James AllenWhen the sun’s out, it’s time to bring out the fun! We can finally wave goodbye to chilly winter days in The 6ix and say hello to warm sunshine!
This is the perfect time to soak up the rays and do fun outdoor activities. If you’re looking for some ideas, don’t worry because we rounded up the best things to do in Toronto in the summer!
- Go for a walk at High Park
- Vibe at Toronto Jazz Fest
- Be proud at the Toronto Pride Festival
- Unlock the past at the Royal Ontario Museum
- Move your hips at Toronto Dance Salsa
- Grab a bite at Kensington Market
- Go kayaking with Toronto Adventures
- Take your kids to Camp Robin Hood
- Watch sharks at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
- Watch a movie under the stars with Toronto Picture Show
- Splash around at Douglas Snow Aquatic Centre
- Walk on the edge of the CN Tower
- Visit the Niagara Falls
- Cool down with iHalo Krunch
- Sing your heart out at Scotiabank Arena
- Embark on a cruise with City Experiences
- Have a drink at KŌST
- Purr-ty with the cats at Meowfest
- Stop and smell the flowers at the Toronto Botanical Garden
- Explore the Distillery District
Go for a walk at High Park
– Media credit: to_images
Address: 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6R 2Z3, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 24/7
Admission: Free
After months and months of cold weather, it’s time to finally enjoy the warmth of the sun. A casual stroll at the park is a nice way to officially greet Canada’s summer season.
Go and enjoy the fresh air at High Park, where families can enjoy a picnic, play with their furry friends at the off-leash dog park, and marvel at the gorgeous nature Toronto has to offer. The best part is it’s free to visit because summer shouldn’t break the bank!
| Pro Tip: If it’s too hot out, visit the park when the sun’s going down. The temperature tends to cool down at night, which is the best time if you aren’t into sweating too much! |
Vibe at Toronto Jazz Fest
Website: https://torontojazz.com/
Event Address: Throughout downtown Toronto
Contact Details: Via website
Event Date: Annually, around the end of June and the first week of July
Canada is no stranger to festivals—it hosts various events all year round. There are so many free and ticketed events that it’s not surprising to catch one each week!
An event that’s worth seeing is Toronto’s Jazz Festival, a music fest in the lively downtown. It’s a creative, fun, and loud event that runs for ten days in June!
| Pro Tip: Create a communication plan with your friends for a fun and safe summer in Toronto. It’s a good idea to keep tabs on everyone and stay connected, and that someone you trust has your location. |
Be proud at the Toronto Pride Festival
– Media credit: pridetoronto
Website: https://www.pridetoronto.com/
Address: Unit 501, 158 Sterling Rd., Toronto, ON M6R 2B7 (office)
Contact Details:
- 416-927-7433
- [email protected]
Event Date: Annually, around June
One of the highlights of the city’s summer season is the Toronto Pride Festival, an annual event that starts around June. Here, the LGBT community comes together to celebrate their identity and right to equality.
Expect to watch parades, performances, art installments, and many more! This lively event for equality is surely on the top of the list when visiting Toronto in the summer!
| Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to wear an outfit that celebrates the pride festival. But do remember to wear something comfortable since you’ll be out in the sun all day. |
Unlock the past at the Royal Ontario Museum
– Media credit: romtoronto
Website: https://www.rom.on.ca/en
Address: 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6, Canada
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Contact Details: [email protected]
Admission: Starting at $26
Visiting a museum is a fun and educational activity for all ages. You can see famous paintings, intricate sculptures, and dinosaur fossils.
The Royal Ontario Museum at Queens Park is Canada’s largest, making it an ideal place where anyone can find a section they’ll enjoy viewing. It’s also a nice way to cool down if the sun’s getting too hot!
| Pro Tip: Ticket prices at the museum may change every day, so it’s best to book your ticket in advance to get the best rates. |
Move your hips at Toronto Dance Salsa
– Media credit: torontodancesalsa
Website: https://torontodancesalsa.ca/
Address: 5095 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M2N 6Z4, Canada
Operating Hours: Depending on the classes
Contact Details: [email protected]
Rates: Starting at $135 + HST
Summer is the perfect time to learn new hobbies and skills, including the sensual Latin dance—salsa! It’s time to move your hips and learn new dance moves for the next time you go club hopping!
