Welcome to Toronto, where summer brings an abundance of free activities for everyone to enjoy. From festivals to parks, here are 101 amazing budget-friendly experiences you can have without spending a dime in Toronto.
And here are 101 FREE Things to do in and around Toronto in summer 2023!
Explore the Royal Ontario Museum (Toronto): Immerse yourself in art, culture, and natural history at the Royal Ontario Museum, featuring fascinating exhibits from around the world.
Visit the Art Gallery of Ontario (Toronto): Discover a diverse collection of art, ranging from Canadian masterpieces to contemporary works, at the Art Gallery of Ontario.
Explore the Toronto Islands (Toronto): Escape the city and enjoy beaches, picnic spots, bike rentals, and stunning views of the Toronto skyline on the Toronto Islands. Get discounted tickets to Toronto Island from GetYourGuide.
Wander through High Park (Toronto): Experience nature in the heart of the city at High Park, offering walking trails, gardens, a zoo, and even a cherry blossom spectacle in spring.
Visit the Distillery District (Toronto): Step into the pedestrian-only Distillery District and explore its historic buildings, boutiques, art galleries, and charming cafes.
Explore the St. Lawrence Market (Toronto): Indulge in culinary delights, fresh produce, artisanal goods, and international cuisine at the iconic St. Lawrence Market.
Enjoy the view from the CN Tower (Toronto): Take in panoramic views of the city from the CN Tower, one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world.
Visit the Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada (Toronto): Immerse yourself in the fascinating underwater world and encounter marine creatures at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada.
Explore the Toronto Zoo (Toronto): Discover wildlife from around the globe and learn about conservation efforts at the expansive Toronto Zoo.
Wander through Allan Gardens Conservatory (Toronto): Escape to a tropical oasis in Allan Gardens Conservatory, featuring lush greenery, flowers, and seasonal displays.
Visit the Ontario Science Centre (Toronto): Engage in hands-on science exhibits and interactive displays at the Ontario Science Centre, offering educational fun for all ages.
Explore the Aga Khan Museum (North York): Discover Islamic art, culture, and history at the Aga Khan Museum, featuring a remarkable collection of artifacts.
Attend the Toronto International Film Festival (Toronto): Immerse yourself in the world of cinema at the renowned Toronto International Film Festival, showcasing the best in global filmmaking.
Stroll along the Harbourfront (Toronto): Enjoy scenic views, outdoor concerts, festivals, and public art installations along Toronto’s vibrant Harbourfront.
Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens (Burlington/Hamilton): Explore the extensive gardens, nature trails, and vibrant blooms at the Royal Botanical Gardens, located just outside Toronto.
Attend the Canadian National Exhibition (Toronto): Experience a beloved annual tradition at the Canadian National Exhibition, featuring thrilling rides, live entertainment, and delicious food.
Explore the Scarborough Bluffs (Toronto): Marvel at the impressive cliffs, sandy beaches, and hiking trails of the scenic Scarborough Bluffs along Lake Ontario.
Visit the Ontario Legislative Building (Toronto): Take a guided tour of the Ontario Legislative Building and learn about the province’s political history and architecture.
Attend the Beaches Jazz Festival (Toronto): Enjoy free outdoor jazz performances, street parties, and vibrant music events during the Beaches Jazz Festival in Toronto’s Beaches neighborhood.
Explore the Evergreen Brick Works (Toronto): Discover a unique community space focused on sustainability, with trails, gardens, markets, and cultural events at the Evergreen Brick Works.
Visit the Bata Shoe Museum (Toronto): Step into the world of footwear at the Bata Shoe Museum, housing a vast collection of shoes from different eras and cultures.
Explore the Toronto Public Library (Toronto): Visit one of Toronto’s many public library branches, offering not only books but also free events, workshops, and resources.
Attend Nuit Blanche Toronto (Toronto): Experience the city transformed through contemporary art installations, performances, and exhibitions during the all-night event, Nuit Blanche Toronto.
Visit the Gardiner Museum (Toronto): Delve into the world of ceramics and pottery at the Gardiner Museum, featuring diverse exhibits and interactive experiences.
