Ontario Place, Toronto - Image 1
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Ontario Place

4.4
·5k reviews·Toronto, Canada

A vibrant lakeside park offering stunning skyline views, walking trails, and the iconic Budweiser Stage for concerts.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer evenings

Concerts and vibrant atmosphere

CrowdHigh
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Ontario Place, Toronto - Image 1

Ontario Place

Best Time

Summer evenings

Concerts and vibrant atmosphere

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant lakeside park offering stunning skyline views, walking trails, and the iconic Budweiser Stage for concerts.

4.4
(5k reviews)

"This place has changed somewhat... The Budweiser Stage at Ontario Place is a nice location with a 75% covered, yet open-air facility."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Avoid Driving

Traffic is a nightmare. Take the GO Train to Exhibition or TTC from Union. :train2:

🎟️ Concert Tickets

Book Budweiser Stage concert tickets early, they sell out fast! :ticket:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Budweiser Stage

Budweiser Stage

Ontario Place

Iconic open-air venue with great sound and waterfront views, hosting major concerts.

Trillium Park

Trillium Park

Lakeside near Ontario Place

A peaceful urban escape with scenic walking paths, picnic spots, and stunning skyline views.

Skyline Views

Skyline Views

Various points along the waterfront

Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the Toronto skyline, especially magical at night.

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Planning Your Visit

Getting There: Beat the Traffic

Driving to Ontario Place can be a hassle with heavy traffic. Consider the GO Train to Exhibition or TTC from Union for a smoother arrival. Bikeshare or rickshaw are also great options from downtown.

Event Tickets & Timing

Ontario Place is now primarily an event space, especially for concerts at Budweiser Stage. Check event schedules and book tickets in advance, as popular shows sell out quickly. Food inside venues can be pricey.

Best Times

When
Summer evenings
Why
Concerts and vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Weekdays, daytime
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful walks
Crowd
Low
When
During Doors Open Toronto
Why
Free access to hidden gems
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍Forever Canada.🇨🇦🫶🍁✈️🙏#fyp #canada #cntower #toronto #torontolife #followers #thisiscanada #thingstodointoronto #traveltoronto #canadatiktok #placestovisitintoronto #placestovisitincanada #🇨🇦❤️
@canadavibes5
100.9K likes • 1.2M views

🚗 Avoid Driving

Traffic is a nightmare. Take the GO Train to Exhibition or TTC from Union. :train2:

🎟️ Concert Tickets

Book Budweiser Stage concert tickets early, they sell out fast! :ticket:

10 FREE places to see in Toronto🤩 #thingstodo #torontotiktok #torontolife
@erhunabbasli
99K likes • 2.1M views
Ontario Place’s new look: Progress or problem? 🏙️ Share your thoughts on the latest redevelopment plans. #OntarioPlace #UrbanDevelopment #toronto
dailydevelopments
0 likes • 12.7K views

💰 Eat Beforehand

Venue food is expensive. Grab a bite before you go. :hamburger:

🚶‍♀️ Waterfront Strolls

Enjoy peaceful walks and great skyline views at Trillium Park. :park_park:

Trillium Park 🌿 | Toronto’s Lakeside Escape Tucked along the waterfront near Ontario Place, Trillium Park is the perfect little getaway without ever leaving the city. 🌇 Whether you're here for a scenic walk, a lakeside picnic, or just to catch the sunset — this spot has it all. Peaceful paths, skyline views, and nature vibes? Yes please. ✨ Save this for your next weekend plan — you’ll love it here...
iamshobhit
2K likes • 53K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Avoid Driving

Traffic is a nightmare. Take the GO Train to Exhibition or TTC from Union. :train2:

🎟️ Concert Tickets

Book Budweiser Stage concert tickets early, they sell out fast! :ticket:

💰 Eat Beforehand

Venue food is expensive. Grab a bite before you go. :hamburger:

🚶‍♀️ Waterfront Strolls

Enjoy peaceful walks and great skyline views at Trillium Park. :park_park:

🌃 Nighttime Views

The Toronto skyline is spectacular after dark. :city_sunset:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Ontario Place is now a beloved public park and event space, praised for its beautiful waterfront location, stunning skyline views, and excellent concert venue, Budweiser Stage. While some miss the old amusement park, the current focus on green space and community events is widely appreciated. The main drawbacks are the cost of food at events and the potential for traffic congestion when driving.

"I found some old pictures of the water slides on Google Images. I miss the rides and water slides that were once here. It is now a space primarily used for events, concerts, and public recreation, with a focus on green space, trails, and community gathering areas."