One of the best places is Toronto Dance Salsa, which offers summer classes, whether you’re a beginner or not, single or a couple! They also offer after-work and weekend classes to keep you active.
| Pro Tip: Not all people who salsa dance wear dresses and polo shirts, so wear whatever you’re comfortable in. Women are not required to wear heels for classes, and most have comfy sneakers. |
Grab a bite at Kensington Market
– Media credit: kensingtonmarketbia
Website: http://www.kensington-market.ca/
Address: Kensington Market, Toronto, ON, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Sunday: hours are store-dependent (closed on Dec. 25 and Jan 1)
- Best times to visit: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Contact Details: [email protected]
Admission: Free
It’s always a good idea to visit Kensington Market, especially in the summer when there are festivities in this hip neighbourhood. You’ll find plenty to purchase here if you’re into food, drinks, home decor, and various knick-knacks.
It’s also a nice way to spend the summer supporting the local community. Hey, maybe you’ll meet Lola, the cute pup that guards 6X8 Market!
| Pro Tip: Every Sunday at 1:00 PM, from May to October, the streets are closed to vehicles, which makes it a good time to visit. There’s a bigger space at Kensington Market for everyone! |
Go kayaking with Toronto Adventures
– Media credit: torontoadventure
Website: https://www.torontoadventures.ca/
Address: Event location varies per activity
Operating Hours: May – October (depending on activity)
Contact Details: 416-536-2067
We always hear that we have 20% of the world’s freshwater, so why not make use of it? There are plenty of places to go kayaking in or around Toronto, which is the perfect way to cool off in the summer while still soaking up the sun.
Why not paddle on the Humber River with Toronto Adventures? There are activities for all levels, and you can even join a guided tour to take you to the best places to paddle.
| Pro Tip: Don’t paddle alone, and always check the weather app before going into the water. The weather is unpredictable, and strong currents are a no-no, especially if you’re a beginner. |
Take your kids to Camp Robin Hood
– Media credit: camprobinhood
Website: https://www.camprobinhood.ca/
Mailing Address: 10243 Reesor Rd, Markham, ON L6B 1A8, Canada
Event Date: July to October
Contact Details: 416-736-4443
Rates: $1,650 – $5,100
Many sports events happen around summertime in Canada. But it’s the best time for kids to try new activities by enrolling in a sports program.
Camp Robin Hood is a home-and-away program where kids can learn to socialize with new people through supervised play and skill development. It also has a program for special needs kids, offering opportunities for everyone.
| Pro Tip: Before enrolling in a sports program, visit the doctor for a check-up. It’s important that you know your child’s limits to avoid injuries and possible trips to the hospital! |
Watch sharks at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
– Media credit: ripleysaquaca
Website: https://www.ripleyaquariums.com/canada/
Address: 288 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Contact Details: 647-351-3474
Admission:
Timed Tickets
- Adult (14+) – $44
- Youth (6–13) – $29
- Child (3–5) – $12.50
- Senior(65+) – $29
A family-friendly activity is visiting a public aquarium to watch fish up close. Plus, it’s air-conditioned, which means no scorching sun!
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is one of the top places to enjoy the summer. There are so many activities since kids are out of school, including spending a night at the aquarium to sleep under the sharks!
| Pro Tip: Wear comfy shoes because a trip to the aquarium is going to take hours. No one wants to end the day with sore feet! If you’re bringing kids with you, don’t forget to pack a stroller! You don’t want to end up carrying tired kids throughout the visit. |
Watch a movie under the stars with Toronto Picture Show
– Media credit: topictureshow
Website: https://www.topictureshow.com/
Address: Various parks in Toronto
Contact Details: [email protected]
Event Date: July to August
If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable way to spend your summer evening, then you may want to try watching a movie under the stars. Just imagine this: lying on a comfy blanket, surrounded by nature, and cozying up with your loved ones.
