Who doesn’t like free enjoyment? And, when it is planning for a budgeted holiday trip free things works as a bonus!
Everyone wants to know about the exciting free things to do at any place. Similarly, here we will discuss some of the free things to do in Toronto. We have listed the same and discussed it in the article.
Even if you are not planning, you would love to go to Toronto after reading this article. Or, if you are a resident there, you can easily enjoy these free things to do in Toronto whenever you wish to.
What’s Special about Toronto?
Toronto, the vibrant city is situated on the banks of Lake Ontario and is the capital city of Ontario. The city is a huge trading centre in Canada. People love to visit this city to experience the amazing skyline, beautiful islands, and epic views of several landmarks.
Toronto is a multicultural city and has something to offer to everyone:
- For nature lovers, there are many fascinating beaches and parks.
- For art lovers, there are several art galleries, theatres, and museums.
- For food lovers, Toronto is packed with the most authentic restaurants in Canada.
- For fun lovers, there are numerous bars, nightclubs, sports centres, and amusement parks.
Out of these things, there are many free things to do in Toronto that one should know about.
13 Free Things to do in Toronto
Do not forget to do these free things when you are in Toronto. You are surely going to remember them for your entire life.
1. Toronto Botanical Gardens
Experiencing the natural beauty at Toronto Botanical Garden is one of a kind experience. The Garden is always open, and entry is free.
Comprising 17 beautifully themed gardens, this spot has its beauty and importance. This is a perfect spot to take your kids to learn about parks and plant life.
The colourful planted beds, grass swaths, and trees spread all around create a pleasant atmosphere. The garden is also attached to the Edwards Garden.
There is also a cafe to have snacks, coffee, or icecreams.
Location: 777 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario M3C 1P2
2. Nathan Phillips Square
Nathan Phillips Square is an urban plaza in downtown Toronto opposite City Hall, where you can have a good time without paying for it.
Yes, the iconic Toronto sign makes people crazy for a selfie. It looks very attractive at night with bright lights and fountains. Post your live video or selfie clicked with the big, colourful Toronto sign there immediately on social media and tell everyone that you are in Toronto.
In winter, you must not forget to enjoy ice skating here.
Several events and free concerts are also organized there throughout the year. Several events and free concerts are also organized here throughout the year.
Location: 100 Queen St. West, Toronto, M5H 2N1
3. Evergreen Brick Works
Evergreen Bricks Works is a huge hub developed by transforming some heritage buildings into multicultural and advanced public places.
You not only experience the various artworks, natural beauty, and relaxing space, but it also allows you to demonstrate daily life issues and their solutions. There is a beautiful nature park, trails, public markets, a children’s garden, and lots more to explore.
Also, don’t forget to enjoy some of the outdoor activities there. Try skating or reach the top of the Lookout path to get the top view of the CN tower and the city’s skyline. Have fun while cycling and hiking in its natural environment.
You can also participate in several events, conferences, and debates and learn new things and ideas about city life, business, education, and the government.
Location: 550 Bayview Avenue, Suite 300, Toronto
4. Canadian Opera Company
One of the best things in Toronto is to enjoy a free performance offered by the Canadian Opera Company in Toronto. It is the largest producer of outstanding operas in Canada.
Enjoy its lunchtime free concert series. It offers free concerts, music events and live performances at Four Seasons Centre.
This is where you can witness a wide range of talent in one place, including top singers and A-class artists.
Location: 145 Queen Street West Toronto, Ontario, Canada
5. Distillery District
Take a free walking tour to the Distillery District and learn more about the culture and history of Canada. There are many things for you to entertain all along the pedestrian way in the district situated in downtown Toronto.
This amazing place attracts everyone from foodies to shopaholics. Various restaurants, cafes, bakeries, grocery stores, local shops, vintage clothing shops, and other attractions exist.
Even if you don’t want to spend money, you can enjoy walking and strolling the market or exploring its interesting shops.
And if this is not enough, the Distillery District has several events and cultural and art performances at different times of the year.
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada, east of downtown
6. Queen Street West
Queen street west allows visitors to window shop at several boutiques and gift shops.
Numerous restaurants and cafe shops offer the best foods and drinks. Also, there are many vintage shops, fashion showrooms with high-profile brands, local vendors, shops, galleries, and many other attractions.
Witness the vibrant nightlife at Queens Street. This is undoubtedly among the liveliest destinations in the neighbourhoods of Toronto. You can also enjoy several entertainment shows or live musical performances.
Location: Queen Street, Toronto, Ontario
7. Graffiti Alley
Experiencing the beauty of art at Graffiti Alley is among the best free things to do in Toronto. And if you love street art, you are at the right place.
You will see the amazing works from various artists done all over the walls. Street art is allowed there, and Graffiti Alley is the place that gives several street artists a platform to display their art.
It is not a long area to cover, hardly takes 10 to 15 minutes to walk down. The Alley displays several portraits of vibrant colours, including animals, cartoons, and different strange figures that always draw your attention.
Location: South of Queens Street, Toronto.
8. The Magnificent Museums
Learning about things becomes easier through visualization. Museums in Toronto ease your learning experience. Toronto being a city with several magnificent museums also comes with another perk- many of them have free entry.
Photo by Green Hedge Realty Inc., Brokerage on Unsplash
Royal Ontario Museum
This place is one of the best to visit with numerous galleries set on the five floors, including unbelievable exhibits of dinosaurs, mummies, space, science, and history.
