There’s nothing like summer in the city in Toronto. Looking for some inspiration for the top activities to do in the city? Check a few things off your Toronto bucket list here with this list of top 10 fun things to do in Toronto for summer.
Activities for Your Toronto Summer Bucket List
Climb the CN Tower
The CN Tower is an obvious choice for all visitors. Take the elevator up to the observatory deck and get some gorgeous photographs of the skyline. If you aren’t afraid of heights, walk across the glass floor that is strong enough to hold the weight of a herd of elephants! For families, the CN Tower also has a theater which plays 3D films on a number of discovery and science-based subjects.
For the even more daring, why not give the Edgewalk a shot? Wear the special orange jumpsuit, get clipped to the tower with a cable, and walk along the edge. Adrenaline pumping, this activity will blow your mind. The packages come complete with photographs and video footage to remember your experience.
Explore Toronto’s Distillery District
The historic Distillery District is a must for all visitors to Toronto! Located just east of downtown Toronto, visitors will fall in love with the area’s unique bars, restaurants, and boutique shops. Check out the largest collection of Victorian industrial architecture in North America and pause for a photo at the love lock sign. For dinner, drop by Cluny Bistro for French Cuisine or El Catrin for Mexican food.

Plan a picnic in Trinity Bellwoods Park
If you really want to spend a summer in Toronto surrounded by the locals, head over to Queen West and spend a warm summer day in Trinity Bellwoods Park. On a sunny day, you’ll be lucky to find a patch of grass as his park is overflowing with people. For family travellers there’s a great children’s playground on the west side of the park.
Further reading: Top things to do in Toronto with kids
Go for a drink in The Junction
The Junction is an eclectic and upbeat area of Toronto, filled with local gems and neighbourhood bars. While this neighbourhood is family-friendly during the day, you’ll want to leave the children at home for a romantic evening. Sample bespoke beers made by indie breweries and enjoy the best spots in the city for a bite to eat at places like Nodo Junction or Roux. For a drink and a memorable evening, try a get a table a the teeny tiny local favourite Hole in the Wall.

Visit the Bata Shoe Museum
Are you a shoe-holic or just enjoy seeing the “soles” of footwear history? Well, the Bata Shoe Museum is for you. See a huge collection of shoes and boots that span across centuries telling the cultural history of footwear from around the world. While this museum can be fun at any age, if you’re travelling with children consider pairing it with a visit to the Royal Ontario Museum where the exhibitions are better suited for younger visitors.
Go on a hike in High Park
High Park is a large urban park located on the west side of Toronto. Their pet and stroller friendly trails are a great way to get your steps in during your vacation wandering through the park. For families, be sure to visit the Adventure Playground and High Park Zoo which offers free admission to guests.
Hungry after your hike? Drop by the Grenadier Restaurant in High Park for great bunch and diner fare.

Take a day trip to Niagara Falls
No trip to Ontario is complete without a day trip to Niagara. Only 90 minutes from Toronto’s city centre, Niagara Falls is the newly crowned Natural Wonder of the World. Take the new Hornblower boat cruise through the Majestic falls (formerly Maid of the Mist), venture behind them, or, if daring, give the new zipline a try. There is so much to see and do in the area, including the ever-popular attractions on Clifton Hill.
Enjoy a local coffee shop
Instead of visiting a chain while in Toronto, visit one of Toronto’s locally-owned coffee shops for a space to unwind. Some of the most popular java joints in the city are Jimmy’s Coffee, Sam James Coffee Shop, Boxcar Social, Rooster Coffee, Balzac’s or Dineen Coffee Co.
Go to a festival in Toronto
If your dates for visiting Toronto in the summer are flexible, why not plan your trip around a festival in Toronto. From Toronto Pride in June to Toronto Caribbean Festival in July, there will be a festival in Toronto for everyone. If you prefer the arts, plan your trip around the Toronto Summer Music Festival, Luminato or the TD Toronto Jazz Festival.
Visit Toronto Island
Grab the ferry from the Queens Quay Terminal and visit Toronto Island. Toronto Island is a popular car-free spot to enjoy during the warmer months. Spend a day soaking up the sun on one of the beaches or plan a picnic on the grass. Toronto Island has a number of waterways weaving through it. While the island is walkable, many visitors prefer to rent a bicycle to move around the island with ease.
On Toronto Island, Centreville is a family-friendly amusement park with a number of rides and games. For the best price, you’ll want to buy your passes online before visiting; you can pre-purchase individual tickets or an unlimited pass for the day.
Explore Casa Loma
Want to see a castle in North America? Well, plan a visit to Casa Loma in the heart of the GTA. Toronto’s only castle built in 1911 through to 1914, started off as the personal residence of Sir Henry Pellatt. Enjoy monthly exhibits and tea experiences here, as well as hourly tours through the various rooms. The tours offer an interesting look into Toronto’s history preserved in time at the castle with enjoyable for all travellers.
See a Toronto sporting event
One of the best ways to enjoy summer in Toronto is by attending a Toronto Blue Jays Game. The Toronto fans are full of energy and the Blue Jays are still one of the teams where you can find affordable tickets available last minute. At the box office, ask for tickets in the upper sections which offers a great birds-eye view and lively fan atmosphere.
Other popular sports to watch in Toronto is soccer with the Toronto FC at BMO Field or the Toronto Wolfpack at Lamport Stadium.
Shop at the Toronto Eaton’s Centre
For those who love shopping, this mall is a must. Enjoy the newly renovated Toronto Eaton’s Centre featuring such shops as Uniqlo, H&M, Old Navy, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and many other big labels. Stroll down Queen Street after browsing in the boutiques and take in the unique little shops just outside the building.
Free Things to Do in Toronto in Summer
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy Toronto in the summer. There are many free things to do in Toronto that you can enjoy on a warm, sunny day. So if you’re looking for free things to do in Toronto this weekend, we’ve rounded up some fun things to try this summer.
- Go on an ‘urban hike’ at Evergreen Brick Works.
- Play baseball at Christie Pits Park.
- Wander through the decorated back streets of Toronto in Graffiti Alley.
- Soak up the sun at a beach along Lake Ontario which ranges from the man-made ultra-chic Cherry Beach, to the popular Woodbine Beach in the east end, or Sunnyside Beach in the west.
- Learn about the horticulture in Allan Gardens.
- See a film under the stars at an open-air film festival which shows classic films in the park.
- See the animals at Riverdale Farm.
- Enjoy a free concert from the Canadian Opera Company.
- Visit the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Aga Khan Museum on Wednesday evenings when admission is free to the permanent collections. The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery is often high on the list of free things to do in Toronto because admission is always free for visitors.
This is only a fraction of the incredible things to do in Toronto this summer. Every traveller is different, but this is a good start for your summer vacation planning. All that’s left to do is book a hotel room in Toronto, pack your bags and you’re ready for a warm weekend away.