The Toronto Outdoor Picture Show is a free summer activity in various parks across the city. So, bring your snacks and enjoy the show!
| Pro Tip: Bring your own blankets, foldable chairs, snacks, and water. Since the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show is a free activity, there won’t be any available to purchase at the park. |
Splash around at Douglas Snow Aquatic Centre
– Media credit: acapulcopools
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/
Address: Mel Lastman Square Rink, 5100 Yonge St, North York, ON M2N 5V7, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 7:15 AM – 10:30 PM
- Friday: 7:15 AM – 10 PM
- Saturday: 8:40 AM – 8 PMPM
- Sunday: 7:15 AM – 4 PMPM
Contact Details: 416-395-7585
Rates: Depending on the swimming program
One way to cool down under the summer sun is by swimming. Good thing Toronto has many indoor and outdoor pools available to the public.
A public swimming pool that has a huge water slide that kids will surely enjoy is the Douglas Snow Aquatic Centre. The pool is Olympic-sized, and there’s a therapeutic one for a relaxing time in the water.
| Pro Tip: For accessibility features, it’s best to contact the facility to check if they can meet your needs. |
Walk on the edge of the CN Tower
– Media credit: cntower
Website: https://www.cntower.ca/
Address: 290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9, Canada
Operating Hours: May to October
Contact Details: 416-601-3833
Admission: $119 – $225
Adrenaline junkies will enjoy the thrill of walking on the edge of the CN Tower. You’ll be harnessed 116 floors high, and you’ll feel on top of the world looking down at high-storey buildings in Toronto—it’s like a scene straight out of Mission Impossible!
Summer is the best time to go on CN Tower’s EdgeWalk because the skies are clear. It’s no fun with all the fog during chilly mornings!
| Pro Tip: Avoid wearing sandals. It’s best to wear comfortable clothes and sneakers. |
Visit the Niagara Falls
– Media credit: niagarafallstourismcanada
Website: https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/
Address: 6650 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON, Canada
Operating Hours: Year-round, Monday – Sunday: 24/7
Contact Details: 1-800-563-2557
Admission: Free, except attractions and activities
Every Toronto visitor needs to check out Niagara Falls. Not to sound biased, but the Canadian side definitely has the most incredible views!
This is a summer activity that kids and adults will enjoy—I mean, what’s not to love about gigantic waterfalls? To get the best views of the falls, try the SkyWheel and the boat rides, so you can actually be in Niagara.
| Pro Tip: It’s ideal to bring extra clothing because a visit to Niagara Falls will get you sprayed with water! Also, don’t wear your expensive shoes because they will get wet, even with a poncho since they won’t cover your knees and feet. |
Cool down with iHalo Krunch
– Media credit: ihalokrunch
Website: https://www.ihalokrunch.com/
Address: Full list of locations
Operating Hours: Location dependent, may close for the winter season
Contact Details: Via the website
No summer is complete without at least getting a scoop of ice cream. Canada’s summer can get hot and humid, and heat waves seem to worsen each year, so ice cream it is!
One of the popular spots downtown is iHalo Krunch, which serves unique Asian-inspired flavours that will help you beat the summer heat. There’s matcha, purple yam, and coconut with activated charcoal—yum!
| Pro Tip: If you don’t want your ice cream to melt while eating, why not try getting an ice cream milkshake? It will still give you a refreshing sensation, but this time, you don’t have to finish it in seconds! |
Sing your heart out at Scotiabank Arena
– Media credit: scotiabankarena
Website: https://www.scotiabankarena.com/
Address: 40 Bay St, Toronto, ON M5J 2X2, Canada
Contact Details: 416-815-5982
Live events are always present in Toronto, especially in Scotiabank Arena. It’s huge at 665,000 sq ft, with a seating capacity of 19,800!
