A Guide to Free Things to Do in Toronto

Toronto is a vibrant and dynamic city located in the province of Ontario, Canada. It is the largest city in Canada and the fourth-largest city in North America. Toronto has a rich history and is home to more than 2.7 million people, making it the most populous municipality in Canada. It is a major cultural and financial centre, with many attractions for tourists and locals alike. The city is renowned for its world-class dining, entertainment, shopping and nightlife, and it is widely considered one of the most livable cities in the world.

No matter what your budget is, there are plenty of free things to do in Toronto. From outdoor activities to cultural events and even some of the city’s most iconic attractions, there is something for everyone. In this guide, we will explore some of the best free things to do in Toronto.

Cultural Attractions

The City of Toronto is home to many of the world’s top cultural attractions, and many of them are free to visit. The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and is home to more than 6 million artifacts and specimens. The museum offers free admission every Thursday evening from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is one of the largest art galleries in North America, with more than 90,000 works of art from around the world. The AGO offers free admission every Wednesday from 6 pm to 8:30 pm. It also offers free admission for children 12 and under every day.

The Gardiner Museum is another great cultural attraction in Toronto. It houses one of the most comprehensive collections of ceramics in the world and offers free admission every Wednesday from 4 pm to 8 pm.

Outdoor Activities

Toronto is a great city for outdoor activities, and there are plenty of free things to do outdoors in the city. Toronto’s beaches are some of the best in the world, and they offer a great way to cool off on a hot summer day. The Beaches neighbourhood is a great place to start, with its wide sandy beaches and eclectic shops and restaurants lining its main street. From here you can explore other nearby beaches like Woodbine Beach, Balmy Beach and Sunnyside Beach.

The Toronto Islands offer a unique outdoor experience in Toronto, with beautiful views of the city skyline and plenty of outdoor activities including walking, biking and paddling. The Islands are accessible by ferry from the mainland and offer a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown without having to leave the city.

The Don River Valley Park is another great outdoor destination in Toronto. This park is located along the Don River and offers visitors a chance to explore some of the city’s most scenic landscapes. Visitors can take guided hikes, rent bicycles or just explore the park on their own. There are also plenty of picnic spots with beautiful views of downtown Toronto.

Museums and Galleries

In addition to its many cultural attractions, Toronto is home to some of the best museums and galleries in the world. The Art Gallery of Toronto (AGO) is one of the city’s most popular attractions and offers free admission every Tuesday from 5 pm to 8:30 pm. It features more than 90,000 works of art from around the world and has a great permanent collection as well as rotating exhibitions throughout the year.

The Bata Shoe Museum offers visitors a chance to explore more than 10,000 years of footwear history with its collection of over 13,000 shoes from around the world. The museum also features interactive exhibits, films and workshops, making it a great place for both adults and children. The museum offers free admission on Wednesdays from 5 pm to 8 pm.

The Gardiner Museum is another great museum in Toronto that offers visitors a chance to explore the world of ceramics. The museum has more than 2,500 pieces of ceramic art from around the world and offers free admission every Wednesday from 4 pm to 8 pm.

Events

Toronto has an amazing arts and culture scene, with plenty of events taking place throughout the year. The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is one of the most popular events in the city and takes place in September each year. The festival features hundreds of films from around the world with screenings at various venues across the city.

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) takes place each summer at Exhibition Place near downtown Toronto and features rides, games, food vendors, performances and much more. Admission to the CNE is free on select days during its run.

The Harbourfront Centre is another great place for events in Toronto. It is located on Toronto’s waterfront near downtown and features an array of music, theatre, dance, film, literature and visual art events throughout the year. Many events at Harbourfront Centre are free or low-cost, making it an accessible way to experience some of Toronto’s best culture without breaking the bank.

Popular Tours

Toronto has some amazing tours that let visitors explore some of the city’s most iconic landmarks while learning about its history and culture. The Toronto City Tour is a great way to get an overview of the city’s most famous sights, including Casa Loma, Chinatown, Kensington Market and more. This guided tour includes plenty of photo opportunities along the way and takes visitors to some of Toronto’s most interesting places. Book a Toronto City Tour here.

The Distillery District Tour offers visitors a chance to explore one of Toronto’s oldest neighbourhoods – an area that was once home to Canada’s largest whiskey distillery. This guided tour takes visitors through cobblestone streets lined with 19th-century Victorian buildings that have been repurposed into galleries, cafes, restaurants and shops. Book a Distillery District Tour here.

The High Park Tour takes visitors on a guided walk through one of Toronto’s largest parks – an oasis of green space located just minutes from downtown Toronto. Visitors can explore ravines, trails, gardens, ponds and even some wild animals like deer and foxes along this beautiful park tour. Book a High Park Tour here.

Conclusion

Toronto is a vibrant city filled with plenty of free things to do for locals and visitors alike. From cultural attractions like museums and galleries to outdoor activities like walking along the beach or exploring one of the city’s many parks, there’s something for everyone here in Toronto. There are also plenty of tours available that offer visitors a chance to explore some of the city’s best sights while learning about its history and culture along the way. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or are looking for something fun to do on a budget, there’s no shortage of free things to do in Toronto!