Summer is no doubt the busiest season here in Toronto, and with normal life back in full swing, the list of things to do in Toronto this summer is practically endless. To inspire your late-summer itinerary, here are the best activities, events, and destinations worth trying before we kiss the season goodbye.
Here are 36 amazing things you need to see, do, and experience in Toronto during the beautiful summer days we have left.
Grand Bizarre Beach Club
Described as Toronto’s largest beach club patio, Grand Bizarre is open for the summer with several infinity pools, cabanas, delicious bites, cocktails, and live music for you to enjoy. You can also order bottle service if you’re feeling fancy.
Where: 15 Saskatchewan Rd
Lakeview Pool Lounge at Radisson Blu
This waterfront destination is a dreamy escape in the heart of downtown. The fifth-floor rooftop offers city and lake views and the pool is surrounded by sun loungers and cabanas for soaking up the summer weather. You can also order a cocktail or cold beer as well as tasty snacks. The pool lounge is part of the hotel but you can visit for the day, just keep in mind that you’ll have to reserve a spot ahead of time.
Where: 249 Queen’s Quay West
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Pedestrian Sundays at Kensington Market
After a two-year hiatus, the Sunday street parties we know and love are officially back at Kensington Market. Pedestrian Sundays are back for the summer and will continue well into the fall. On the last Sunday of every month, Toronto’s most eccentric neighbourhood will host a street-wide celebration of community, culture, and ecology.
Where: Kensington Market
When: August 28 & September 25, 2022
Toronto Outdoor Picture Show
The season of movies under the stars is back here in the city! The Toronto Outdoor Picture Show (TOPS) is here for the summer with a new series of programming called Curtains Up!. The films will pay tribute to all of the performing artists we’ve missed seeing live during the pandemic, from dancers to circus acts to musicians and more. Check out the full movie schedule right here.
Where: See locations
When: Until August 28, 2022
Music on the River
Boating, music, warm nights — put ’em all together and you have what might just be the coolest live concert experience Toronto has to offer. Music on the River is a concert series right on the Humber River and you’ll get to paddle your way to the show. Your ticket comes with a boat rental, paddle, lifejackets, access to the show, and a glowstick to wave along with the music.
Where: Humber River Paddling Centre, 9 Old Mill Rd
Canada’s Wonderland & SplashWorks
Canada’s premier amusement park is open for the season with new attractions, restaurants, and entertainment for visitors to enjoy. Plus, SplashWorks has a brand new cliff-jumping attraction called Mountain Bay Cliffs, along with Canada’s largest outdoor wave pool, 17 water slides, and a Lazy River.
Where: Canada’s Wonderland
Wet n’ Wild
At a whopping 45 acres and featuring dozens of slides and attractions, this is one of the biggest water parks in Canada, not just Ontario. It features wave pools, adventure slides, vertical freefalling chutes, thrilling slopes, and slides with terrifying twists and turns.
Where: 7855 Finch Ave West, Brampton
Pedal Pub Toronto
Pedal-powered pubs have finally arrived in Toronto. Pedal Pub is essentially a mobile pub where fifteen people hop on a bike and pedal their way to three breweries and bars over the course of two hours.
While some cities allow you to use the Pedal Pub for its original intended purpose (to drink on board), Toronto does not. That means absolutely no alcohol is allowed on board, but don’t worry, there will be no shortage of boozy fun on your tour.
Where: Departure destination provided upon booking
Lake Shore Inflatable Waterpark
Looking for a new summer, day-time adventure? Or perhaps a way to experience the lake in a new way? A new inflatable water park experience is opening right in the city this summer and it’s the largest of its kind in Ontario.
According to the new waterpark, “you’ll be able to enjoy 2 full hours of water fun! You’ll have a blast trying everything from teeter-totters to frog stomps, large slides, orbits, and more.”
Where: Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Blvd West
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Union Summer
The city’s busiest transit hub is busier in the best way possible. Toronto’s Union Summer is on until the end of August, with a whole lineup of movie screenings, cuisine, dance parties, and entertainment offerings. The market occupies a large space in front of Union Station with non-stop programming every day and into the late evening.