It has hosted famous musicians, including The Trilogy Tour of Pitbull, Enrique Iglesias, and Ricky Martin—which felt like a giant club! If your favourite artist is holding a concert here, tickets are available on Ticketmaster.
| Pro Tip: When going to a concert, remember to bring the essentials: your ticket, a fully charged phone, and a power bank. Check if the venue allows concertgoers to bring water and light snacks. If they do allow water, you can bring your own to avoid lining up to purchase bottled water. |
Embark on a cruise with City Experiences
– Media credit: cityexperiences
Website: https://www.cityexperiences.com/
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM (CST)
Contact Details: US Contact Centre – 800-459-8105
If you’re in the mood to spend some money, you can go on a cruise in Toronto with City Experiences. There are day and overnight cruises that give you a quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
You can even go on a short dinner cruise and enjoy course meals for a romantic night out. It’s a two-in-one date, a cruise and a delicious dinner!
| Pro Tip: This isn’t the time to be late. If you aren’t on time, you won’t be allowed to go on board, and that’s not a good way to spend your Toronto summer. |
Have a drink at KŌST
– Media credit: kosttoronto
Website: https://kosttoronto.com/
Address: 80 Blue Jays Way 44th Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 2G3, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 7:30 AM – 12:00 AM
Contact Details: 437-800-5938
Sip a beer at one of Toronto’s rooftop bars while overlooking this gorgeous city. It’s an enjoyable way to soak up the sun without doing activities that will drench you in sweat.
Toronto is sprawling with restaurants with rooftops, serving various cuisines and drinks from local and international breweries, including KŌST. The tres leches cake is a particular favourite here!
Just imagine yourself having an engaging conversation with a cold beer in hand and a nice view—ahh, what a life!
| Pro Tip: Go before the sun sets. The views plus the orange hues in the sky make a beautiful photo! |
Purr-ty with the cats at Meowfest
– Media credit: meowfestival
Website: https://www.meowfest.com/
Event Date: Around July
Contact Details: 1-866-308-6369
Admission:
General Admission (subject to change)
- Ages 13+: $27 + taxes and fees
- Ages 7-12: $10 + taxes and fees
When we say Toronto is full of festivals year-round, it means there’s an annual cat festival! It’s a way to give back, too, because the cat festival Meowfest supports animal organizations.
Cat lovers unite at this fun event as they gather to meet feline celebrities, support small businesses, eat delicious food, and meet fellow cat lovers from all over the country. There’s even speed dating for cat parents!
| Pro Tip: Don’t bring your cat to Meowfest unless it’s a certified emotional support or service animal. But you can see other cats that are available for adoption here. |
Stop and smell the flowers at the Toronto Botanical Garden
– Media credit: tbg_canada
Website: https://torontobotanicalgarden.ca/
Address: 777 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M3C 1P2, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 24/7 (may change in the winter)
Contact Details: 416-397-1341
Admission: Free
Stroll through the Toronto Botanical Garden and admire the beautiful summer flowers. To find the most gorgeous blossoms, you can take a stroll at the themed gardens that will take you to see different types of flowers—there are educational activities, too!
| Pro Tip: The best time to visit is around mid-July because many flowers bloom around this time until fall. If you’re planning a special event, say, a wedding, you can check out gardens in Toronto that are available for rent. It will make the most beautiful backdrop when you say, “I do.” |
Explore the Distillery District
– Media credit: distilleryto
Website: https://www.thedistillerydistrict.com/
Address: 55 Mill Street, Toronto, ON, Canada M5A 3C4
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Statutory Holidays: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Contact Details: 416-364-1177
Admission: Free
Everyone who lives and visits Toronto must check out the historic Distillery District. This quaint space in the city is full of local shops with unique offerings, art galleries showcasing local artists, and bars serving delicious pints.
If you’re looking for a photo op, the red brick facade is a good spot because the architecture is stunning. A nice afternoon walk in the summer is also ideal here because some shops open a little after lunchtime.
| Pro Tip: Don’t wear flats or heels and opt for comfortable shoes because of the cobblestone streets. You don’t want your summer to end with foot pain! |
