We’re halfway through August, which means the end of summer is around the corner. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t still loads of things to fill your time with. Warm weather in the city is the perfect excuse to get outside and explore what Toronto’s got to offer. So make sure you use this last little bit of time to do just that!
Here are 10 things you need to cross off your summer bucket list in and near Toronto.
IMMERSIVE VAN GOGH
This was probably the most talked-about art exhibit Toronto’s seen in a long time. The Immersive Van Gogh exhibition was touring the world before it stopped in our city. But when the pandemic hit, it had to get creative. They introduced an innovative drive-in aspect, social distance circles for walk-ins, and even a brand-new morning fitness class. Seriously, this has been THE event of the summer. So if you haven’t been yet, get your tickets ASAP.
Where: 1 Yonge Street
Tickets: Get yours online here.
TAKE A ROADIE TO A WATERFALL
Get out of the city and explore all the gorgeous scenery nearby. There’s nothing quite like visiting a waterfall. The rushing water, the babble of the creek. You really feel like one with nature. So hop in the car while the weather’s still nice and visit one that’s near the city. We’ve even heard a few will let you swim in the water below.
Where: Check out our favourites here.
OR JUST EXPLORE THE BEAUTIFUL VIEWS AT HOME
Who said you need to leave the city to catch some beautiful scenery? Sure, it won’t be quite as nature-filled with greenery. But the urban jungle can be just as picturesque. So explore your very own back yard and look out on some of the beautiful sights we’ve got right here at home.
Where: Check out our favourite Toronto viewpoints here.
STOP BY A DRIVE-IN
Thanks to the pandemic, drive-ins have quickly become all the rage. You can catch movies, concerts, live comedy, and even sports at these socially distanced venues. There are more upcoming events than we could list here, so make sure you check out your nearest location to see what’s happening soon.
Where: CityView Drive-In, 20 Polson Pier; Ontario Place Drive-In, 955 Lakeshore Blvd; CF Sherway Gardens Drive-In, 25 The West Mall
TRY A NEW POP-UP PATIO
Patios have also seemed to take over the city this summer. There are tons of new spots that keep opening up, from Venice Beach Bar to Otto’s Biergarten, to the Stackt Market patio, to the Casa Loma gardens, and loads more. Seriously, there’s no better time than now to dine outside.
Where: All over Toronto
PICK YOUR OWN PRODUCE
Who needs to go to the grocery store with all these incredible U-Pick places just outside the city? Visiting any one of these spots makes for an amazing end-of-summer road trip. Plus, you get to come home with fresh fruit and veggies. Yes, please! Right now the big draws in season are blueberries, apples, and sunflowers.
Where: Check out our favourite spots here.
BIKE AROUND THE CITY
One of our favourite things that Toronto did this summer was to implement loads of ways to get active. And one of those was expanding the already massive biking network in the city. New bike lanes were added on some of the busiest streets and even more Bike Share stations were installed. So take this time while the weather’s nice to see Toronto while working on your fitness.
Where: All over Toronto
BRING YOUR PUP TO A PATIO
Celebrate the end of summer with your pooch! Patio season is in full force and some spots in Toronto will let your dog tag along. Once the cold weather hits this won’t be an option anymore. So make sure you take advantage of it while you can!
Where: Check out our favourites here.
HEAD TO A ROOFTOP
The only thing better than a regular patio is a rooftop patio. Evening drinks watching the sun go down on the city from a spot with incredible views? Sign us up. These amazing rooftops just won’t be the same once the cold weather hits, so we planning on getting to all of ’em while it’s still hot.
Where: Check out our favourites here.
PICNIC IN A GARDEN
Just cause we’re in a city doesn’t mean there aren’t loads of green spaces to explore. You can gather up some friends for an end-of-summer socially distanced picnic. Or just walk through one of these beautiful spots on your own. There’s no better time than now to stop and smell the roses.
Where: Check out our favourites here.
So get out there and soak up the last of the summer sun. There may not be much time left, but will all this stuff to do it’ll feel like it’s lasting forever.