Val Cheung

"This place has changed somewhat since my last visits in 1976 to see Victor Borge and again to see Natalie Cole. This time we drove 6 days and almost 5,000km to see The Who’s final North American tour, ‘The Song is Over’. I’m a huge Who fan, having seen them a few times, the first of which was at Trentham Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent, October 28, 1973 and as recently as May 10, 2016 at the Saddledome in Calgary.
The Budweiser Stage at Ontario Place is a nice location with a 75% covered, yet open-air facility with ‘folk-music-chair’ seating available in the back. Good sound with two large side-screens and one even larger back-screen (although partially blocked from the upper rows by a large speaker or similar obstacle)."

Geoff Lewis

"Went to go see the offspring this week and it was the most awesome concert I have been to. The place was packed but it was clean and well maintained, close to exhibition GO which made it so much easier to get to our train home, great experience"

Nathan Brett

What People Like

Beautiful waterfront setting
Spectacular skyline views
Great concert venue

What People Dislike

Expensive venue food
Traffic congestion

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Many visitors recommend avoiding driving due to heavy traffic. The GO Train to Exhibition station is a popular choice, followed by a short walk or rickshaw ride to Ontario Place.Reddit Alternatively, the TTC from Union Station provides convenient access.Reddit Bikeshare options are also readily available from downtown.Reddit

While parking is available, it can be limited and expensive, especially during major events. It's generally advised to use public transportation or ride-sharing services.

Yes, Ontario Place is accessible via scenic walking and biking paths along the waterfront. It's a pleasant option if you're coming from nearby areas like the Harbourfront or Exhibition Place.

For concerts at Budweiser Stage, taking the GO Train to Exhibition station is highly recommended. This avoids significant traffic congestion and makes your return journey much easier.Reddit

Yes, designated drop-off and pick-up zones for ride-sharing services are available, though they can get busy during peak event times.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General access to Ontario Place grounds is often free, especially for parks like Trillium Park.TikTok However, specific attractions, events, and concerts at venues like the Budweiser Stage require separate tickets.

Concert tickets for Budweiser Stage are typically sold through official ticketing partners. It's advisable to purchase them in advance as popular shows often sell out.TikTok

Ontario Place sometimes hosts free events, particularly during initiatives like Doors Open Toronto, which offers access to historic sites and hidden gems.TikTok Keep an eye on their official schedule for updates.

The park grounds are generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, specific venue operating hours, especially for the Budweiser Stage and any temporary installations, vary by event and season.

Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the Budweiser Stage for concerts. For general park access, picnics are usually welcome in designated areas.

🎫 📍 Onsite Experience

Ontario Place has transformed into a vibrant public space focused on green areas, walking trails, and community gathering. It's known for hosting concerts at the Budweiser Stage and offers beautiful waterfront views.Instagram+1

The original amusement park attractions, including water slides, are no longer present. Ontario Place has been redeveloped into a parkland with event spaces and recreational facilities.Reddit

Absolutely! Ontario Place offers stunning photographic opportunities, especially the Toronto skyline views from Trillium Park and the waterfront.TikTokInstagram The nighttime city lights are particularly captivating.TikTok

Yes, there are numerous walking trails throughout Ontario Place and the adjacent Trillium Park, offering scenic routes along the waterfront and through green spaces.Instagram

Concertgoers often praise the sound quality at Budweiser Stage, noting it's excellent with good acoustics for an open-air venue. Large screens also enhance the viewing experience.Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, food and beverage options are available, particularly at the Budweiser Stage for concerts. However, many visitors advise eating before attending events due to higher prices inside the venue.Reddit

Concessions at Budweiser Stage typically offer standard concert fare like hot dogs, burgers, snacks, and drinks. Options can vary depending on the event.

Picnicking is a popular activity at Ontario Place, especially in areas like Trillium Park. It's a great way to enjoy the waterfront setting without the cost of venue food.

The Exhibition Place grounds and nearby Liberty Village offer a variety of dining options before or after your visit to Ontario Place.

Yes, food and drinks at the Budweiser Stage and other event areas can be quite expensive, which is why many recommend eating beforehand.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

For stunning skyline shots, head to Trillium Park Instagram or any point along the waterfront. The Bathurst Street Bridge also offers great city views.TikTok Nighttime provides a magical backdrop.TikTok

Absolutely! The western-facing waterfront location makes it an ideal spot to capture beautiful sunset views over Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline.Instagram

Landscape photography, cityscape shots, and event photography (especially concerts) are very popular. The blend of nature, urban architecture, and event energy offers diverse subjects.

Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks and near event venues for safety and privacy reasons. It's best to check with the Ontario Place administration for specific regulations.

