There may be less than a few cities worldwide that can provide you with the experience that Toronto offers. With its ample attractions, this metropolitan city covers it all. Having said that, Canada’s best takes it up a notch in the summertime and the summer activities Toronto can offer are second to none.

Toronto is a tourist’s utopia. From natural attractions to art galleries, from 5-star restaurants to electrifying Toronto summer festivals, you have the luxury to experience the heaven that Toronto in summer is.

Best Things to Do in Toronto This Summer

Much credit to Toronto’s tourism prowess, it might get a bit difficult to pick and choose how you’d like to spend your time. However, as Uncle Ben would say, “with great power comes great responsibility,” so we’ve picked up the responsibility to guide you in curating the best Toronto experience you can have this summer. 

There are plenty of places to visit when in Toronto, and it can get overwhelming, so for your comfort and to get the most out of Toronto, here are some of the best places you can visit:

1. Scarborough Bluffs

Extending across Lake Ontario sits the ever-beautiful Scarborough Bluffs. To truly unfold the majestic experience of the Bluffs, you might need to allocate a whole day of your trip to it. You can swim, sunbathe, and have an epic picnic while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Lake Ontario.

A handful of parks nearby, with great cafes at reach, makes it even better. A post-picnic hike might be in your cards with the great sandy beaches of the Bluffs. Being public-transport-friendly makes the Bluffs the ultimate natural attraction.

Overall, visiting the Scarborough Bluffs is one of the best summer activities Toronto can provide.

2. Botanical Gardens

One of the best things to do in Toronto this summer is visit a botanical garden. Toronto hosts an array of gorgeous botanical gardens, including the Toronto Botanical Garden and the Allan Gardens Conservatory.

You can tour the gardens and visit the stunning variety of flowers and plants. It’s also a great place to relax and enjoy your day. You can check out the gardens all year long, but they are truly majestic in the summer.

3. Toronto Islands

Just off the shores of Toronto lies a collection of 15 islands referred to as the Toronto Islands, or as some locals may call it, “the island.” This place is quite possibly on top when it comes to places to visit near Toronto in the summer. 

When in Toronto, you’re a 15-minute ferry ride away from this peaceful getaway. You can get there from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. The ferry trip itself is also a short, pleasurable part of the experience, adding more to your winding down journey.

Hiking, cycling, and having a picnic in the delightful weather of the islands can elevate your Toronto escapade.

4. Hit the Water

You cannot visit Toronto in summer and miss the water activities in Toronto. If you want to experience the sheer beauty of Lake Ontario and watch the city’s skyline from the water, you should try kayaking. 

There are guided tours where you can learn about the history of the lake while also learning how to kayak. You can also rent a kayak yourself and experience the tranquility of the water.

Another great water exploration is Paddle Boarding. The Stand Up Paddle Boarding fits right into your schedule as a freshener, offering a thrilling outdoor activity. Hitting the water is one of the quintessential summer activities Toronto has in its arsenal.

5. Rouge Park

One of the summer activities Toronto is known for is the Rouge National Urban Park. Although you can visit the park all year, to understand the real essence of it, summer is the time to do it. Rouge Park is the biggest urban park in all of North America and one of the best parks in Toronto. 

Aside from its one-of-a-kind scenery, Rouge Park is home to over 270 species, from bears to foxes to deers and many different bird species. You won’t be charged for visiting, and you can take your time exploring different hiking trails in the park.

6. Foods & Drinks

One might say food is an inseparable part of Toronto’s identity. Whether you like a quick grab-and-go meal or a 5-star Michelin restaurant, Toronto got you covered. We cannot make a list of Toronto summer activities and leave out the food and drinks experience.

Toronto food festivals satisfy the needs of any audience. You can take tours to explore local bistros or attend seasonal food festivals held in the city. 

7. Music and Concerts

There are multiple musical festivals in Toronto you could enjoy. One of the more prominent and popular ones is the Electric Island. This festival takes place in different locations throughout the summer. If you like the nightlife experience and are into electronic music, this venue is for you. Make sure to check the dates before your visit to arrange your trip.

If you’re a fan of open-air live music, you should check out the Harbourfront Centre concerts. It hosts shows throughout the summer, covering various kinds and genres of music. You can relax and enjoy the music in a friendly environment. 

But if you want to spice it up, you can visit the Toronto Caribbean Carnival. All in all, the festivities and summer activities Toronto brings to the table are on another level.

8. The CN Tower EdgeWalk

The summer activities Toronto hosts are not always of the chill and vibe type. Sometimes, you have to walk on the edge and feel the adrenaline. The CN Tower, one of  Toronto’s best landmarks , is a must for anyone trying to get the most out of the city’s skyline. 

With a height of 1136 feet, CN Tower’s observation deck provides a magnificent view of the city. Alongside the mesmerizing views, you can take the exhilarating EdgeWalk, an outdoor walkway around the edge.

9. Art Galleries and Museums

Toronto museums are among the best in the world, and the city’s artistic scene is remarkable. The Art Gallery of Ontario should be on your list if you’re an art enthusiast. You can find paintings, sculptures, and art in other mediums from local and international artists. They also hold special art exhibitions multiple times. Make sure to check out their dates before visiting.

Another entertaining venue is the Museum of Illusions. This modern and distinctive display of art can entertain you for hours. Infinity rooms, holograms, and many more family-friendly programs can be found in this museum. 

The Royal Ontario Museum needs no introduction. The city’s heart of culture and history attracts countless tourists each year. You can learn about world history, contemporary art, ancient artifacts, and many more unique exhibits. Consider visiting the museum as a part of your journey.

10. Distillery District

On the east side of downtown Toronto, you can find the historic neighborhood called the Distillery District. If you have a knack for local goods and heritage, this is the place for you. Just take a walk and enjoy the culture that is known to be the hallmark of the city’s past.

You can find home goods, kitchenware, clothes, and all other sorts of souvenirs. This might be the most authentic experience among the summer activities Toronto has in its bag.

Conclusion

With all the summer activities Toronto offers its visitors, it can be considered one of the best cities to visit in summertime. With the wide range of its attractions, from gardens to galleries to the liveliness of its festivals, there’s not much left you can ask for.

Make sure to plan ahead so that you can experience Toronto to the fullest.

FAQs

1. When Does Summer Start in Toronto?

The summer season begins in June and lasts until August. This is the best time to visit Toronto. The mild weather, the zenith of natural beauties, and the countless festivals and all the other summer activities Toronto brings to the table make it the best time to visit the city. 

2. What Are Some of The Things to Do in Toronto This Summer?

Some of the best things you can do this summer in Toronto are as follows: 

• Visiting art galleries and museums
• Visiting the CN Tower
• Kayaking in Lake Ontario
• Attending concerts and music festivals

3. What are some of Toronto’s natural attractions?

There are plenty of great natural sceneries in Toronto that you can visit in the summer. Here’s a list of a few:

• The Scarborough Bluffs
• Rouge Park
• The Botanical Gardens
• Toronto Islands

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