What to do in Toronto to Have a Great Time
Ever wonder about what to do in Toronto, to really enjoy yourself and have a great time? Then you’re in luck, my friend. Here, we examine Canada’s largest city and provide insight into why you ought to give this part of Canada a chance, in the exciting city of Toronto! After you read this article, you just might find yourself changing your vacation plans and scheduling a visit to Toronto, which is about 2.5 time larger than Vancouver!
I have taken the liberty to summarize the many online articles about the events, festivals, news, and weather statistics in Toronto. As the result, we now have this short guide that makes sure you can hop on the plane worry-free, knowing exactly what the weather will be, which spots you’re going to, which events you want to experience or be a part of, and what great deals you can tuck away into your luggage to bring home.
Now, let’s go on and browse your many options!
1. The Best Time to Visit Toronto
I’m sure you, or basically any sane person, first do a background check on the climate and weather of the place you would be visiting to see if it’s to your liking. Well, look no further as Toronto can tickle any of your fancies, whether it’s to escape to a winter wonderland, to bathe in the sun, or to feel the light, airy breeze indicating the end of winter and start of summer. Although, it’s better that you pack up your sweaters and visit Toronto in the winter months because the prices won’t be so high in comparison to the summer months where Toronto is crawling with tourists. Trust me, you’d rather take a vacation knowing you didn’t spend as much as an average tourist throws away. However, if you’re one to enjoy a summer vacation, then go book that plane ticket to Toronto anyway as you can check ‘The Cheapskate’s Guide to Free Stuff’ and still save money!
Summer – ‘Calling Out the Amateur Tourists’
If you’re looking to enjoy the company of other fellow-tourists and if you don’t aim to stand out of the crowd, mark your calendar from June to August. Summer is the time where out-of-towners increase, but so does the hotel, food and, basically, everything else. A gentle yet crucial reminder though: Bring a jacket. Even if it’s summer, it does not mean that the nights are just as warm.
Autumn – The Best of Both Worlds
Visiting Toronto in the autumn is like visiting a post-summer tourist spot. It’s even almost like arriving late to a party. May not be for everyone, but a few do enjoy it. You would get the perks of still being able to bllend in with the crowd and the perks of paying rational prices for amenities and commodities. It’s sort of like the midway for those who want to the benefits of a summer vacation, but only at a fair price tag.
Winter – The Cheapskate’s Choice
Do you want to go on a vacation but under a tight and low budget? Well, grab your body-warming clothes and get yourself over to Toronto in the winter months! It may not be as festive in the months of November to March as it is in the summer, but it does not mean it’s a ghost town down there. Taking a vacation under a strict budget does come with the trade off of combatting the fierce cold, but the warm and light feeling of saving money will get you through it.
Spring – The Introvert’s Choice
Ah, spring. The time where the cold and warm air compromise, the city untouched by the many tourists, and the bustling streets of Toronto has yet to be swamped. Perfect timing for a person who like the peace and quiet, don’t you think? For all you who want to see Toronto at its natural state, spring right up of your chair as visit at spring. You better hurry though, spring time only covers the months April and May.
2. The Sights to See & Places to Be
If you are planning to go or you are already at Toronto, here’s the absolutely must-do bucket list that you need to see and conquer:
Toronto Island Park
Imagine going to an island that is a park. Don’t lie by telling me that you aren’t even the slightest intrigued. At this special park, you just have to sit down and enjoy the view from the ferry as cruise on by the sights…in the park…that is chopped up into islands. However, you’re not going to sit down and enjoy the view all day. The ferry is a mere transportation to the park, garden, farm, maze, camp and restaurants on the 15 islands of the park. But of course, if you don’t want to stay cooped up in a ferry with a bunch of random people, you can always choose to rent your very own boat, tram and picnic area on the island. This would be a great place for family vacations and family gatherings. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic once again strikes a vacation hotspot.
You still need to double check their website at https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-gardens-beaches/toronto-island-park/ to check which sites are closed and what services are available. On the bright side, you now know where to take your whole family once the pandemic subsides! You might even get your teenage kids to actually enjoy being away from their dang phones and gadgets.
St. Lawrence Market
If you’re looking for a historic icon to visit in Toronto, what better way to do so but to admire the place and buy some meat and vegetables. That’s right! St. Lawrence Market has been open since 1803. This stems to the roots of generations of families that creates and continues to bond the community. So, rather than visiting the obvious choice, a museum, why not feel the connection between then and now through a very alive marketplace that is home to many societal relationships of the area. But how do you think the marketplace stayed open for two centuries? Well, it isn’t because of a very kind landlord. Their food comes in farm fresh, but that’s not all. They hold cooking classes and culinary training, too! The place isn’t just some old, grimy building selling fresh food. It continues to lay it’s roots by educating the people for the future. I think it’s safe to say that St. Lawrence Market isn’t going anywhere. But hopefully you plan to! Lucky for you, the St. Lawrence Market is open every day! However, do frequently check their website http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/ or call their number, (416) 392-7219, as the timings differ every day of the week.
