Best Free Things to do in Toronto This Summer – The Ultimate 7 day Itinerary
Welcome to Toronto, a city that buzzes with vibrant energy and offers endless adventures without breaking the bank. While Toronto may have a reputation for being pricey, this guide proves that you can enjoy an amazing time here without spending a dime. Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your city or a visitor eager to explore, Toronto has a wealth of free activities and experiences waiting for you this summer.
From scenic parks and historic sites to bustling markets and lively festivals, there’s something for everyone. In this blog post, I’ve curated a detailed 7-day itinerary packed with the best free things to do in Toronto. Get ready to uncover hidden gems, soak up the city’s rich culture, and enjoy a summer full of memorable moments—all without opening your wallet!
Feel free to mix and match based on your interests. Having lived here for a while and visited these places multiple times, I can assure you that you’ll love them.
Where to stay in Toronto
If you’re planning to spend more than a day in Toronto, you’ll definitely need a place to stay to make the most of your exploration. To help you out, I’ve listed some of my favorite downtown Toronto hotels, but you can get the detailed accomodation guide categorized into budget-friendly options and other categories to suit your preferences and needs.
- FairMont Royal York
- One King West
- Toronto Marriott City Centre Hotel
- Town Inn Suites Hotel
- Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Hotel
Day 1: Exploring Downtown and Cultural Spots
Morning:
Nathan Phillips Square: Start your day at Nathan Phillips Square, where you can take pictures with the iconic Toronto sign. If you’re lucky, you might catch a cultural event or market.
St. Lawrence Market: Visit this historic market to explore its architecture and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. The market itself is free to enter and roam around.
Afternoon:
Distillery District: Stroll through this pedestrian-only district with cobblestone streets and historic buildings. Enjoy the free art installations and galleries.
Sugar Beach: Relax at this urban beach and enjoy the view of Lake Ontario and the artistic pink umbrellas.
Evening:
Toronto Music Garden: Designed by Yo-Yo Ma and inspired by Bach’s Suites, enjoy a peaceful walk in this unique garden along the waterfront. Enjoy the scenery, public art, and lively atmosphere with street performers and free concerts.
Day 2: Parks and Gardens
Morning:
High Park: Spend the morning in Toronto’s largest public park. Explore the walking trails, beautiful gardens, and the free zoo.
Afternoon:
Toronto Islands: Take a free boat ride (provided by community events or promotions) to the Toronto Islands. Walk or bike around the islands, visit the beaches, and enjoy the stunning city skyline views.
Evening:
Kensington Market: Explore this vibrant and eclectic neighborhood. Wander through its streets, enjoy street art, and visit local shops. On specific Sundays, you might find Pedestrian Sundays, a festival with free music and performances.
Day 3: Art and History
Morning:
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO): Visit the AGO, which offers free admission on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Explore the vast collection of Canadian and international art.
Graffiti Alley: Walk through this famous alley to see some of Toronto’s best street art.
Afternoon:
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): While general admission isn’t free, the ROM offers free entry on the third Monday of each month from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Explore the natural history and cultural exhibitions.
Evening:
The Beaches: End your day at The Beaches neighborhood. Enjoy a walk along the boardwalk or relax on the sandy shores of Woodbine Beach.
Day 4: Festivals and Events
Morning:
Evergreen Brick Works: Visit this eco-friendly community center. Walk through the trails, explore the historic brick-making buildings, and enjoy the scenic views.
Afternoon:
Queen’s Park: Take a leisurely stroll in Queen’s Park and visit the Ontario Legislative Building, which offers free guided tours.
Riverdale Farm: Explore this working farm in the heart of the city. It’s free to visit and a great way to learn about farm life.
Evening:
Harbourfront Centre: Check out the Harbourfront Centre for free summer festivals, concerts, and cultural events. Enjoy the vibrant waterfront setting.
Day 5: Diverse Neighborhoods and Outdoor Activities
Morning:
Chinatown: Explore Toronto’s bustling Chinatown. Walk through the streets, visit local shops, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
University of Toronto Campus: Wander through the historic and beautiful campus of the University of Toronto.
Afternoon:
Trinity Bellwoods Park: Relax at this popular park. Enjoy a picnic, people-watch, and possibly catch some free outdoor yoga sessions or community events.
Allan Gardens Conservatory: Visit this indoor botanical garden, which features tropical plants, cacti, and seasonal flower displays.
Evening:
Toronto Public Library: Visit the Toronto Reference Library, which often hosts free cultural events, author readings, and exhibitions.
Fort York: Explore the grounds of this historic fort, which occasionally hosts free entry days or community events in the summer.
Day 6: Natural Escapes and Market Visits
Morning:
Tommy Thompson Park: Go for a morning walk or bike ride in this urban wilderness. It’s a great spot for bird watching and offers beautiful views of the city skyline.
Leslie Street Spit: Explore this artificial peninsula with natural trails and stunning views of Lake Ontario.
Afternoon:
Withrow Park: Relax in this family-friendly park with walking trails, a wading pool, and free community events.
Evening:
Yonge-Dundas Square: Visit this bustling public square, which often hosts free events, concerts, and film screenings.
Riverdale Park East: Enjoy a picnic with a panoramic view of the Toronto skyline, and also catch the most perfect sunset here.
Day 7: Final Day in the City
Morning:
Rouge National Urban Park: Spend your last morning in this vast urban park. Enjoy hiking, bird watching, and exploring nature.
Bluffer’s Park: Visit this beautiful park with scenic bluffs, trails, and beach areas.
Afternoon:
Toronto’s Historic Sites: Visit historic sites like Spadina Museum and Mackenzie House, which sometimes offer free or pay-what-you-can days.
Evening:
St. James Park: Relax in this serene park in the heart of downtown. Enjoy the gardens and possibly catch free evening performances or concerts.
Conclusion
Exploring Toronto on a budget doesn’t mean missing out on the city’s vibrant culture and exciting activities. With this ultimate 7-day itinerary, you can experience the best free things Toronto has to offer this summer, from lush parks and scenic trails to fascinating museums and bustling markets. Whether you’re a local looking for fresh ways to enjoy your city or a visitor eager to discover new adventures, Toronto’s wealth of free experiences ensures you’ll have a memorable and enriching time without spending a penny.
I’d love to hear about your favorite spots! Did you find a hidden gem or have a particularly memorable experience? Let me know in the comments which activities you enjoyed the most or if there’s a must-see I missed. Share your summer adventures in Toronto, and happy exploring!
