We live in an incredible city with a ton of stuff to do – after all, tourists come here to check out the awesomeness. So why not play tourist in your own backyard this summer? Here are some ideas for summertime fun in the city.
1. Dive in!
Nothing says “vacation” like a little downtime poolside. So pack a towel and some sunscreen, and lounge by the pool for the day, taking a cool dip whenever you get too warm.
2. Perfect your patio vibe.
Spend a lazy afternoon enjoying snacks and a chilled glass of rose in your favourite outdoor spot – there's no better feeling than knowing you don't have anywhere to go or anything to do but enjoy yourself.
3. Stare at the stars.
Pick a clear night and look up at the show. Use Sky Guide to ID planets, constellations and satellites – just point your phone to the sky to get the scoop on the stars you’re looking at.
4. DIY your own resort.
Look no further than your balcony for your own little getaway oasis. Set up a comfy couch in your outdoor space or stake out a spot on your building’s patio or rooftop terrace. Bring a thermos full of your favorite vacation bevvy, stock up on riveting beach reads and put together a great playlist. When you close your eyes, it's easy to imagine you're at a Caribbean resort or at a dock on the lake. Bonus points if your partner/kid/neighbour is willing to deliver drinks/snacks/lunch right to your chair.
5. Take a self-guided walking tour.
You live in Toronto, but how well do you really know it? GPSmycity has 14 self-guided tours ranging from neighbourhood walks to themed tours like “Art & Architecture.” If you're interested in city history, Heritage Toronto has some good DIY walks as well. Love music? Check out Yonge Street: the heart of music city. The City of Toronto has some really good ones as well.
If art and street culture is more your thing, try a graffiti tour. Graffiti Alley at Queen and Spadina is a cool, colourful, and totally Insta-worthy destination. Right now, it's being transformed to support Black Lives Matter. For more street art options, check out this amazing interactive map.
6. Go for a picnic.
Make some yummy food and enjoy it in a local park, or pick up some tasty takeout and tuck in al fresco. Check out this list of Toronto’s best outdoor eating spots from BlogTO. Don't forget your picnic blanket!
7. Explore the shore.
Take advantage of Toronto’s prime location on the shores of Lake Ontario – we've got so many wonderful beaches, waterfront parks and trails. Go for a waterside stroll or head to your favourite sandy waterside spot. If you're up for a swim, you can totally take a dip: most beaches have good water quality, but you can check here for details.
8. Be a flaneur.
A “flaneur” is someone who strolls without hurry, browsing their surroundings with the intent of exploring and discovering. When you walk with no real destination in mind, you uncover unique corners, hidden parks, lovely homes, tucked-away gardens and wonderful little shops and cafés. Wander close to home or explore a place that’s less familiar. Go for a stroll along Roncesvalles, check out the Annex, discover Cabbagetown, Rosedale or even Yonge and Eg. Toronto has so many great walkable neighbourhoods …you could spend your whole vacation exploring them!
9. Be a tourist in your own town.
If you haven't been to the ROM in a dinosaur’s age, you need a refresher on the AGO’s Group of Seven collection, or you’re one of those people who has never actually been up the CN Tower, make a date with yourself to check ‘em out.
10. Forage.
Hydro fields and parks can be a surprising source of delicious things to eat. Check out this helpful timeline of 10 wild edibles and where to find them. Right now, we're in prime mulberry season, and they’re everywhere. (If you don't know what mulberries are, they look like a small, elongated blackberry and they grow wild all over the place.) Pick the almost-black ones for the sweetest flavour.
11. Go for a hike in the city.
Toronto has tons of hidden trails that wind through parks and wooded areas and along lakes and rivers. Take a walk or a bike ride on the wild side on one (or more!) of Toronto’s best hiking trails.
12. Be a day-tripper.
A road trip to a nearby town is great for a bit of adventure and a much-needed change of scene. If you don't have your own wheels, rent something for the day. Make your way out to Hamilton to see the waterfalls, go to the Forks of the Credit for a hike, or head to charming downtown Oakville to check out all the sweet shops and eateries.
13. Taste some local wines.
Take a drive out to Niagara to try (and buy) wines that the LCBO doesn’t stock, and discover more of what Ontario has to offer. Or take a tour – having someone else drive means you can hit up several wineries and taste to your heart's content, and the knowledgeable guides from small operators like Grape Escapes have a knack for creating a fun and educational experience, no matter your level of wine knowledge.
Don't want to drive to Niagara? Have a DIY wine tasting at home! The LCBO has a wide selection of Ontario wines to try, with some great options in their regular stock and in the Vintages section. Start with a sparkling wine paired with strawberries, move to a rosé with a soft cheese, have a lightly-oaked Chardonnay with a handful of macadamia nuts, and a rich Baco Noir (an Ontario specialty!) with flavourful blue cheese or charcuterie.
14. Stay at a local hotel.
You don’t have to leave the city to enjoy a fun hotel stay. Book a nice room, hit the pool and the spa – and spoil yourself with room service.
There's lots of stuff to see and do in Toronto this summer. So get out and enjoy some well-deserved downtime with any (or all) of our staycation ideas!