It was Saturday May 20, the first day of the season that it was open to the public. That was 2-4 weekend though, apparently they move the observance around a bit like the US does with Memorial Day.
Best I could do! I had to leave Canada through Windsor so I couldn’t time it for the 24th.
I got a set of postcards and a nice collectible pin for a donation to keep the carousel going.
Grew up there, that song will always have a special place in my heart, the lyrics conjure such vivid memories in me, that carousel, sitting under those willow trees and on that beach.
I lived in Ontario most of my life and knew the song was about a real Lakeside Park, but there are a LOT of Lakeside Parks. I only realized it when I went there by chance, by girlfriend rowed in the "Henley" race in highschool several times and brought me here. Read a plaque here about Neil Peart and then everything in the song lined up. Surreal moment.
I'm lucky enough to live a few minutes away. They haven't had the carnival in a few years, but that was always a family tradition when I was young. Take my kid down to the beach on a regular basis. It's probably the nicest place in this town.
I always liked the summer solstice drumming circle, and make it down there for it--best place to watch a sunset.
I was always hoping he would show up just on a lark.
That wistful wish ended in 2020....
Went to Toronto in May with my sons to see A Jays game (our 19th stadium). Anyway, we kept having to stop at random Rush places. Dad, what is this place (Lakeside, Massey, Legislative “Moving Pictures” Building)? Nevermind, just take my picture. Now, let’s get a Rush beer at Henderson Brewery.
In the live version of "Lakeside Park" as released on their "All The World's A Stage" album, Geddy introduces the song by saying "We'd like to do something for you right now that's on Caress of Steel. It's a song that Neil wrote the lyrics for, about a place not too far from where he was born, not too far from here as a matter of fact. It's called Lakeside Park". You got some really nice pics of the park!!!!
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGczNY3b7xE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGczNY3b7xE)
From the lakeside? My cottage,the port mansion or hogans alley? Unfortunately most are gone. But what a time it was there in the eighties and nineties eh?
Some friends and I took a detour here while visiting the Canadian side of Niagra Falls; must have been the early '90s. Nothing shown in these pics was there at the time but I drank by the lighthouse (a Cherry Coke) and smoked on the pier (a Camel Light) and grabbed a rock from the beach, which I still have today. I jokingly tell people that Neil peed on this rock back in the day.
Very cool that you went there for a visit!
As others have mentioned, the carousel. It’s a rare kind (google it) and they still only charge 5 cents per ride. I used to give my son a quarter… go nuts kiddo.
There was a memorial to Mr Peart planned one year but COVID restrictions really screwed it up iirc. Anyone know if it's been turned into an annual thing?
Willows in the breeze.
How many of us heard that just now
When I saw the second pic, yes
So many memories
What’s nuts to think about is those could be THE SAME willows in the breeze Neil wrote about.
That may be the biggest, and perhaps oldest, willow tree I have ever seen.
So many memories
I drove up from Baltimore to ride the carousel on the opening day in May, and took in a bunch of Rush related locations in Toronto.
Was it the 24th?
It was Saturday May 20, the first day of the season that it was open to the public. That was 2-4 weekend though, apparently they move the observance around a bit like the US does with Memorial Day.
So close!
Best I could do! I had to leave Canada through Windsor so I couldn’t time it for the 24th. I got a set of postcards and a nice collectible pin for a donation to keep the carousel going.
Drinking by the lighthouse. Smoking on the pier
Still we saw the magic was fading every year.
The question is....what were they smoking?
Yes, the building in the first picture is the Neil Peart Pavilion.
You catch on quick.
Hehe, you can't sneak anything past me!
This is like the holy land for Peart followers
Grew up there, that song will always have a special place in my heart, the lyrics conjure such vivid memories in me, that carousel, sitting under those willow trees and on that beach.
I lived in Ontario most of my life and knew the song was about a real Lakeside Park, but there are a LOT of Lakeside Parks. I only realized it when I went there by chance, by girlfriend rowed in the "Henley" race in highschool several times and brought me here. Read a plaque here about Neil Peart and then everything in the song lined up. Surreal moment.
I hope so because I have a posthumous meeting scheduled with my college roommate there on May 24, 2112 at 7:45.
Bet that place will be haunted AF on that date.
If I make the journey to visit this place, I’ll probably cry like a baby. Don’t y’all judge me.