Attend the Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Toronto): Celebrate Caribbean culture with vibrant parades, music, dance, and delicious Caribbean cuisine during the annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival.
Explore the Black Creek Pioneer Village (North York): Step back in time and experience rural Ontario in the 19th century at the Black Creek Pioneer Village.
Visit the Royal Conservatory of Music (Toronto): Attend free concerts, recitals, and performances showcasing musical talents at the Royal Conservatory of Music’s Koerner Hall.
Attend the WinterCity Festival (Toronto): Embrace winter with outdoor activities, ice sculptures, live performances, and culinary experiences at the annual WinterCity Festival.
Explore the Toronto Railway Museum (Toronto): Discover the history of rail transportation in Canada at the Toronto Railway Museum, featuring vintage train cars and interactive exhibits.
Attend the Kensington Market (Toronto): Immerse yourself in a vibrant and diverse neighborhood, known for its independent shops, eclectic street art, and global cuisine.
Visit the Textile Museum of Canada (Toronto): Appreciate the artistry and cultural significance of textiles from around the world at the Textile Museum of Canada.
Explore the Spadina Museum (Toronto): Step into the early 20th century at the Spadina Museum, a historic mansion showcasing the glamorous lifestyle of the city’s elite.
Attend the Cavalcade of Lights (Toronto): Join the annual Cavalcade of Lights celebration, featuring the lighting of Toronto’s official Christmas tree, fireworks, and live performances.
Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art (Toronto): Experience cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions and innovative programming at the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto.
Explore the Humber Bay Park (Toronto): Enjoy waterfront trails, birdwatching, and breathtaking views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline at Humber Bay Park.
Attend the Toronto Fringe Festival (Toronto): Immerse yourself in independent theater, performances, and artistic expressions at the Toronto Fringe Festival.
Visit the Allan Gardens (Toronto): Explore a historic park with beautifully maintained gardens, a playground, and a conservatory housing exotic plant species.
Explore the Canada’s Walk of Fame (Toronto): Take a stroll along King Street and discover the stars honoring Canadian celebrities inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame.
Attend the Taste of Danforth (Toronto): Indulge in Greek cuisine, live music, dance performances, and family-friendly activities at the annual Taste of Danforth festival.
Visit the Scarborough Museum (Scarborough): Explore the Scarborough Museum, showcasing the history and heritage of Scarborough through exhibits, artifacts, and guided tours.
Attend the Mississauga Waterfront Festival (Port Credit): Enjoy a weekend of live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities at the Mississauga Waterfront Festival in Port Credit.
Explore the Montgomery’s Inn Museum (Etobicoke): Step back in time at Montgomery’s Inn Museum, a restored 19th-century inn offering guided tours, historic exhibits, and events.
Visit the McMichael Canadian Art Collection (Kleinburg): Discover Canadian art and the Group of Seven at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, offering free admission on select days.
Attend the Richmond Hill Winter Carnival (Richmond Hill): Experience winter fun at the Richmond Hill Winter Carnival, featuring outdoor activities, live entertainment, and food vendors.
Explore the Todmorden Mills Heritage Site (East York): Learn about Toronto’s industrial past at the Todmorden Mills Heritage Site, featuring historic buildings, trails, and a gallery.
Visit the Black Creek Pioneer Village (North York): Immerse yourself in 19th-century rural Ontario at the Black Creek Pioneer Village, offering free admission for select special events.
Attend the Mississauga Ribfest (Mississauga): Indulge in delicious barbecue ribs and enjoy live music at the annual Mississauga Ribfest, held in Celebration Square.
Explore the Ontario Science Centre (North York): Engage in hands-on science exhibits and interactive displays at the Ontario Science Centre, offering free admission on select days.
Visit the David Dunlap Observatory (Richmond Hill): Stargaze and learn about astronomy at the David Dunlap Observatory, featuring public observing nights and educational programs.
Attend the Beaches International Jazz Festival (Toronto): Enjoy free outdoor jazz performances at the Beaches International Jazz Festival, a summer event held in the Beaches neighborhood.
Explore the Aga Khan Museum (North York): Discover Islamic art, culture, and history at the Aga Khan Museum, offering free admission on Wednesdays from 4 pm to 8 pm.
