Why is it called Simcoe Day?
Although now an almost nation-wide affair, the August Civic Holiday began in Toronto in the late 1800's when our city council thought people could use another "day of relaxation" in the summer months. But it was the city council sitting in 1968 that decided to name the Civic Holiday Simcoe Day after the very late John Graves Simcoe.
Simcoe came to what is now Ontario in 1792 as the first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada. Because of health problems he only stayed in Canada until 1796, but in the intervening years he organized the governments in both Upper Canada and Quebec, began building roads, and founded the town of York, which would eventually become the City of Toronto. Simcoe's greatest legacy though is that he supported legislation to ban future slavery. Other British territories would eventually follow suit, and Canada would become a haven for escaped slaves via the underground railroad.
Source: The Archives of Ontario, The Origins of Simcoe Day
2011 Simcoe Day Events in Toronto
Simcoe Day at Fort York
On Monday August 1st Fort York will be celebrating Simcoe Day from 10am to 5pm. The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, will be on site for a day that will include a parade, addresses celebrating the first Lieutenant Governor, historical military demonstrations, and more. The day will also include a walking tour that will explore the history of the waterfront near Fort York. Special this year, admission is free on Simcoe Day.
• Get full details on Fort York Simcoe Day Events
• Learn more about visiting Fort York
Simcoe Day at Gibson House Museum
From noon to 5pm on Monday August 1st visitors to Gibson House can enjoy children's activities and homemade ice cream while learning about life in the 19th century. On Simcoe Day, admission is Pay What You Can.
• Learn more about visiting Gibson House Museum
Simcoe Day at Spadina Museum
On all three days of the Simcoe Day weekend, Spadina Museum will offer three themed tours - Meet the Austins: A Toronto Family Between the Wars; In Full Swing: The Restoration of Spadina Museum; and It's a Kid's Life. Regular admission fees apply.
• Learn more about visiting Spadina Museum
• See the Spadina Museum Tour Schedule
Other Things To Do On Simcoe Day in Toronto
Irie Music Festival
Irie Fest runs all weekend, bringing a variety of reggae and world music performances to Queen's Park, Nathan Phillips Square and Yonge Dundas Square over the long weekend. There are also children's activities, art displays, literary events and of course food to be had - check the website for the full schedule and details for each location.
• www.IrieMusicFestival.com
Scarborough Ribfest
The Rotary Club's Scarborough Ribfest runs throughout the weekend at Thomson Memorial Park and continues on Monday. Admission and parking are free.
• Visit www.ScarboroughRibfest.com for details and directions.
Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto
Simcoe Day weekend is also the final weekend for the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto (formerly known as Caribana). The big parade is on Saturday with the festivities continuing at Ontario Place.
• Visit http://torontocaribbeancarnival.com/ for details.
• Learn more about visiting Ontario Place.
Harbourfront Centre: Island Soul Festival
Harboufront Centre's free summer festivals continue with the Island Soul Festival, which runs from Friday to Monday with music, dance, family activities, a marketplace and more.
• Visit www.harbourfrontcentre.com/summer/islandsoul for the full festival schedule
Artisans at the Distillery - Civic Holiday Weekend Art and Craft Show
From Saturday July 30th to Monday August 1st, visit the Distillery District between 11am and 6pm to browse the work of local artisans. Free admission.
• Visit Artisansatthedistillery.com for show details.
The CNE Casino
Although the Canadian National Exhibition doesn't open until August 19th, the CNE Casino opens on Monday August 1st at noon. The casino is located in the Better Living Centre at Exhibition Place.
• Visit www.theex.com/attractions-shows/casino to learn more.
Simcoe Day Closures and Schedule Changes
Toronto's Other Historic Museums
Toronto has ten historic museums in total, eight of which are generally open to the public. The sites not listed above however are all closed on Mondays.
The Toronto Public Library
One thing you can't do on Simcoe Day is sign out a book about Toronto's history. All branches of the library will be closed both on Sunday July 31st and Monday August 1st.
Banks and Government Offices
Generally banks and government offices will be closed on a civic holiday. Both the LCBO and The Beer Store open many locations, but not all. If you need to find out if a certain Toronto store is open call the LCBO infoline at 416 365-5900 (or 1-800-ONT-LCBO if you're outside Toronto) or for The Beer Store's list of holiday hours visit www.thebeerstore.ca.
The TTC and GO Transit
Both the TTC and GO Transit will be running on holiday schedules on Monday. Visit www.ttc.ca and gotransit.com to check schedules online.