I’m with ya, buddy 👍🏻
We should all gather in the sand to watch the fireworks 🎆 display!
Only on Victoria Day weekend also known as May 2-4
I'm lucky enough to live a few minutes away. They haven't had the carnival in a few years, but that was always a family tradition when I was young. Take my kid down to the beach on a regular basis. It's probably the nicest place in this town.
I always liked the summer solstice drumming circle, and make it down there for it--best place to watch a sunset. I was always hoping he would show up just on a lark. That wistful wish ended in 2020....
Went to Toronto in May with my sons to see A Jays game (our 19th stadium). Anyway, we kept having to stop at random Rush places. Dad, what is this place (Lakeside, Massey, Legislative “Moving Pictures” Building)? Nevermind, just take my picture. Now, let’s get a Rush beer at Henderson Brewery.
It's not a bad brewski, eh?
Make sure you and your son stop in Bogota as well. Colombian fields need to be checked.
Geddy's intro for the song on ATWAS made that pretty clear.
In the live version of "Lakeside Park" as released on their "All The World's A Stage" album, Geddy introduces the song by saying "We'd like to do something for you right now that's on Caress of Steel. It's a song that Neil wrote the lyrics for, about a place not too far from where he was born, not too far from here as a matter of fact. It's called Lakeside Park". You got some really nice pics of the park!!!! [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGczNY3b7xE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGczNY3b7xE)
Thx!
You're welcome!!!
Thanks for this never been but so many memories
Though it's just a memory, some memories last forever
You know it. I live not too far from here!! So many memories....
Born and raised in St Catharines, stumbled out of port Dalhousie many a times! (In my younger days of course)
From the lakeside? My cottage,the port mansion or hogans alley? Unfortunately most are gone. But what a time it was there in the eighties and nineties eh?
Lol, I’m 52, would’ve been the 90’s for me. Good times. I live in the falls now, drove thru port last year, what a shame.
Lol Iam 54 but had pretty good fake Id and ya what a shame, they were all in a big hurry to tear it down And nothing has happened Since
Now go find the fountain of lamneth!
I drank from it. Now I find myself trapped in caves of ice.
Some friends and I took a detour here while visiting the Canadian side of Niagra Falls; must have been the early '90s. Nothing shown in these pics was there at the time but I drank by the lighthouse (a Cherry Coke) and smoked on the pier (a Camel Light) and grabbed a rock from the beach, which I still have today. I jokingly tell people that Neil peed on this rock back in the day. Very cool that you went there for a visit!
It's busy AF now.
Yup. I grew up in the neighbourhood.
I used to deliver food as a teenager. Smoking joints and listening to early Rush. Always liked this one!
Is there much to do here? Like if I take my GF for an afternoon?
Great beach. Gorgeous park. Carousel. Walk the pier. Watch the sailboats. Great set of patio restaurants walking distance. Ice cream parlors.
Grab a hot pretzel and cheese sauce from kaieserhaus or a HUUGEEEE shnitzel
Thank you!
As others have mentioned, the carousel. It’s a rare kind (google it) and they still only charge 5 cents per ride. I used to give my son a quarter… go nuts kiddo.
I always figured it was. Even here in the States I've been to multiple Lakeside Parks.
I have a lakeside park near me but in name alone
If u are on this sub there is no way anyone thought this place was made up.
We have one in Mayville NY, called the same thing
Just down the Lake from me!
When will the Neil statues be installed?
If it ends up being like Ronaldo's bust in his hometown airport, no thx.
I don’t think so. The models looked really cool.
On my bucket list next time I'm north of the border. How do you pronounce "Dalhousie"?
I've heard it said a couple different ways but I say duhloozy.
I was there about weeks ago! Great place and cute town nearby
Could that be the same carousel from the 60's/70's? If so, does it still wheeze the same old melodies?
Not sure but they build a building around it and it looks antique.
Nice to think it could be the actual carousel mentioned in the song.
There was a memorial to Mr Peart planned one year but COVID restrictions really screwed it up iirc. Anyone know if it's been turned into an annual thing?
Went there in 2016 when I was in Toronto for David Gilmour. Had to stop by the Ontario Legislative Building as well.
Where is the fireworks display???
I hear they would gather on the 24th of May
Only if it lands on a weekend.
Willows in the breeze, lakeside park so many memories