Summer is the perfect season to discover Toronto, Canada’s largest city. It is a melting pot where diverse cultures and ethnicities come together, so the city is always high-spirited and energetic. The city becomes much more alive and vibrant as the weather becomes warmer because schools are off and many tourists visit for vacations. Toronto has endless fantastic indoor and outdoor activities catering to all age groups and interests. So, Toronto is the top destination to visit, and enjoy your summer to the fullest.
During the warmer months, Toronto experiences a novel wave of joy and vibrancy. There are many food and family festivals, sporting competitions, concerts, music shows, outdoor dining opportunities, picnics, waterfront activities, and much more happening in the city.
Are you wondering how and where to enjoy summer in Toronto? We have got your back! In this article, we have put together a list of 16 must-do activities to enjoy during the summer in Toronto. Read till the end to learn about all the options.
1. Visit Toronto Islands:
Toronto Islands is the best place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in a tranquil atmosphere. The Toronto Islands consist of 15 linked small islands, and you can take a 15-minute ferry ride from the mainland to them, which is scenic and adventurous. You can also take a taxi there. There are many interesting things to do on the islands:
- Plan a picnic at the beach.
- Enjoy a bike ride.
- Explore the nearby district.
- Just relax at the serene beaches.
In addition to this, you can also enjoy water activities such as waterboarding, kayaking, or canoeing. When you are in the city, stopping by the Toronto islands is a must.
Location: Toronto Islands
Website: Visit here
2. Plan a Picnic in a Public Park:
Picnics are a fantastic way to relax and freshen your mind. People love going on picnics as it allows them to reconnect with nature and their loved ones. Enjoying a relaxing picnic in a public park is a must-do when you are in Toronto during the summertime. There are many designated picnic spots in the public parks all around the city. So, pack your picnic essentials, such as homemade sandwiches, fresh fruits, juice, bread, etc., and set the date and time for the summer picnic. Here is a list of public parks in Toronto that you can enjoy a picnic in:
High Park is a fantastic place to spend a rejuvenating summer day. Besides its eye-catching scenic beauty, the park also offers recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, and hiking. There is an endless list of things to do in High Park.
Location: 1873 Bloor St W Toronto, ON M6R 2Z3
Contact: parks@toronto.ca
Website: Visit here for more information on High Park, Toronto.
Trinity Bellwoods Park is another great park in Toronto. You can play multiple sports there, such as tennis, baseball, and soccer, or you can lounge on lush, velvety grass and soak in the sun.
Location: Trinity Bellwoods Park, Toronto, Ontario
Contact: 416-392-2489 311@toronto.ca
Website: Visit here for more information
3. Visit Scarborough Bluffs:
The Scarborough Bluffs is a hot spot among the locals during the summer months. It is a stretch of coastline offering scenic views of Lake Ontario. You can hike along the trails, admire the bluffs, take a swim in the lake, or enjoy a picnic there. Moreover, you can enjoy BBQ while watching the sunset on the sandy beaches of the Bluffs. It is located a bit outside the city, but the spectacular natural beauty there is worth everything. You can go there via public transport.
Location: Scarborough, ON M1M 3W3, Canada
Contact: 311@toronto.ca
Website: Visit here for more information
4. Visit the CN Tower:
Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, the CN Tower is one of the major tourist attractions in Toronto. It is 553 meters high and offers unparalleled views of the city and beyond during both day and night time. The observation decks, such as SkyPod, provide spectacular views featuring Lake Ontario and the city. If you want a sudden adrenaline rush, consider doing the EdgeWalk along the circumference of the CN Tower. If not, you can enjoy dinner in the 360-revolving restaurant while enjoying panoramic views of the city. Therefore, it is a must-visit destination when you visit Toronto, as the tower is Toronto’s most iconic landmark.
Location: CN Tower
Contact: +14168686937
Website: Click here
5. Enjoy A Summer Food Festival:
Torontonians love good food and music! Therefore, the summer season is jam-packed with summer food and family festivals. Such festivals offer a wide variety of foods featuring different cuisines, fun games, live music, competitions, displays of different cultures and traditions, and so much more. They are the perfect activity for a weekend getaway with family or friends.
6. Visit ST. Lawrence Market:
The St. Lawrence market is one of the most historic and beloved markets in the entire Downtown Toronto, and it was founded in 1803. The market always presents a bustling scene as it offers something to satisfy everyone’s taste. Every Saturday morning, there is a farmer’s market featuring many vendors selling a variety of goods, such as fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables, meats, flowers, dairy products, breads, and so much more. It is situated in the heart of the city and has many incredible must-see cafes and eateries for refreshment. Visit the St. Lawrence market this summer and purchase high-quality goods for yourself and your family.
Location: St. Lawrence Market
Contact: +14163927219
Website: Click here
7. Visit Nathan Phillips Square:
Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, Ontario, Nathan Philips Square is a bustling and active urban space. All year around, many cultural and musical festivals, music concerts, and community gatherings take place at Nathans Phillips Square, creating a vibrant scene. Furthermore, the square also features the Toronto City Hall, Nathan Phillips Square Peace Garden, the Toronto Sign, and a
Reflecting Pool. Visit the square when you are in the city during the summer to experience the liveliness of Toronto.
