Things to do in and around Toronto this summer won’t require you to travel far, and with the warm weather here only lasting a few months, there’s no better time to take advantage of everything the city has to offer.
From free events to treat yourself to a local stay, here are some things to add to your Toronto summer travel itinerary.
Spend a day on the water
One of the best ways to beat the summer heat is to spend it on the water, and Toronto is fortunate to have many bodies of water nearby that make this possible. Rent a kayak or canoe and paddle down the Rouge River, or take a stand-up paddleboard tour of the Toronto Islands. If you want something a little more lavish, you can treat yourself to a boat rental for a private tour.
Watch a movie under the stars
Take advantage of the warm summer nights in the city and catch an outdoor film screening at a variety of Toronto locations. The Toronto Outdoor Picture Show is back for this season, taking place in Fort York, Corktown Common, Bell Manor Park and Christie Pits Park.
Alternatively, head to Downsview Park for popular films in July and August with panoramic city views.
Book a city stay at a boutique hotel
There’s nothing quite like booking a stay in your own city, and Toronto has tons of great boutique hotels to choose from for the occasion. Admire the art of local artists at the new Ace Hotel near Spadina and Richmond or find a quiet retreat to recharge your batteries at the Kimpton Saint George.
go hiking
Escape to nature at one of Toronto’s parks and trails without ever leaving the city. Follow a breathtaking boardwalk through lush forests at Glen Stewart Ravine or explore Rouge National Urban Park, one of Canada’s most biodiverse parks.
Have a street party
Summer is the season of festivals in the city and there are so many to celebrate our diverse cultures and cuisines. The hugely popular Pedestrian Sundays at Kensington Market return on the last Sunday of every month, or snag some delicious Filipino bites and gifts at the Fun Philippines Festival in July.
Visit a museum
With so many museums to wander around the city, you can experience it all, from relive your childhood TV shows at the Myseum of Toronto or be mesmerized by optical illusions and mind-boggling scenes at Mississauga’s MiMuseum.
Splash around in an inflatable water park
Climb over obstacles, shoot down slides or jump into the water at one of the many inflatable water parks near town. A brand new park is opening soon at Professor’s Lake in Brampton. A little further north of the city, experience Canada’s largest park at Splash ON in Barrie.
Cool off in a public pool
Cool off in one of Toronto’s 58 outdoor public pools, now open citywide for the summer. Most are open between 12pm and 8pm for recreational swimming
Bounce on an outdoor trampoline
Get a great workout while having fun on North America’s largest outdoor trampoline, which has just opened in Stouffville. Here you can jump through the trees in a huge network of nets suspended over 6 meters in the air.
The interconnecting trampolines will also feature forest trails, vertical tunnels, slides, a spiral ramp and a two-story trampoline.
Picnic at a local park
Grab a basket and fill it with delicious treats before heading out for a picnic in one of Toronto’s many green spaces. For lunch with a view, there’s no better place than Riverdale Park East, although Trinity Bellwoods is always a popular choice for people-watching on flatter terrain.
Grab a scoop of ice cream
What’s better than an ice cream on a hot summer day in the city? With so many ice cream parlors to choose from, the hardest thing for you to decide is which flavor(s). There are some ice cream newbies in Toronto this summer offering unique combinations to add to your bucket list.
Relax in a day spa
There is no better way to rest and relax than to be pampered at a day spa. Book a Turkish steam bath treatment at the Hammam Spa in the town center or head just outside the city to Thermea Spa Village in Whitby.
Relax on a terrace
Dine al fresco with friends at a local terrace in town. Numerous new terraces opened for the summer this year, including a rooftop oasis at Soluna or a sprawling 2,000-square-meter outdoor terrace at luxury steakhouse Black+Blue.
Rage through a field of flowers
Stroll through a vibrant, fragrant field of flowers this summer and maybe even cut your own bouquet to take home at one of Ontario’s many flower farms just outside of town. Learn how to create your own arrangements at Lochland Botanicals, or picnic among lavender flowers at Avalon Lavender Farm.
Spend the day at the beach
Beach season is finally here and Toronto now has 10 official beaches open for the summer. Visit Bluffer’s Park Beach, which is both scenic and manicured with stunning cliff views, or watch kiteboarders surf past Cherry Beach.