Kensington Market
If you’re the kind of person who lives to see culture and diversity (and maybe even keep little trinkets or souvenirs), then the lively and colorful Kensington Market is the place to be! I know, I know. “Another market where I have to spend money? Are you trying to get me to spend my money?” I assure you that the markets are linked to what Toronto has to offer! And it’s not just from Toronto, but items from around the world! The Kensington Market is the country’s National Historic Site just by being a place where lines of stores on the street and sidewalks showcase anything from clothes, electronics, flowers and coffee. If you don’t believe me, check out their website at https://kensingtonmarket.to/ and see the multi-cultural good and services yourself.
Hockey Hall of Fame
Now, of course, our trip to Canada won’t be complete if you weren’t to visit the Hockey hall of Fame. Nothing says “Canada!” like a game of hockey. Now imagine all the thunderous shouts fueled by Canadian spirit as you enter the Hockey Hall of Fame. This is absolutely a place to see in Toronto. I feel like I’m invading the personal space of hockey sportsmanship if I were to say it any other way, so here is the description of the honorable Hall of Fame, Canadian style:
“As an entertainment destination, the Hockey Hall of Fame is truly in a league of its own. Spread across 65,000 square feet, the Hall of Fame offers something for everyone: the finest collection of hockey artifacts at all levels of play from around the world; theaters; themed exhibits dedicated to the game’s greatest players, teams and achievements; larger-than-life statues; a replica NHL dressing room; an unrivaled selection of hockey-related merchandise within our store; and NHL trophies including, best of all, the coveted Stanley Cup.” (Official Hockey Hall of Fame Website)
If you’re still curious on what’s the fuss all about, get on your way to the heart of downtown Toronto at the corner of Yonge & Front Sts. in Brookfield Place lower concourse level.
Distillery District
Before we go to with the last place on our list don’t go on thinking that it’s in last place compared to the other sites. In fact, this area is the one place you’d want to go back to again due to the mass of diverse stores and services. It’s your one stop shop to trip back in the past to a time of Victorian homes mixed in with elegant boutiques, restaurants, cafes, galleries and theaters that make you think that you’re there to critique all this art. It’s best to go here at night where all the hovering lights would be lit up against the night sky.
I just want to warn you that these places are on the bucket list because they are places that hold and represent Canadian culture and history. To experience and be a part of that is what taking a vacation is all about, right? Aside from enjoying yourself, of course.
3. The Cheapskate’s Guide to the Free Things to Do in Toronto
All right, I may have presented a lot of places to see that aren’t really budget friendly if you wanted to do more than window shop, but complain no more. Here are the places you can go to that won’t even cost you a dime to experience:
Toronto Public Library
Don’t judge a book by its title as this is no ordinary public library. Its museum-like exterior and majestically modern and bright interior makes you want to admire the view and explore the library rather than read books. I think a place like this is too much of a beautiful distraction to even concentrate on reading. Although there are many branches, the one you’d want to go to is at 789 Yonge St., Toronto, Ontario M4W 2G8 Canada. And would you look at that, it’s open all year long! No need to hastily phone in.
Free Concert Series at the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheater
That’s right, it says so in the header, ‘Free’! However, I recommend this venture for only those in Toronto right now as admissions has to be placed in the Amphitheater itself and the timings to the free concert depend on what is available. Also, due to the pandemic, the glorious opportunity to listen and watch vocal, piano, jazz, dance, chamber and world music has been cancelled. But worry not as the Amphitheater isn’t going anywhere.
Woodbine Beach
If you’re looking out to getting productive whilst enjoying the view of the waterfront, Woodline beach is up your ally. Its facilities and amenities include:
- Ashbridges Bay
- Martin Goodman trails
- The Donald D. Summerville Outdoor Olympic Pool
- A playground
- An outdoor fitness equipment
- A beach volleyball courts
- A bathing station with a patio, change rooms, water bottle filling station and showers.
Not bad for a day under the sun, huh? It’s probably best that you visit the beach in the summer simply because no one want to contract hypothermia when taking a swim in the winter. Would you?
4. Free Checklist Before You Go!
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! You’re now mentally equip with must-see places in Toronto, Canada! But in case you didn’t get all that, here’s a checklist for you to keep:
