Cities are not normally summer destinations, but Toronto is not a normal city. Boasting a waterfront location beside Lake Ontario, an array of green islands just waiting to be explored on foot or by bike, and an easy day trip from Niagara Falls, Toronto comes into its own in summer.
Anyone looking for a budget trip will find ample to do outdoors with walks in pretty neighbourhoods, bike rides through the parks and a host of free outdoor events as part of Toronto’s jam-packed arts programme. To keep yourself fed and watered, pack a picnic – ideally you could do with self-catering facilities which you can find at most Toronto hostels – and head to The Beach area. Here are 5 outdoor activities showing you Toronto at its best…
Toronto Islands
If you’re looking for peace, quiet and greenery, catch a ferry from the Toronto Ferry docks at 9 Queens Quay W to the Toronto Islands. Here you can pack a picnic, hire bikes or visit the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse. Centre Island is the largest and busiest with a historic tram tour, a number of marked walks, children’s splash pools and amusement park. A more peaceful option is Wards Island and it is perfect for a picnic and finding a shady spot to call your own for the afternoon. You can even bring along your own charcoal BBQ.
Cabbagetown
The best Toronto neighbourhood to explore on a sunny day is Cabbagetown. The name is a dead giveaway to the area’s roots which grew from the settling of Irish immigrants who had fled the potato famine in the 1800s. Cabbage was one of the hardy vegetables they planted in their gardens to ensure self-sufficiency. Now these houses, fine examples of Victorian architecture, are much-sought after and make for picturesque strolling. Riverdale Farmers’ Market is one of the city’s best so plan for a picnic. Alternatively, you can find some of the best Toronto bars and cafes in this neighbourhood too.
Harbourfront Centre
Toronto’s bustling arts centre spills outdoors during the summer months. The site spans 10- acres and hosts some of Canada’s leading contemporary artists as well as world-renowned performers. Dance, theatre, spoken word, literary figures, film screenings and live music; it’s all here in a bursting-at-the-seams programme of cultural events, some of which are free. They even organise canoe rides beside the boardwalk – ideal for families. Check out their website for updates.
Canada’s Wonderland
To really get the heart racing you could visit Toronto’s exciting theme park – release the inner kid for the day! You can save money and buy tickets 3 days in advance for $40 (adults and children). Its jewel in the crown is WindSeeker, a rollercoaster which reaches dizzying heights of over 91m. Really hot days call for a water theme so head to Splash Works for slides, giant waves, rubber rings and swimming pools. You can get here by public transport from Toronto using the Wonderland Express’ GO Bus which runs regularly from Yorkdale and York Mills subway stations.
Niagara Falls
Yes it’s touristy, yes it’s a 90-minute drive but oh, it is a spectacular day trip! Companies offer views of the falls from almost every angle. The ‘Maid in the Mist’ has been ferrying people to the base of the falls since 1950. ‘A Journey Behind the Falls’ enables visitors to head 150 feet down and through bedrock to the tunnels behind Niagara Falls. You could even arrive at night to see the spectacular illumination or time your trip to coincide with a fireworks display held a couple of times a week at Queen Victoria Park.
