Ontario Place is back in action with an exciting Culinary Festival this month

Remember when nothing spelled summer like Ontario Place?

Well, those times are slowly returning.

As part of Ontario’s 150th anniversary festivities, the Culinary Ontario festival is set to take place over Victoria Day weekend from May 19 to 22.

The free admission event will offer a gourmet celebration highlighting Ontario’s diverse culinary culture, and there will be a variety of activities and entertainment for everyone.

“Ontario’s 150th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible province we live in — and what better way to celebrate than enjoying the best of Ontario’s food and drink,” said Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport in a press release. “I’m very excited to invite Ontarians and visitors alike to join the festivities at Ontario Place and explore the waterfront with friends and family.”

We are excited to announce the Culinary Ontario festival at #OntarioPlace for #Ontario150, May 19 to May 22! pic.twitter.com/1gGuBc2cR9

— Ontario Place (@OntarioPlace) May 4, 2017

The Culinary Ontario festival will take place on the West Island of Ontario Place and feature a uniquely Ontario experience with food trucks and beverage stations, art installations and live music, including:

Cedar Market: A shipping container village will feature a farmer’s market, small tasting plates and artisanal prepared foods for purchase
Local and Emerging Chefs: Featuring both well-known chefs and emerging talent, visitors will experience multi-ethnic cooking demonstrations and unique experiences and tastes
Ontario Flavours: A sampling zone for guests to experience daily tasting and pairing events from local food, wine, cider and beer vendors
Children’s Cooking Competition: Kids can participate in a fun cook-off to make their version of a favourite Canadian dish
Best of Ontario Talent: The Main Stage and Emerging Artist Stage will host a variety of performances including musical talent, DJs, dance, spoken word and performance art, including:
- Tanika Charles on Friday, May 19
- Jarvis Church on Saturday, May 20
Drone Night Show: A Canadian first, the Canadiana-inspired choreographed drone performance will light up Ontario Place on Saturday, May 20 at 11pm
Ontario Innovates: Guests will be welcomed by unique stations that highlight some of Ontario’s most innovative and family friendly technology contributions
Ontario Celebrates: The Gift Shop will be converted into an Ontario Celebrates museum that will take guests through artifacts, stories, and key moments that have occurred in Canadian history over the past 150 years
Ontario Educates: The Atom Blaster building will come alive and feature adult, youth, and kid friendly sessions that include cooking lessons, wellness education, and healthy lifestyle demonstrations

Last year, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sport revealed renderings of the new urban park and waterfront trail project for Ontario Place’s revitalization. It will be great to see Ontario Place back in the full swing of things in the summer.

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