There are plentiful things to do in Toronto in the summer. There are so many things to do to soak up the sun, relax in air conditioning or find some shade on a patio. Here are some ideas for you, your group or your family to enjoy.
Ripley’s Aquarium
Discover coral, jelly fish, stingrays, lion fish and many more sea creatures that everyone can enjoy. Ever dreamed of sleeping under the sea? Well now you can. Ripley’s Aquarium offers sleeping with the sharks. An all night experience sleeping in the main tunnel while sharks and all sea life swim over you.
CN Tower
One of Toronto’s main attractions is of course the CN Tower .Enjoy a nice meal while getting a full 360 view of Toronto, maybe test your nerves at one of the view areas. The glass floor which sits at 1,122 feet above the ground. The LookOut which is 1,136 feet above with amazing views or maybe you really want to test your adrenaline with EdgeWalk at 1,168 feet.
Hockey Hall Of Fame
The Hockey Hall of Fame is a great place for those of all ages that love the sport. With 65,000 square feet of roaming area it offers some of the best hockey artifacts out there, including the Stanley Cup. Find yourself one on one with life size aminated hockey greats such as Sidney Crosby or Carey Price.
Blue Jays Game
Lets play ball!!! Come out a catch a Toronto Blue Jays game. Watch the boys in blue and white as they play their way to a win. The Jays have had a few great seasons and I can still remember where I was when they won the world series back to back in ’92 and ’93.
Royal Ontario Museum
Still to this day whenever I visit the city The Royal Ontario Museum is on my list to Visit. You can spend days checking out the Art & Culture as well as the Natural History. Every year there are new displays or exhibits that they introduce. They have hands on experiences for the kids to keep them entertained. Overall a great learning encounter.
Toronto Jazz Festival
This 10 day event is held in June (with covid this may change). With over 200 free concerts and amazing headliners every year this is the event to be at. The Jazz festival has been blessing us with the sounds of great music since 1987.
Pride Parade
The month of June is Pride month. To end the month Toronto holds an annual Pride Parade showing the colors across the city. Looking for more information check out The Official Pride Toronto website.
RibFEST
Get your wet naps and a shirt you don’t care about and make your way to Ribfest. Normally held during Canada Day weekend Ribfest makes its way to Toronto. There are plenty of venders with everything from pulled pork to craft beer all the way to prize winning ribs. Bring the gang and get ready for some flavorful treats.
Festival of Beer
Great beer, food and music it’s the Festival of Beer. There is something for everyone, lagers to stouts, fruit beer to ales. To touch on everyone’s taste buds there is also wine, cider, spirits and mixed drinks. Enjoy a drink while listening to everything from hip hop, country and rock. Get that unforgettable moment while sipping or chugging some local, and international beer.
Caribana
No need to go to the Caribbean just head to Caribana Toronto, Toronto Caribbean Carnival. With over 1 million in attendance every year this is the festival to go to. Colorful headdresses of feathers seen as far as the eye can see. Music playing and a parade filled with life. Head down to capture the Island culture and get ready to dance!
Harbourfront Center
There is always excitement down at the Harbourfront Center. From live entertainment to Arts and Crafts to story telling for the kids.
Movie Nights
Pack some snacks, a chair or blanket and make your way down for movie night. Every Wednesday night in July and August Kew Gardens offers a movie under the stars.
St Lawrence Market
The St Lawrence Market is located at Front street and Lower Jarvis. Come here to find farm fresh foods, organic food and fresh baked goodies. You can also find cafes, boutiques and much more.
Kensington Market
Kensington Market is located at Spadina and Baldwin. Immerse yourself in Diversity, Culture, and Community. It is not only a market but a place to enjoy live entertainment, local fashion designers and specialty items from around the world.
Now this is my favorite part about Toronto. The diverse options around the city for food. Plus I love food and trying new things may not always be easy but it will be worth it.
The Good Fork
The Good Fork this is my fav place to eat. I love love love their omelets. The feta and roasted red pepper is by far the best. You can also try their Hummus Bowls.
Fran’s Restaurant and Bar
Located in the entertainment area Fran’s Restaurant and Bar is a great location for breakfast. The reviews show for themselves as a great affordable place to eat.
The Old Spaghetti Factory
Also located in the entertainment area is The Old Spaghetti Factory. If you like good pasta make sure you try the Chicken Alfredo with Mushroom & Mascarpone Cheese Ravioli.
The One Eighty
Located 2 blocks from the Royal Ontario Museum enjoy a great meal with amazing city views at The One Eighty. Enjoy some Tiramisu for dessert or a glass of wine while you take in the city lights.
The Toronto Food District
Located in Mississauga just a 25 min drive from downtown toronto, dive into some of the best ribs and they even have vegan ribs where it is BBQ season all year round. And what is summer without BBQ. The Toronto Food district is more than just ribs. Entries from donuts to international cuisine they have no boundaries.
Now this is always a tricky one for me as I never stay in the same place twice but I prefer to stay in the entertainment district as it is easy to get around with the transit system. Here are a couple places that I found to be the right price for the location. You can find deals on Expedia.ca, Hotels.com or maybe a nice Air BNB. You can even book direct with the hotel.
The Strathcona Hotel
The Royal York
The Royal York is the most well named hotel in Toronto. Located across from Union Station this 4 star hotel has some great history. Built in 1929 with now having 1600 rooms also providing a indoor pool, health club and spa services. There are 6 restaurants and a cafe.
Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown
Great Waterfront location downtown. Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown has beautiful views of the Habourfront. This hotel is sleek and modern with a rooftop pool. It has 157 rooms that give you the feeling on Zen.
Looking for an adventure outside the city. Head up to Tobermory and make a stop at Greigs Caves on the way. Great way to explore the Bruce Trail area.
