Toronto is a vibrant Canadian city with plenty of events and activities to entertain travelers year-round. But Toronto truly comes alive in the summer months (June to September) when temperatures are hot, the waters of Lake Ontario are inviting, and the city’s many streets are lined with various pop-up shops and festival events. Travelers coming to Toronto this summer will have a memorable (and delicious) experience when they add a few of these activities to their plans.
10 Attend A Festival
One of the best reasons to visit Toronto during the summer months is the variety of festivals taking place throughout the city while the weather is warm. Travelers who are major foodies will have a blast at the Toronto Food Truck Festival, which takes place at the end of July/beginning of August each year at Woodbine Park, in the city’s East End. The Craft Beer Festival takes place in June at Ontario Place in downtown Toronto, and June is Pride Month in the city as well.
Theater lovers and performers can attend the Toronto Fringe Festival in July. In September, travelers should be on the lookout for celebrities in the Entertainment District downtown. The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is a massive event that draws notable performers from around the world to the 6ix.
9 Enjoy Pedestrian Sundays At Kensington Market
Kensington Market is a great place to visit any day of the week, but on Sundays from May to October, the street is closed to vehicles, allowing pedestrians to roam unencumbered. Kensington Market is located near Spadina Avenue and Queen Street West and is a bustling area filled with artists, unique shops, cafés, and top-tier restaurants. Some must-eat places in Kensington Market include Via Mercanti, Wanda’s Pie in the Sky, and Seven Lives for Baja-tacos. Get a taste of everything by joining a food tour.
8 Have A Beach Day On The Toronto Islands
Torontonians love heading to the Toronto Islands in the summer, so visitors should see what this attraction is all about. Take a ferry from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, 13 minutes across Lake Ontario, to the group of 15 islands. Ferries dock at Ward’s Island or Hanlan's Point. Once there, travelers can walk around the scenic pathways on the island, swim at the beaches, or visit the Centreville Amusement Park on Centre Island. Visitors who dare to bare it all can swim or sunbathe at the Clothing Optional beach on Hanlan’s Point.
7 Try Stand Up Paddleboarding
Toronto doesn’t have any waves worth surfing, so locals spend the summer months getting out on the water in other ways. One of the popular pastimes is stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). The beautiful blue waters of Lake Ontario are refreshing on a hot summer’s day, and there are plenty of locations around the city to rent paddle boards or even take a lesson. Toronto Island SUP offers lessons on Ward’s Island, while Oceah Oceah SUP teaches lessons in the West End at the beach in Budapest Park.
6 Do The CN Tower Edgewalk
Travelers who aren’t afraid of heights can get the best view possible of the city by standing atop its iconic CN Tower. The CN Tower Edgewalk invites thrill seekers to strap into a harness and walk along the edge of the tower 116 storeys up. It’s the world’s highest full-circle hands-free walk. Prices start at $195.00 per person, and tickets should be booked online in advance. The experience takes around 90 minutes, and participants will leave with epic photos of their excursion and memories to last a lifetime.
5 Go Shopping In Yorkville
Shopping in Yorkville is fun any time of the year, but it has a different energy in the summer when patios are packed, and celebrities are visiting the city. Especially during TIFF in early September, Yorkville is an upscale area frequented by celebrities for its boutique, high-end clothing shops, and incredible dining options. Spend an afternoon here people-watching and browsing the ritzy stores before wandering down a romantically lit alleyway to a high-end restaurant for supper or visiting Eataly.
4 Hit Up A Fun Patio
Canadians live for patio season, so no trip to Toronto in the summer is complete without dining on one of the many aesthetic outdoor patios. Whether it’s brunch, lunch, or a romantic dinner under some string lights, finding a patio any time of day is a good idea in the 6ix. Hemingway’s in Yorkville has a beautiful covered patio, and Grape Witches has the perfect spot to grab an afternoon drink. Bar Raval, Chadwick’s, and Leslie Jones Restaurants are some other spots with great patio setups.
3 Have A Picnic In High Park
Travelers who want to escape the busyness of the downtown core can hop on the 501 West Queen Streetcar and ride it to the West End, where they’ll disembark at High Park. High Park is the largest public park in the city and features tons of hiking trails, green space, a petting zoo, a café, playgrounds, and an abundance of squirrels. Bring a picnic blanket and some snacks for a relaxing afternoon sitting in the grass, immersed in the sounds of nature. Or, bring good walking shoes and explore the trails through the park. Travelers with dogs can bring their furry friends here for some exercise. There is also an off-leash area where the dogs can play.
2 Take Photos In Graffiti Alley
No trip to Toronto is complete without some high-quality photos for social media. Head to the iconic Graffiti Alley, which is located in the Fashion District off Queen Street West. Here, travelers will find walls covered in beautiful, quirky artwork that is sure to make their pictures pop. Strike a pose that shows off your whole outfit and take a little piece of Toronto’s art scene home with you.
1 Bike The Waterfront Trail
Toronto is set in a beautiful spot against the shores of Lake Ontario, and in the summer, the sunny skies and breeze off the water make spending time along the lakeshore extra special. Adventurous visitors can rent a bicycle and bike along the waterfront trail all the way from the West End in Humber Bay Park to downtown. The route is 22.4 km and is rated as easy with minimal elevation gain.