Fun Free Things To Do In Toronto

Toronto is Canada’s largest city, and one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the world. Located in South-Central Ontario, Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the cultural, economic, and governmental center of the Greater Toronto Area. Over 2.8 million people call Toronto home, making it one of the most populous cities in North America.

The city has a rich history, having been founded in 1793 by John Graves Simcoe, the first lieutenant governor of Upper Canada. The city is known for its numerous attractions and landmarks, such as the CN Tower, which stands at 1,815 feet tall and is the tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere, and the Royal Ontario Museum, one of the largest museums in North America.

Toronto is a bustling and energetic city, with an abundance of free things to do for everyone. From world-class museums to parks and gardens to street festivals, Toronto has something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of the best and most popular free things to do in Toronto.

Explore Toronto’s Parks and Gardens

Toronto has numerous parks and gardens throughout the city, offering visitors a great way to experience the city’s natural beauty. One of the most popular parks in the city is High Park, a 416-acre park located in the west end of Toronto. There you can explore numerous walking trails, enjoy a picnic, or take a paddleboat ride in Grenadier Pond.

Another great park to visit is the Toronto Music Garden, located on the waterfront near the Harbourfront Centre. This garden was created by cellist Yo-Yo Ma and renowned landscape designer Julie Moir Messervy, and features five sections inspired by Bach’s Suites for Unaccompanied Cello. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the garden while listening to music from Yo-Yo Ma’s recordings of Bach’s works.

The Toronto Islands are also a great place to visit, offering stunning views of the city skyline and plenty of outdoor activities such as kayaking or biking. The islands are also home to Centreville Amusement Park, which is free to enter but does charge for rides.

Visit Cultural Attractions

Toronto is home to some of the best museums and galleries in Canada, many of which are free to visit. The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is one of the largest galleries in Canada, featuring over 95,000 works by Canadian and international artists. The AGO also features regular free admission days throughout the year, so be sure to check their website before planning your visit.

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is another great cultural attraction, featuring over 6 million artifacts from all around the world. It is one of the largest museums in North America, and admission is always free for visitors under 18 years old. The ROM also offers a range of special exhibitions and events throughout the year, many of which are free or discounted for students and seniors.

Lastly, Toronto’s Kensington Market is a great place to explore the city’s culture and cuisine. This vibrant neighbourhood offers an array of shops, restaurants, cafes, and markets, many of which offer free tastings or samples.

Experience Street Festivals

Toronto has an abundance of street festivals throughout the year that are free to attend. The city’s Summerlicious and Winterlicious festivals are two of its most popular ones, offering visitors a unique way to experience the city’s best restaurants at discounted prices.

The annual CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) is another great event that takes place over 18 days every summer at Exhibition Place along Lake Ontario. The CNE offers a wide range of attractions including amusement rides, interactive activities, concerts, performances, and more – all free to attend.

The annual Pride parade is another popular free event in Toronto that celebrates diversity and acceptance with colourful parades, live music, art installations, and more. And if you’re visiting during Christmas time, you won’t want to miss Toronto’s Cavalcade of Lights festival – an annual event featuring live music performances, light shows, fireworks displays, ice skating rinks and more.

Book a Castle & Gardens Tour with Viator

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience in Toronto, then consider booking a Castle & Gardens Tour with Viator. This two-hour tour will take you through some of Toronto’s most iconic castles and gardens, including Casa Loma – a Gothic Revival style manor house built in 1911 – and Spadina House – an Edwardian-style mansion built in 1866 that features an extensive botanical garden.

The tour also includes guided walks through these historic sites as well as information about their architecture and history. You’ll also have plenty of chances to take amazing photos along the way. Book your Castle & Gardens Tour today for a unique insight into Toronto’s history and culture.

Book a Historical Tour with GetYourGuide

If you’re looking for an educational take on Toronto’s rich history then consider booking a Historical Tour with GetYourGuide. This two-hour tour will take you through some of Toronto’s most significant landmarks such as Old City Hall and St Lawrence Market – both dating back to the 1800s.

The tour also includes information about the development of Toronto from a small town to one of North America’s busiest cities as well as an introduction to its many neighbourhoods and communities. You’ll also have plenty of chances to take amazing photos along the way. Book your Historical Tour today for a fascinating insight into Toronto’s past and present.

Conclusion

Toronto is a vibrant and exciting city with plenty of free things to do for everyone. From exploring its parks and gardens to visiting cultural attractions like museums and galleries to experiencing street festivals, there’s something for every visitor. And if you’re looking for something a bit more unique then consider booking one of the many tours available such as a Castle & Gardens Tour or Historical Tour – both offered by Viator or GetYourGuide – for an unforgettable experience in Toronto.