10 Free Things to Do in Toronto

 

Toronto is a great place to visit since it has so many different things to do. While Toronto isn't known for being the most budget-friendly city, there is still a nice selection of free things to do in the city. In many situations, this means just getting out and about in the city and its vibrant neighborhoods, particularly those in and around Old Toronto. From the vibrant Kensington Market to the historic Distillery District, each has its own distinct and appealing vibe. If roaming the streets isn't your idea of fun (or if it's raining), there are a few free inside activities you may participate in.

1. Nathan Phillips Square

Take a picture in front of the Toronto Sign.

People like relaxing by the fountain and the enormous city sign on the square in front of Toronto City Hall. It's an iconic site for a selfie, with 3-metre-tall inscriptions. Nathan Phillips Square also has a decent café, and there are lots of additional alternatives close. The design of the City Hall building is rather divisive. Some deem it stunning and futuristic, and applauded when it was blown up in Resident Evil: Apocalypse in 2004. Others call it unsightly (particularly when contrasted to Toronto Old City Hall, which is next door), and celebrated when it was blown up in a 1989 episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

100 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M5H 2N2, Canada
Monday through Friday, 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. (closed at weekends)
+1 416-392-2489; Fax: +1 416-392-2489

High Park is number two.

The playground was created by and for children.

High Park distinguishes out among Toronto's many green spaces as the most family-friendly. The 161-hectare park, located west of downtown Toronto, features a large playground that was largely created by children. Sports facilities, 18 picnic spots, hiking paths, and special events are all available throughout the year. Llamas, deer, buffalo, and peacocks may all be seen at the mini-zoo. The coastline surrounding Grenadier Pond is really lovely, although it's best seen in the spring when the cherry blossom trees are in bloom.

1873 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M6R 2Z3, Canada

3 Kensington Market

Visit some of Toronto's hippest cafes in an artsy neighborhood.

Just north of Chinatown lies the Kensington Market neighborhood, which has a fashionable, bohemian vibe with a fantastic selection of vintage businesses, art galleries, and, of course, a market. Many of the Victorian-era buildings that line the area's tree-lined alleys are home to magnificent works of street art as well as a diverse selection of foreign restaurants, pubs, and cafés. The market, which specializes in fresh vegetables, meat, and seafood, is popular with local students and families. Visit on the last Sunday of the month, when the area is closed to cars to allow for a massive street market.

4 The Historic Distillery District

A lovely area of Old Toronto.

A significant Victorian-era whiskey distillery previously stood in the Distillery Historic District. Although the business has moved on, the stunning old buildings have remained and are now home to a diverse range of boutique taverns, restaurants, art galleries, and stores. During the summer, the picturesque cobblestone alleys feature a multitude of outdoor artworks and frequent street entertainment, but the Toronto Christmas Market brings them to life in December. The Distillery Loop light rail station is directly next to the pedestrianized area.

5 free concerts by the Canadian Opera Company

The Four Seasons Centre is a place where you may relax and unwind.

The Canadian Opera Company conducts free live performances in the contemporary Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre of the Four Seasons Centre, located across the street from the Osgoode subway station, from the end of September to the end of May. Artists from all over the world present exceptional vocal, piano, jazz, dance, chamber, and world music pieces during the festival, which is held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The majority of the events begin at 12 p.m. Because seating is limited, get in line as soon as possible.

145 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M5H 4G1, Canada
+1 416-363-8231; Fax: +1 416-363-8231

Beaches, No. 6

A sandy beach in Toronto's downtown area

The beaches may be found in the region known as "The Beaches" - Torontonians prefer to keep things simple. Although there are three beaches, Woodbine, Kew, and Balmy are all connected by a ribbon of yellow sand. In the summer, there are regular beach volleyball games at Woodbine. Balmy is a peaceful and secluded location. Kew is situated in the centre of the country, both physically and in terms of climate. Take a stroll down the boardwalk, swim in Lake Ontario, relax in the shade at one of the neighboring parks, or visit the beach club.

7 Free Museum Visits in Toronto

Alternatively, you can pay whatever you like.

Toronto boasts a diverse – and outstanding – collection of museums and art galleries, some of which provide free admission on specific days and hours. On Wednesday nights, you may visit the Art Gallery of Ontario's main collection for free from 6 to 8.30 p.m., and you can also visit the Aga Khan Museum for free from 4 to 8 p.m. Every Thursday evening from 5pm to 8pm, admission to the Bata Shoe Museum is "pay-what-you-wish." At all times, the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art (MOCCA) follows the same policy.

8 Botanical Gardens of Toronto

Beautiful borders will inspire you.

The 17 themed gardens of the Toronto Botanical Gardens range from a kitchen and herb garden to a big display garden. The 4-acre grounds have a special emphasis on teaching, illustrating how you can still have a lovely garden even if you can only grow in containers or in the thin soil of a roof garden. Learn more about the flora surrounding you on a free guided tour, or relax while listening to free outdoor music performances. During the summer, there is an onsite café and an organic farmers' market, as well as numerous additional parks and gardens nearby.

777 Lawrence Avenue East, North York, Ontario M3C 1P2, Canada
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
+1 416-397-1340; Fax: +1 416-397-1340

Evergreen Brick Works (nine)

Visit the weekend markets and natural paths.

The Evergreen Brick Works in the Don Valley is an innovative reworking of an abandoned quarry and industrial facility. The old quarry has been turned into a park, and the dilapidated buildings have been converted into eco-friendly community and cultural centers. The facility and its environs have a variety of huge and impressive artworks as well as educational exhibits, all of which are open to the public and free to view. The hiking paths are particularly lovely, and you should visit on a weekend to see the Saturday Farmers' Market or Sunday Artisan Market.

550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4W 3X8, Canada
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
+1 416-596-1495; Fax: +1 416-596-1495

Lookout on Chester Hill No. 10

One of the most romantic vistas in Toronto.

The Chester Hill Lookout is located at the end of a residential street in the Playter Estates neighborhood of Old Toronto, which is a little out of the way. The peaceful cul-de-sac, on the other hand, provides one of the nicest free views of the city skyline in the area. Looking out over the Don River and adjacent parks, the Bloor Viaduct stands out in the foreground, with the CN Tower towering behind it. No other vista combines the natural, industrial, and commercial landscapes of Toronto in this way.

Chester Hill Rd, Toronto, ON M4K 1V4, Canada is the location.

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