The 'golden hour' just before sunset and the 'blue hour' shortly after sunset offer soft, beautiful light. For dramatic city lights, visit after dark.TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Ontario Place no longer features its original amusement park rides, it remains a family-friendly destination. Trillium Park offers open green spaces perfect for kids to run around and enjoy picnics.Instagram The waterfront paths are great for stroller walks, and the general atmosphere is relaxed. Keep an eye out for any family-oriented events or festivals that might be scheduled during your visit.

For concert-goers, Budweiser Stage can be an option for families with older children, but it's important to check age restrictions for specific shows. Remember that food and drinks inside the venue can be costly, so packing snacks is a good idea. The accessibility of public transport like the GO Train also makes getting there with children much easier.Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Ontario Place offers several ways to enjoy it on a budget. General access to the park grounds and Trillium Park is often free, allowing you to enjoy the waterfront, walking trails, and skyline views without spending a dime.TikTok Consider packing your own food and drinks for a picnic to save money, as venue concessions can be expensive.Reddit

Look out for free events or festivals that are sometimes hosted at Ontario Place, especially during community initiatives like Doors Open Toronto.TikTok Utilizing public transportation like the GO Train or TTC is also a cost-effective way to reach the venue compared to driving and parking.

couples

Ontario Place provides a romantic backdrop, especially during sunset or in the evening. Enjoy a leisurely stroll hand-in-hand along the waterfront paths in Trillium Park, taking in the stunning Toronto skyline views.Instagram It's an ideal spot for a picnic date with beautiful scenery. For a memorable evening, consider attending a concert at the Budweiser Stage, enjoying live music with a waterfront ambiance.Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Evolution of Ontario Place

Ontario Place has undergone significant transformations since its opening in 1971. Initially conceived as an amusement park and entertainment complex, it featured iconic attractions like the Cinesphere (an IMAX theatre) and the waterpark. These original rides are now a nostalgic memory for many visitors.Reddit The focus has shifted dramatically in recent years towards creating a more accessible, green, and community-oriented public space.

The redevelopment plans, while sometimes debated,Instagram aim to revitalize the waterfront and offer diverse recreational opportunities. This includes expanding parkland, enhancing trails, and continuing to host major cultural events and concerts at the Budweiser Stage. The goal is to make Ontario Place a year-round destination for Torontonians and visitors alike, blending natural beauty with urban vibrancy.

Today, visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere of Trillium Park, perfect for leisurely walks and picnics, while still experiencing the energy of large-scale concerts. This evolution reflects a broader trend in urban planning, prioritizing public access and green spaces over traditional amusement park models.Instagram

Concert Experience at Budweiser Stage

The Budweiser Stage at Ontario Place is a premier outdoor concert venue, renowned for its picturesque setting on the waterfront. It boasts a partially covered, open-air design that allows for a unique concert experience, with many attendees praising the atmosphere and views.Reddit The venue can accommodate a significant number of spectators, offering a mix of seating options, including those in the back that are covered.Reddit

Sound quality at Budweiser Stage is consistently rated highly by concertgoers, with large side and back screens enhancing the visual experience, though sometimes partially obstructed by stage equipment.Reddit The proximity to public transport, particularly the Exhibition GO station, makes it a convenient choice for attendees, significantly easing post-concert travel.Reddit

When planning a visit for a concert, it's crucial to book tickets well in advance, as popular acts often sell out quickly.TikTok Visitors also frequently advise eating before arriving, as food and beverage prices within the venue can be quite high.Reddit Despite these considerations, the overall experience of attending a show at Budweiser Stage is often described as awesome and memorable.Reddit

Exploring Trillium Park

Trillium Park, situated along the waterfront adjacent to Ontario Place, offers a tranquil retreat from the city bustle. This beautifully landscaped park provides a perfect setting for a leisurely day out, whether you're seeking a peaceful walk, a scenic picnic, or simply a spot to relax and enjoy the views.Instagram The park features winding paths that meander through gardens and along the lake, offering diverse perspectives of the surrounding environment.

One of the park's major draws is its unobstructed vistas of the Toronto skyline. Visitors can capture stunning photographs of the city's iconic architecture, especially during the golden hour or after dark when the city lights twinkle.TikTokInstagram The park is designed to be an inclusive space, encouraging community gathering and outdoor recreation for all ages.

Trillium Park is an excellent example of how urban spaces can be transformed into green oases. It’s a testament to the ongoing efforts to enhance Toronto's waterfront, providing residents and tourists with accessible natural beauty and breathtaking cityscapes.Instagram