Location: Nathan Phillips Square
Contact: +14163922489
Website: Click here
8. Visit Lake Ontario:
Lake Ontario, one of the five greatest lakes in North America, is a well-known recreational spot among locals and tourists alike. Its waterfronts offer incredible views of the lake and also feature parks, beaches, marinas, and panoramic viewpoints. Therefore, if you want to enjoy the fresh air while admiring the views of the city’s skyline and waterfront, visit Lake Ontario. Here is a list of things you can do at the Lake Ontario:
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Riding a bicycle
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Sailing
Location: Lake Ontario
9. Visit the Toronto Zoo:
The Toronto Zoo is Canada’s largest zoo and a famous tourist attraction as it houses over 5,000 animals and 500 distinct species. The zoo also offers facilities such as designated picnic areas, gift shops, eateries, and much more. The Toronto Zoo features plenty of exhibits, including the Tundra Trek, the Indo-Malaya, and the Canadian Domains, displaying global wildlife habitats. If you want to entertain your kids while giving them an educational tour, it is the best summer activity to visit the Toronto Zoo.
Location: Toronto Zoo
Contact: +14163925900
Website: Click here
10. Ripley’s Aquarium:
Ripley’s Aquarium is one of Toronto’s most renowned tourist destinations. It is located in downtown Toronto near the base of the infamous CN Tower. The aquarium offers a one-of-a-kind and thrilling underwater adventure as it displays over 20,000 aquatic animals from around the globe. The aquarium has an extensive jellyfish collection, stingray touch pools, live dive shows, and 65+-year-old lobsters. Therefore, it is a perfect summer activity whether you are deciding on a date night plan or want to take the kids on an educational trip.
Location: Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Contact: +16473513474
Website: Visit here
11. Attend a concert at the Budweiser Stage:
Toronto is a vibrant and high-spirited city and the people here love music like no one else. Therefore, every summer, hundreds of music shows and concerts happen across the city. One of the most popular venue for such concerts is the Budweiser Stage, situated on the grounds of Ontario Place. So, when you visiting Toronto be sure to check the schedule for the stage as your favorite artist maybe performing at the Budweiser Stage.
Location: Budweiser Stage
Contact: +14162605600
Website: Visit here
12. Visit Different Neighborhood:
Toronto boasts various vibrant and artistic neighborhoods, offering unique experiences to visitors. Here is a list of areas that you must explore this summer season:
The Queen West district is best-known for its vibrant night-life. Besides, there are plenty of top-rated boutiques, hip bars, art galleries, trendy shops, and versatile restaurants. So, visit the district to enjoy the neighborhood’s vibrant energy.
The Kensington Market is one of city’s best-known markets and showcases cultural diversity of the neighborhood. On the last Sunday of each month, the market becomes a pedestrian-zone only. So, do not miss out on the chance to enjoy soul-touching food and music while shopping from small vendors. The vibes are immaculate at the Kensington Market!
Located in the east of Downtown Toronto, the Distillery District is a historic neighborhood. It is a must-go shopping area where you can find anything and everything. The district also houses multiple art galleries, eateries, cafes, and restaurants. It is a perfect one-stop place when you want to spend a laid-back day.
13. Visit Niagara Falls:
When you are in Toronto, planning a day trip to Niagara Falls is mandatory as it is one of the most visited and well-known tourist attractions in Toronto. It is the best summer activity especially if you are in Toronto for the first time. Niagara Falls, one of the world’s biggest waterfalls, presents a magnificent view of the cascading water. Besides watching the spectacular views, there is so much more to do when in the region such as taking a winery tour, hiking in the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve, taking a boat tour, and biking the Niagara Parkway. It is only 1.5-hour drive from Downtown Toronto, so you must not miss the opportunity when you are in the city.
Location: Niagara Falls
Website: Visit here
14. Visit the Art Gallery of Ontario:
If you are an art lover, a visit to the Art Gallery of Ontario (AOG) is a must. It is one of the most magnificent and well-renowned museums in North America, featuring artworks and displays from both local and international artists. The art gallery is home to a collection of over 90 000 art pieces. The building of AGO itself is a manifestation of art as it showcases a fusion of modern and traditional architecture. There are several special exhibitions that take place throughout the year. So, if you love to admire painting, sculptures, and modern and contemporary art, then plan a trip to the Art Gallery of Ontario.
Location: Art Gallery of Ontario
Contact: +14169796648
Website: Click here
15. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM):
If you are interested in world history and enjoy looking at the artifacts from past civilizations, then the Royal Ontario Museum is the ideal place to visit this summertime. The museum houses an extensive collection of six million artifacts the, most popular of which are dinosaur skeletons. Furthermore, there are interactive displays that elevate the experience. Therefore, if your children are interested in science and animals, then a visit to the Royal Ontario Museum is an ideal summer activity.
Location: Royal Ontario Museum
Contact: +14165868000
Website: Click here
16. Visit Casa Loma:
Casa Loma, a historic castle located in Toronto, Ontario, gives an insight into the glamorous early 20th-century lifestyle. Built from 1911 to 1914, the Casa Loma was a private residence of Sir Henry Pellatt, a wealthy businessman. Now, the spectacular castle-esque building is open to public tours as it boasts an 800-foot secret tunnel, decorated suites, expansive halls, stables, and wonderful five-acre gardens that offer spectacular views of Toronto and the nearby ravine. Moreover, guided tours are available that explain the historic architecture and the life of Sir Henry Pellatt in the residence. The castle hosts various events and celebrations throughout the year, so make sure to check before visiting the Casa Loma this summer.
Location: Casa Loma
Contact: +14169231171
Website: Visit here
Conclusion:
So, there is the answer to the question of how and where to enjoy summer in Toronto!
From the above discussion, the summer season is the prime time to enjoy Toronto to the fullest because the city has a lot to offer. The city is vibrant and energetic during the warmer months because there is a myriad of activities that captivate the interest of all people, irrespective of their age and preferences. We have shortlisted the most fun and exciting activities that will make your summer worth remembering. So, make sure to visit the above-given places and experience a fun-packed summer season.