Where: 65 Front St West
When: Until August 28, 2022
Dine in a strawberry field
If you enjoy locally-sourced, fresh meals, this new dining experience near Toronto may be for you! Eat on the Acre is a farm-to-table experience that is set to take place all summer, and will enable diners to enjoy fresh fare at a communal table in the gorgeous colourful setting of a strawberry field.
When: August 18, & September 8, 2022
Where: Andrews Farm, 10 Side Road, Milton
Lazy river tubing at Elora Gorge
This awesome spot is only about a 1.5-hour drive outside of Toronto. When you make the trek, you’ll be met with the beautiful natural landscape that is The Elora Gorge. After about a 20-minute walk, you’ll be at the beginning of the lazy river and your adventure will truly begin.
Be brave and tube the fast rapids or just lounge in the relaxing area of the stream. Either way, you’ll get to enjoy the gorgeous sights of the surrounding river and the beautiful cliffs above.
Where: Elora Gorge Park, 7400 Wellington County Rd, Elora
Glow-in-the-dark kayaks
What better way to enjoy a summer night than by gliding through Humber Bay in a glow-in-the-dark transparent kayak? Toronto Kayaks supplies the city’s only transparent-LED-light-and-bluetooth-equipped-hybrid-kayak-canoe, which you can rent by the hour.
Your rental also comes with a waterproof pouch for your electronics, bug repellent, a safety kit, and a life jacket, in addition to the boat, paddle, and bluetooth speaker — everything you need for an evening on the water.
Where: See location
Skinny dip at a clothing-optional beach
Sun’s out, buns out! If you really want to feel wild n’ free this summer, you should check out some of the official and unofficial nude beaches in Ontario.
Whether you’re looking to stay in the city or are up for a little road trip, these clothing-optional beaches are all over the map. So go ahead and ditch your bathing suit, but not your sunscreen — we don’t want you burning in all the wrong places.
Where: See Ontario’s nude beaches here
Cheltenham Badlands
You’ll find this incredible sight right in the GTA in Caledon. According to Ontario Heritage Trust, the badlands were first formed at the base of an ancient sea over 450 million years ago. It’s known as “one of the most recognizable and visited natural heritage landmarks in southern Ontario,” and for good reason. There’s nothing else quite like it anywhere in the province and the history is equally as fascinating.
Where: 1739 Olde Base Line Rd, Caledon
Toronto Water Bikes
Nothing beats being on the water on Toronto’s hot summer days. This year, you can check out a new experience on the lake by renting water bikes.
Toronto Water Bikes will be open and available all summer to give you a new water sport experience! Think “cycling meets water”, and a fun exercise while adventuring around the lake. The best part is, you can get an individual bike or a tandem water bike for two.
Where: Book online
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Let’s Survive Forever Infinity Mirror Room
The Yayoi Kusama exhibit that took Toronto by storm a few years back is now a permanent fixture at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), and it reopened to the public in June.
The AGO’s exhibit features “mirrored spheres suspended from the ceiling and arranged on the floor,” according to the description. If you’ve only seen it in photos, now is your chance to finally experience it in person.
Where: Art Gallery of Ontario
The Gardens at Casa Loma
Casa Loma is making your fairytale dreams come true this summer. The iconic castle has transformed its majestic grounds into an outdoor dining experience called The Gardens at Casa Loma, with views of the castle, the city skyline, and the colourful garden all at once.
And if you’re looking to make a full evening out of your trip to Casa Loma, you can attend the Symphony in the Gardens on select evenings until September 5.
Where: 1 Austin Terrace
Toronto Cider Festival
Cider enthusiasts, there’s a festival coming to Toronto this summer that’s just for you. The Toronto Cider Festival is returning this summer for two days of cider tastings, delicious food pairings, and live music to rock out to while you sip.
