Toronto is in for an exciting summer weekend packed full of festivals, parades, and car showcases, but before you head out, you’ll want to be aware of some major road closures and transit shutdowns that could affect your travel plans.
The Festival of India’s Chariot Fest will be rolling into town this weekend, promising a vibrant and spiritual celebration on Saturday, July 12. The highlight of the event is a parade that kicks off at 11 a.m. at Yonge and Dundas, featuring three hand-pulled, 40-foot-tall chariots moving to the rhythm of drumming, singing, and dancing, all the way down to Queens Quay.
The parade runs from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m., so if you’re planning to drive in that area, make sure to plan ahead and take alternative routes. Temporary diversions will also be in place on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the 19 Bay/97C Yonge buses.
Also on Saturday is ImportFest 2025 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, which brings together the best in modified cars and aftermarket parts for a full day of excitement from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
To accommodate move-out operations, Front Street will see temporary road closures between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m., so if you’re planning on heading home late or heading downtown.
If you’re planning on taking transit, this weekend marks another round in the TTC’s ongoing series of subway maintenance closures. On Saturday, July 12, Line 1 between Eglinton and Finch subway stations will be completely shut down for tunnel maintenance. All in all, that’s an 8.5-kilometre stretch out of service, with shuttle buses running to cover the gap.
A second shutdown will also impact Line 1 between St. Clair West and St. Andrew subway stations for track work. This closure adds another 5.5 kilometres, bringing the weekend total to a staggering 14 kilometres of subway disruption.
Transit users are encouraged to plan ahead, use shuttle buses, or consider alternative routes to reach stations like Finch, Sheppard, Yonge, Eglinton, St. Clair West, and St. Andrew.
If you’re planning on heading to Pearson Airport this weekend, there’s also one notable closure you should be aware of. From late evening on Friday until Monday morning, there will be no UP Express service from Union Station to the travel hub to accommodate “critical track work.”
Instead, replacement GO buses will be running between the airport and Union Station, although there will be no replacement service at Bloor or Weston GO stations.
Whatever your plans are this weekend, make sure to give yourself some extra travel time.
