Toronto is filled with fancy restaurants and high-end shops that will surely make a hole in your pocket. Worry no more for we’ve gathered the best things to do in the city that would cost $0. Read on to know more!
1. Visit the Gallery of Ontario
Believe it or not, most of Toronto’s world-class museums are open to the public during selected hours. The Gallery of Ontario waives admission fees every Wednesday from 6pm to 8:30 pm.
2. Enjoy fresh produce at the markets
On top of the list are St. Lawrence Market and Kensington Market. The first one features many unique vendors like butchers, fishmongers, bakers and more, making it one of the world’s best culinary shopping destination. The latter is filled with extensive food stores, cute vintage shops and restaurants. Just simply take a stroll, enjoy the atmosphere and score free samples!
3. Spend a day at the park
Being the largest city in Canada, Toronto contains huge parks. High Park is the largest one complete with a small zoo, a lake and wide space for picnic. You can also go to Trinity Bellwoods Park join the younger generations in enjoying a great book, listening to music, playing board games or just lounging around. If you’re game for some outdoor adventures, visit the Ravines of the Don Valley and enjoy hiking and biking in summer, and snowshoeing cross-country skiing during winter.
4. Get educated at the Evergreen Brick Works
Discover how to keep the environment sustainable by attending the site’s local events and workshops, plus the famers’ market! Bring your kids and teach them to care for Mother Earth.
5, Explore the Distillery Historic District
Take a stroll on the cobblestone streets and have a major trip down memory lane with the Victorian-era industrial buildings, art galleries and unique shops. Toronto Jazz Festival is also held here along with the bustling Christmas Market.
6. Experience Toronto’s parades
In the summer, Toronto celebrates the annual LGBT Pride Week celebrations capped by the huge Pride Parade. You can also check out the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto Parade famous for its display of colorful costumes and calypso music. During the winter, Santa Claus Parade brings joy to young and old alike.
7. Have fun under the sun
You can choose from the Beach community in Toronto’s east, Lake Ontario’s sandy shore during the benign summer months, or the sandy beach at Hanlan’s Point on the Toronto Islands where clothing is optional! Either which, enjoy swimming, playing volleyball or just laze around and work on that tan.
8. Enjoy free concerts
The Canadian Opera Company offers free concert series from September to June. Four Seasons Center’s luminous Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre holds recitals at noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can also check out Yonge-Dundas Square, Nathan Phillips Square and David Pecaut Square for free shows by top musicians during festivals like NXNE, Luminato and theToronto Jazz Festival.
9. Watch your favorite flicks
Gather with your buddies and enjoy the summer nights watching films under the star. Check out Yonge-Dundas Square, David Pecaut Square (hosted by the TIFF Bell Lightbox),Downsview Park and Harbourfront Center for free outdoor movies.
10. Experience the city’s culture
Enjoy a variety of activities all year round at Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre like different cultural productions and contemporary art exhibitions. During the summer, the place holds famous festivals every weekend starting from June up to September.