Visit the Art Gallery of Mississauga (Mississauga): Experience contemporary art exhibitions and cultural events at the Art Gallery of Mississauga, featuring works by local and international artists.
Attend the Taste of Lawrence Festival (Scarborough): Savor international cuisine, enjoy live entertainment, and experience family activities at the annual Taste of Lawrence Festival.
Explore the Todmorden Mills Papermill Theatre (East York): Catch a live performance at the Todmorden Mills Papermill Theatre, showcasing local theater productions in a historic setting.
Visit the PAMA – Peel Art Gallery, Museum, and Archives (Brampton): Explore art exhibitions, historical artifacts, and archival materials at the Peel Art Gallery, Museum, and Archives in Brampton.
Attend the North York Festival on Yonge (North York): Celebrate multiculturalism at the North York Festival on Yonge, featuring music, dance, food, and cultural performances.
Explore the Benares Historic House (Mississauga): Tour the historic Benares House, an architectural gem that provides a glimpse into early 20th-century life in Mississauga.
Visit the Gibson Park (North York): Relax in the serene surroundings of Gibson Park, offering green spaces, picnic areas, and a playground for children.
Attend the Mississauga Ukrainian Festival (Mississauga): Experience Ukrainian culture through music, dance, food, and cultural displays at the annual Mississauga Ukrainian Festival.
Explore the Guild Inn Gardens (Scarborough): Marvel at the outdoor sculpture collection and stroll through the beautiful gardens of the Guild Inn in Scarborough.
Visit the Montgomery’s Inn Farmers Market (Etobicoke): Shop for fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products at the Montgomery’s Inn Farmers Market, held on select weekends.
Attend the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (Toronto): Browse and purchase artworks created by local artists at the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, held annually in Nathan Phillips Square.
Explore the Bradley Museum Park (Mississauga): Enjoy a leisurely walk through the Bradley Museum Park, featuring open green spaces, picnic areas, and scenic views of Lake Ontario.
Visit the Ontario Legislative Building (Toronto): Take a guided tour of the Ontario Legislative Building and learn about the province’s political history and architecture.
Attend the Markham Village Music Festival (Markham): Enjoy live music performances by local bands and artists at the Markham Village Music Festival, a weekend event filled with entertainment.
Explore the Unionville Main Street (Unionville): Stroll along Unionville Main Street, lined with charming shops, boutiques, and restaurants in a quaint and picturesque setting.
Visit the Riverwood Conservancy (Mississauga): Discover the beauty of the Riverwood Conservancy, featuring gardens, trails, and educational programs focused on environmental stewardship.
Attend the Beaches Arts and Crafts Show (Toronto): Browse unique handcrafted artworks and crafts at the Beaches Arts and Crafts Show, held annually in Kew Gardens.
Explore the Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens (North York): Relax in the peaceful atmosphere of Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens, known for its beautiful rose garden and scenic pathways.
Visit the Toronto Railway Museum (Toronto): Discover the history of rail transportation in Canada at the Toronto Railway Museum, featuring vintage train cars and interactive exhibits.
Attend the Mississauga South Asian Mela (Mississauga): Experience the vibrant South Asian culture through music, dance, food, and cultural performances at the annual Mississauga South Asian Mela.
Explore the Rouge National Urban Park (Scarborough): Immerse yourself in nature at Canada’s largest urban park, offering hiking trails, wildlife spotting, and scenic views.
Visit the Scarborough Museum (Scarborough): Step back in time and explore the history of Scarborough through exhibits, artifacts, and guided tours at the Scarborough Museum.
Attend the Taste of the Kingsway (Etobicoke): Indulge in culinary delights, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities at the annual Taste of the Kingsway festival.
Explore the Milne Dam Conservation Park (Markham): Enjoy peaceful nature trails, picnic areas, and serene views of Milne Dam at the Milne Dam Conservation Park.
Visit the Peel Art Gallery, Museum, and Archives (Brampton): Discover art exhibitions, historical artifacts, and cultural programs at the Peel Art Gallery, Museum, and Archives.
