

Global landmarks like the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, and Casa Loma were also up and running. These attractions, popular with both locals and visitors, provided a variety of experiences, from soaking up breath-taking city views atop the CN Tower to exploring the deep-sea world at the Aquarium.

Public Transit

Toronto's comprehensive transit system, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), operated on a holiday schedule, ensuring residents and visitors could navigate the city effortlessly.

Final Word

Toronto's rich urban dynamic meant that residents and visitors alike had a wide variety of activities and establishments to explore on Good Friday 2016. From shopping and dining to cultural immersion in museums and galleries, the city’s diverse offerings ensured no one was left wanting for things to do. This reflects Toronto’s character as a city – one that is always on the move, yet still inclusive and celebratory of its cultural diversity and public holidays.