Award-winning artists and DJs will provide the soundtrack as you sip your way through the festival, snap photos in the photo booth, explore the interactive graffiti art show, and relax in the fire pit lounge.
Where: The Toronto Inukshuk Park, 789 Lake Shore Blvd W
When: August 26-27, 2022
The World of Barbie
If “Barbie Girl” by Aqua was, or still is, your theme song, there’s an immersive experience just for you. A 7,600-square-meter, life-sized display called The World of Barbie is now open in Mississauga and here’s a sneak peek!
Visitors will get to walk through Barbie’s neighbourhood streets, step into a Barbie dreamhouse, sit inside a Barbie camper van and explore interactive rooms inspired by some of Barbie’s careers as a scientist, music producer, astronaut, and more.
Where: Square One Shopping Centre, 100 City Centre Dr, Mississauga
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Elora Quarry Swimming Hole
This special spot is a staple Ontario swimming hole. The teal-coloured waters and towering limestone cliffs are the ideal atmosphere for a hot summer day. After about a 1.5-hour drive from the city, you’ll be met by a stunning secluded quarry where you can float the day away as well as hiking trails around the conservation area that you can explore.
Elora Quarry is open for the season from June 7 to Labour Day and reservations are required in advance.
Where: 319 Wellington County Rd 18, Elora
Friends: The Experience
Stop what you’re doing because this is not a drill. The Friends experience that has popped up in cities around the U.S. has opened in Toronto and here’s a sneak peek inside!
Put on by Warner Bros and Superfly X, the event has every element that would make any Friends superfan go crazy, including set recreations and original props and costumes. You’ll get to dance in front of the fountain, step into the show and explore 12 rooms of set recreations, pose on the couch and take photos to your heart’s content.
Where: Yorkdale Shopping Centre, 3401 Dufferin St
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Unidos Festival
Toronto’s most colourful patio RendezViews is hosting a block party series throughout the summer that’ll make you feel like you’re partying on the shores of South Beach, Miami.
The event series, called Unidos Festival, is a series of one-day music fests featuring local and international Latin artists. Organizers promise that Unidos Festival will “bring all cultures together for a fun and exciting tropical vibe in the heart of the city we love.”
When: September 4, 2022
Where: 229 Richmond St West
Smorgasburg Toronto
Foodies are in for a huge treat in Toronto this summer! Smorgasburg, America’s largest weekly open-air food market popular in cities like L.A. and Brooklyn, has arrived in the city for the first time ever and here’s the full list of vendors.
Smorgasburg’s Toronto edition will run for eight weeks straight, bringing dozens of international food vendors to one place every single Saturday. You’ll get to chow down on some of the best international eats in the city with views of the waterfront, sip drinks from the SmorgasBAR and eat your way through the ice cream alley.
Where: 7 Queen’s Quay East
When: Until September 10, 2022
Toronto Islands
In the summer, one must always visit Toronto’s ever-popular group of islands — Centre Island, Ward’s Island, and Hanlan’s Point. Hop on the ferry from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal on Queen’s Quay and spend the day biking, beach-lounging, and picnicking with unbeatable views of the city skyline. There are also events held on the islands throughout the summer, and it’s also home to Centreville Amusement Park.
Where: Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, 9 Queen’s Quay West
Albion Falls
This cascading waterfall is one of the most popular in the province and it’s worth a top spot on your summer bucket list. It’s almost as wide as it is tall, measuring in at 18 metres by 19 metres. Plus it comes with a gorgeous scenic hike through nature. Seriously, this is the place to pack a picnic and make a day of.
Where: 763-767 Mountain Brow Blvd, Hamilton, Ontario
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Toronto Bob Marley One Love Experience
A new immersive experience has arrived in Toronto and it’s a celebration of art, culture, and the pioneer of reggae himself, Bob Marley. Toronto’s Bob Marley experience will feature never-before-seen memorabilia and an experience that transports you to the Jamaican forest and takes you on a journey through the life, legacy, and musical eras of this legendary artist.