Attend the Unionville Festival (Unionville): Experience a weekend filled with live music, dance performances, a heritage parade, and family activities at the annual Unionville Festival.
Explore the Kariya Park (Mississauga): Find tranquility in the Japanese-inspired Kariya Park, featuring serene gardens, cherry blossom trees, and peaceful walking paths.
Visit the Mackenzie House (Toronto): Step into the Victorian-era home of Toronto’s first mayor, William Lyon Mackenzie, and learn about his influence on Canadian democracy.
Attend the Mississauga Waterfront Festival (Mississauga): Enjoy live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities at the Mississauga Waterfront Festival, held in Port Credit.
Explore the Wilket Creek Park (Toronto): Discover scenic trails, a picturesque creek, and beautiful gardens at Wilket Creek Park, a hidden gem in the Don Valley.
Visit the Gibson House Museum (North York): Explore the historic Gibson House, a mid-19th-century farmhouse that offers a glimpse into early settler life in North York.
Attend the Taste of Asia Festival (Markham): Delight in Asian cuisine, cultural performances, and vibrant festivities at the annual Taste of Asia Festival in Markham.
Explore the Chinguacousy Park (Brampton): Enjoy outdoor activities, picnic areas, a petting zoo, and even a ski hill during the winter months at Chinguacousy Park.
Visit the Aga Khan Park (North York): Experience a serene oasis with beautiful gardens, stunning architecture, and contemplative spaces at the Aga Khan Park.
Attend the Markham Fair (Markham): Celebrate agriculture, entertainment, and community spirit at the annual Markham Fair, featuring farm animals, exhibits, and thrilling rides.
Explore the Colonel Samuel Smith Park (Etobicoke): Enjoy waterfront trails, a sandy beach, and birdwatching opportunities at the picturesque Colonel Samuel Smith Park.
Visit the McMichael Canadian Art Collection (Kleinburg): Discover Canadian art, including works by the Group of Seven, at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg.
Attend the Brampton Flower City Parade (Brampton): Marvel at vibrant floats, marching bands, and community spirit during the annual Brampton Flower City Parade.
Explore the Montgomery’s Inn (Etobicoke): Step into a historic inn and museum showcasing early 19th-century life in Etobicoke at Montgomery’s Inn.
Visit the Markham Museum (Markham): Immerse yourself in local history through exhibits, heritage buildings, and interactive displays at the Markham Museum.
Attend the Mississauga Latin Festival (Mississauga): Celebrate Latin culture with live music, dance performances, delicious cuisine, and cultural activities at the Mississauga Latin Festival.
Explore the Unionville Main Street Art Walk (Unionville): Stroll along Unionville Main Street and admire artwork displayed by local artists during the Unionville Main Street Art Walk.
Visit the Bradley Museum (Mississauga): Step into the 19th-century Bradley House and explore the surrounding 1907 Anchorage School at the Bradley Museum.
Attend the Thornhill Village Festival (Thornhill): Enjoy live entertainment, food vendors, artisan booths, and family activities at the annual Thornhill Village Festival.
Explore the Ontario Place (Toronto): Wander through parklands, enjoy scenic views, and participate in free events and activities at Ontario Place.
Visit the Todmorden Mills Papermill Theatre (East York): Catch a live performance, from plays to concerts, at the Todmorden Mills Papermill Theatre.
Attend the Taste of Brampton (Brampton): Sample a variety of culinary delights from local restaurants and food vendors at the annual Taste of Brampton event.
Explore the Colonel Danforth Park (Scarborough): Hike through scenic trails, picnic by the river, and enjoy peaceful nature at Colonel Danforth Park.
Visit the Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum & Community Centre (Stouffville): Discover the history of Whitchurch-Stouffville through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays at the museum.
Attend the Toronto Light Festival (Toronto): Experience a dazzling display of light art installations and interactive exhibits during the Toronto Light Festival, held annually in the Distillery District.
Toronto in summer is a playground of free activities, inviting locals and visitors to explore its diverse cultural offerings, beautiful parks, and exciting festivals. Embrace the spirit of adventure and make the most of these cost-free experiences that showcase the vibrant spirit of this incredible city.
