10 Best Free Things to Do in Toronto in 2024
You don’t necessarily need money to have fun, which certainly applies to “Tdot” Toronto. If you’re planning on visiting Toronto on a tight budget, with your main expenses focused on the essentials like food and lodging, then you’re in luck! There are a lot of free things to do in Toronto.
Additionally, If you’re on a limited budget, you can still find affordable accommodations for your stay. You can find great studio apartments in Toronto, which are as good as 4-star hotels, with lower prices. Enjoy your trip to Toronto on a budget.
With that said, let’s check out the best free places to visit and free things to do in Toronto.
10 Free Things to Do in Toronto
From free admission to some of the best museums and art exhibits to stunning natural and man-made sights, here are fun and exciting things to do in Toronto for free.
1. The Canadian Opera Company’s Free Concert Series
Toronto is renowned for its vibrant music scene. The good news is that you can enjoy free live performances in this city.
Performances range from musicals and concerts to ballets and operas, so there’s bound to be something for you during your visit. Since it’s completely free, attending one of the performances here is one of the best free things to do in Toronto.
However, tickets are handed out on a first-come, first-served basis; with that in mind, you’ll want to be there at least 30 minutes before each performance. For exact information, visit their site.
The Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, where the performances are held, is located at 145 Queen St W. You can easily get there by taking the 1 train to Osgoode station and a short walk from the station.
2. Free or PWYC Music Nights in Toronto Bars
On the topic of music, plenty of bars offer free or Pay What You Can (PYWC) music on weeknights. With so many up-and-coming artists moving to Toronto to kick-start their careers, many bars host performances for pretty much free. It is among the best Toronto Nightlife activities.
You never know; you might just have the privilege of enjoying a future Jeff Buckley performing live for free. The following bars are known for offering free and PWYC music, and are up there with some of the best places to visit for free in Toronto:
- The Reservoir Lounge
- The Rex Jazz and Blues Bar
- The Cameron House
- The Horseshoe Tavern
- The Painted Lady Ossington
- C’est What
3. Toronto’s Free Entry Museums
Few places in the world offer free entry to some of their best museums. However, on some days, museums in Toronto offer just that during particular hours.
Below is a list of the top museums in Toronto and the exact time and days during which admission is free:
- Royal Ontario Museum: Third Tuesday night of each month, between 5:30 and 8:30 pm.
- Art Gallery of Ontario: Every Wednesday night between 6:00 and 9:00 pm.
- Aga Khan Museum: Every Wednesday between 4:00 and 8:00 pm.
- Gardiner Museum: Every Wednesday between 4:00 and 9:00 pm.
- Bata Shoe Museum: Pay What You Can Night every Thursday between 5:00 and 8:00 pm.
- Toronto’s always free museums include but are not limited to Fort York National Historic Site, Spadina Museum, the Mackenzie House, and The Museum of Contemporary Art.
4. The Stunning Beauty of Toronto’s Parks
Toronto is a truly dazzling city with its rich scenic nature, historical sites, and masterful architecture in every corner of the city.
You can find several parks and natural attractions that are among the best places to visit in toronto for free.
Here are some of the breathtaking scenes you can see in Toronto:
Cherry Beach
Located at the shore of lake Ontario, Cherry Beach is a peaceful and relaxing place for walking and taking a break from the bustling and fast-paced city of Toronto.
Besides walking paths alongside the beach, you can enjoy biking in a calm and quiet route with a wonderful view of the lake and the beach.
High Park
A massive 400-acre park that’s also known as the central park of Toronto, full of untouched pristine nature. From cherry blossoms in spring to ponds brimming with wildlife, High Park boasts a truly serene experience and is of course part of the best free things to do in Toronto.
A full-fledged zoo with a wide variety of animals located in this gorgeous park that is definitely worth a visit, considering its free ticket price.
No matter in which district of the city you have rent a house or booked a hotel, you can easily get to this park using subway.
Polson Pier
Enjoy a genuinely jaw-dropping view of the city skyline and sunset that is a must for anyone visiting Toronto. The pier isn’t just about looks, though, as it also features a drive-in, a driving range, and one of the city’s best nightclubs, the Rebel.
5. Toronto Botanical Gardens
One of the best places to explore the natural beauty of Toronto is its botanical gardens. Spanning nearly four acres, Toronto Botanical Gardens feature themed outdoor spaces, including perennial gardens, a kitchen garden, and an extensive collection of roses.
Visitors can also explore the tranquil nature trails, learn from educational programs, and participate in various horticultural events. The entrance to this garden is free. You can also book a guided tour to learn more about each area.
Apart from this complete and large garden, Allan Gardens is another free place to see in Toronto. A 100-year-old park with a greenhouse, botanical garden, and conservatory featuring plants from every corner of the world, as well as ponds and pools filled with fish, turtles, frogs, etc.
6. Distillery Historic District
Walking through this neighborhood will feel like walking through the streets of Industrial Revolution-era London with its red-brick buildings and cobblestone pathways.
Distillery Historic District is one of the best free things to do in Toronto, which can take you back in time and let you feel the history coursing through the alleys and check out the many art galleries and theaters.
7. St. Lawrence Market
Established in 1803, St. Lawrence Market is a historic and bustling food market in the heart of Toronto, renowned for its diverse culinary offerings and vibrant atmosphere.
St.Lawrence Market is one of the best places to taste different spices. It also has several cheap restaurants where you can enjoy delicious food.
8. Toronto Harbour Lighthouse
Known as the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, Toronto Harbour Lighthouse is one of the best places to visit in toronto for free. It is located in the Tommy Thompson Park , the lighthouse is on the shore, offering a wonderful view of the city and lake Toronto.
Built in 1808, it is the oldest existing lighthouse on the Great Lakes. The old age of this area also has made some rumors about the lighthouse being haunted. That’s another reason why this place is popular among visitors.
9. Nathan Phillips Square
If you look for a vibrant public gathering space in the heart of downtown Toronto, Nathan Phillips Square will be one of the best free things to do in Toronto.
Throughout the year, the square hosts various events, from cultural festivals to outdoor concerts, and during the winter months, it’s transformed into a festive wonderland with an ice skating rink.
10. Toronto Public Library
Apart from having a large collection of books, the architecture of the building is eye-catching enough to make Toronto Public Library one of the best free places to visit in Toronto.
The library is one of the attractions of the Yorkville area, which has different attractions from museums to shopping streets. You can also find great Italian restaurants around this area.
Conclusion
Toronto might seem an expensive destination for some travelers. But the truth is that you can enjoy visiting Toronto without thinking about the budget. There are several great free things to do in Toronto, from entrance to museums to natural attractions and free events and festivals, Toronto does a lot to ensure that anyone visiting the city can enjoy a fully immersive and unforgettable experience.
FAQs
What Are Some Free Things to Do at Night in Toronto?
You may visit free and pay-what-you-can music performances in bars, take relaxing walks in Toronto’s many green spaces, and visit free museums like the Art Gallery of Ontario, Gardiner Museum, etc.
Are Buses in Toronto Free?
No, the buses and tram in Toronto are not free.
What Are Some Free Historical Sites in Toronto?
Ireland Park and Fort York are two free historical sites, with the latter offering PWYC-guided tours.