Where: 1 Yonge St
Soluna
A new all-day rooftop hangout is now open in Toronto. Soluna is a bohemian oasis in the heart of Queen St West, with dreamy decor, a laid-back atmosphere, and an open-air terrace with sunset views.
The restaurant and venue provides a “day-to-night” experience that delights all of your senses, with a share-style menu, a variety of craft cocktails, live music, and performances.
Where: 314 Queen St West
Waterfront Night Market
Back for its thirteenth edition, the Toronto Waterfront Night Market will take over Ontario Place with a huge variety of pan-Asian food vendors and craft beer to try.
Over 100 delicious vendors are said to be at this event, along with a beer garden overlooking the water. You’ll get to sip on craft beer while you fill up on mouthwatering street food and cuisine from all over the continent.
Where: Ontario Place, West Island
When: August 12-14, 2022
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The Rosé Picnic
The biggest picnic of the summer is returning to Toronto! Get ready to throw on your finest pink and white ensemble for this boozy bash known as Toronto’s Rosé Picnic at a new location.
Get ready to sip some rose in a larger venue, and don’t worry, every guest will receive a break-free wine glass for outdoor enjoyment! You’ll be treated to a full day of sips, bites, dance parties, photo ops, and entertainment of all kinds.
Where: Woodbine Park, 1695 Queen Street East
When: August 20, 2022, 12 pm to 11 pm
The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)
Let’s go to The Ex! The long-awaited return of The CNE in Toronto is finally here and this year’s attractions, vendors, and events are being unveiled.
The iconic late-summer carnival will take place from August 19 to September 5, after two long years on hiatus. In addition to midway rides and games, attendees can always look forward to over-the-top carnival eats, new attractions, rides, performances, and happy summer memories.
Where: Exhibition Place
When: August 19-September 5, 2022
163rd Queen’s Plate
One of Canada’s “most prestigious events” is coming back this August and you’re invited. This historic tradition will celebrate its 163rd edition and spectators can enjoy the races, entertainment, and sumptuous dining packages.
This event is also famously fashionable, with big hats and garden party chic attire being the unofficial dress code. Throw on your finest attire and head off to the races!
When: August 21, 2022
Where: Woodbine Racetrack, 555 Rexdale Blvd
The Bentway Block Party
A street-wide celebration called The Bentway Block Party has been set for this August, which will take place under the Gardiner Expressway.
The event is described as a “celebratory street party across The Bentway site, featuring performances, music, street food and drink, family-friendly workshops, fashion shows, and more.”
Where: 250 Fort York Blvd
When: August 14, 2022
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Toronto Chinatown Festival
Chinatown’s popular summer street festival is finally returning this August. This exciting event not only pays tribute to Chinese culture but also serves as a tourist attraction for visitors from all over to enjoy, says the Chinatown BIA.
You can expect a neighbourhood-wide celebration of Toronto’s local Chinese community, from multi-cultural street food to traditional dancing and dragon shows, Kung Fu demonstrations, and more.
When: August 20 & 21, 2022
Where: West of Spadina Ave, between St Andrew St & Sullivan St
Summerlicious Toronto
One of Toronto’s most popular foodie events is returning! The Summerlicious restaurant festival is back this August, offering Torontonians a way to celebrate the city’s diverse culinary scene with set menus and price points.
According to the City, this year’s Summerlicious is all about supporting the “recovery and revival of Toronto’s restaurant scene” by making it easier for restaurants to participate and offer their “enticing experiences and delectable food” to the public.
Where: See all restaurants here
When: August 12-28, 2022
The Big Bounce Canada
Free your inner child at this massive inflatable theme park dubbed the World’s Biggest Bouncy Castle coming to the Toronto area this month.
The Big Bounce Canada by XL Event Lab, is touring Canada and will be stopping in Markham in August for two weekends. The fun-filled event features four massive inflatable attractions including the World’s Biggest Bouncy Castle, Sport Slam, The Giant, and airSPACE.
When: August 5 to 7 and 12 to 14
Where: Markham Fairgrounds – 10801 McCowan Road
