7 best free things to do in Toronto
7 best free things to do in Toronto
7 best free things to do in Toronto. One of Canada’s most intriguing cities is Toronto, which is situated on the beaches of Lake Ontario. The Ontario capital has plenty to keep you occupied, with gleaming skyscrapers, different neighborhoods, and even some lakeside beaches.
which is best? Although Toronto is an expensive city, there are many things you can do and see for nothing. Here is our list of Toronto’s top free activities.
1.Snapshots of Graffiti Alley
Like many major cities, Toronto has a debate between what is known as street art and what is vandalism. Rush Lane, better known as Graffiti Alley, is meant to be an art space and as such has become a Toronto favorite, especially among photographers, artists, and Instagrammers thanks to all the colorful murals. The alley is about 400m (1312ft) long and is covered in art from some of the city’s most notable street artists. While some pieces have remained over time, many others get regularly painted over so there is always something new to check out.
Planning tip: For the best photos of the artwork (and to keep your camera dry! ), you should go during the day, particularly on a nice day. Think about getting going early before things get too busy.
2. People watch in the historic St Lawrence Market
St Lawrence Market is an iconic institution in Toronto. It’s been open since 1803 and remains an important part of the city over 220 years later. The market holds a number of different retail businesses, specialty item stores, an exhibition space plus a weekly antique market and farmers market that are always a huge hit. Locals and tourists alike come here to shop and you should too. However, you don’t need to spend money to enjoy the atmosphere of St Lawrence Market. It’s fun to browse, people watch and experience a little bit of Toronto’s history in what is considered to be one of the world’s greatest markets.
Planning tip: St Lawrence market is covered, which makes it a great free indoor thing to do in Toronto on a rainy day. The farmers’ market takes place on Saturday and the antique market takes place on Sunday so plan your visit accordingly based on your interests.
3. Experience the excitement at Nathan Phillips Square
Considered to be the heart of Toronto, Nathan Phillips Sq is probably best known by visitors as the home of the Toronto Sign – the big block letters that every visitor (and some locals!) loves to take photos with. As well as the iconic sign, the plaza is also home to a number of special events. From the New Year’s Eve party to Remembrance Day celebrations, concerts and more, there’s often something going on in this part of the city so be sure to stop by and check it out when you visit.
Planning tip: The Toronto sign is best seen at night when it is lit up and colorful.
4. Visit the animals at High Park
5. Visit the animals at High Park
Visitors looking for free outdoor activities in Toronto should head to High Park. As the largest public park in the city, it’s a great spot to escape the city in search of nature. There are walking trails, play parks for children, a waterfront space, and the High Park Zoo, which is free to visit from 9am–5pm throughout the week. The zoo is home to a variety of animals including bison, capybaras, llamas, peacocks and more.
Planning tip: High Park is considered to be the best place to see cherry blossoms in Toronto, so be sure to stop by if you are visiting in the spring.
6.Enjoy the sunshine at Toronto’s beaches.
Beaches may not be what comes to mind when you think of Toronto, but many of the city’s waterfront parks do have sand and pebble beaches where visitors and locals stretch out and sunbathe, swim, or even pick up a game of beach volleyball. The official beach season runs between June and September, which is the only time there will be lifeguards on duty, but beaches can be visited year-round.
Planning tip: Make it into a day trip at the beach by taking the ferry to one of Toronto’s islands for beautiful views of the city.
Explore the free museums and historical sites in Toronto.
As of May 2022, the city of Toronto made general admission to 10 history museums and sites across Toronto free for visitors. The top picks that made the cut are Colborne Lodge, Fort York National Historic Site, Gibson House Museum, Mackenzie House, Market Gallery, Montgomery’s Inn, Scarborough Museum, Spadina Museum, Todmorden Mills, and Zion Schoolhouse. The focus on these sites is part of a city-wide drive to make cultural history available to all, with a specific focus on re-evaluating the exhibits from a position of anti-racism.
Planning tip: Other major museums in Toronto charge an entry fee, but there are times when admission is free. The most popular is the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), which offers free general admission 5:30–8:30pm on the third Tuesday of every month, making it one of the best free things to do in Toronto at night.
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