You can learn more about the art, culture, and history of Canada and other parts of the world in a very entertaining way. You will get all this in the museum free of cost.
Location: 100 Queen’s Park, Toronto, M5S 2C6
Gibson House Museum
Gibson House Museum also allows free entry. This is a historic house museum depicting the Gibson family’s story. Designed in Rennaissance style, it looks fascinating with beautiful architecture and decor.
It is very well-furnished and maintained with private rooms, a music room, a library, etc.
Location: 137 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02116
9. The Stunning Beaches
If you wish to relax under nature, have special moments with your partner, or want to have lots of fun playing with your kids, visiting Toronto beaches could be the best option.
Spend your best time with your family and friends without paying for it.
1. Woodbine Beach
Woodbine is a Blue Flag-certified spot to visit in the summer. Its beautiful, curvy coastline, incredible scenery, and clean water attract visitors. Its huge sandy area has many volleyball courts.
Also, there is a boardwalk and a cycling pad.
It provides all the amenities like changerooms, accessible washrooms, bottle-filling stations, showers, and a free parking area.
Location: 1675 Lake Shore Blvd East, Toronto, Ontario M4L 3W6
2. Cherry Beach
Cherry beach is a gem among the Toronto beaches. The place is famous for boarding, surfing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming and other water activities.
The beach looks beautiful with picnic tables and BBQ facilities amidst greenery. Dogs are also allowed there.
Location: 275 Unwin Avenue, Toronto, M5H 2N2
10. Markets
Another free thing to do in Toronto is to explore the Toronto markets. You don’t have to pay unless you buy something. If you have enough time, you must stroll around these popular markets in Toronto.
1. Kensington Market
Visit Kensington market and get the Bohemian vibes all over. Visitors come to this market for its vintage clothes shopping and international foods. The market flourishes with independent stores, bars, cafes, and restaurants.
This is Toronto’s most vibrant market and symbolizes the multiculturism of the city.
Location: Kensington Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5t 2K2
2. Lawrence Market
St, Lawrence Market is also free to explore and enjoy people-watching. This market is well known for its speciality food shops and historical influence. There are around 120 vendors.
This is amazing, and you would love to hang out with your family or friends.
Location: 92-95 Front Street East, Toronto, M5E 1C4.
11. Parks In Toronto
Who wouldn’t want a peaceful time away from the chaotic life of our city? If you are a nature lover, you must have a pleasant time in Toronto’s charismatic parks for free. It takes you back to our roots- nature!
1. High Park
High Park is the best and largest park in Toronto. The park provides sports facilities, playgrounds, a zoo, gardens, and a swimming pool. It also provides a facility for parking and a separate space for dogs.
Entry to the High Park Zoo is completely free. You will be witnessing several unique species of birds and animals including llamas, bison, emu, and peacock.
It is a perfect spot for kids to have fun playing tennis, basketball, and other sports. This huge park is easily accessible and a delight for all its visitors.
Location: 1873 Bloor Street West, Toronto, M6P
2. Toronto Island Park
Another free park in Toronto is Toronto Island Park which consists of four main islands. The fascinating views of the Toronto skyline and landscapes from this park are amazing.
There is a little fairground for kids to play and many amusement rides in the park. Sit and relax on the park bench and enjoy birdwatching, all for free. You can also have fun while boating on the beach.
Location: 9 Queens Quay West Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 2H3
12. Lavishing Malls
To relax in a cool and vibrant atmosphere, you must visit some of the best malls in Toronto.
Entry to the malls is free; you can relax and hang on there for as much time as possible while exploring the showrooms and checking out the latest trends.
1. Toronto Eaton Centre
Toronto Eaton Centre is a beautifully designed and one of the largest malls in Toronto. Apart from over 240 stores, there is lots of space in the mall for people to sit and relax. The mall has air conditioning, lighting, and ventilation facilities.
The Eaton Centre has several stores for food, grocery, clothing, shoes, accessories, books, household items, etc.
You will also spot many famous designers’ collections and the latest fashion trends. The mall also has some nice restaurants if you wish to eat or drink.
Location: 250 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 2H1
2. Fairview Mall
Fairview mall is another mall in Toronto that you can enter for free.
You can go to the mall with your friends and chit-chat with them in its relaxing and chilled atmosphere. Or you can explore the stores to know the new trends and enjoy. You can also take benefit of discounts in the off-season.
Fairview is one of the biggest shopping malls in Toronto, with more than 180 stores of local and branded products. You can have some great at mall restaurants or fast-food centres.
Location: 1800 Sheppard Ave. East, Toronto, M2J 5A7
13. Wonderful Hiking Trails
Toronto has several hiking trails for hiking lovers. If you wanna satiate your adrenaline rush, you can undoubtedly plan a trek on these hiking trails
1. Rouge National Urban Park
Rouge National Urban Park is a beautiful destination for hikers, with about 19 hiking trails to offer. Entry to the park is free.
Some of its best trails are the Mast trails, Orchard trails, Vista trails, Rouge valley Creek trails, etc. All the courses are well-maintained and provide a good spot for walking, birdwatching, and hiking.
Location: Zoo Road, Toronto, Ontario, M1B 5W8
2. Kay Gardener Beltline Trail
Enjoy a pleasant walk or go cycling under the shady trees. Running through midtown Toronto, this place is very popular among hiking lovers. It is quite normal to walk through it but in summer and winter, it becomes a bit challenging.
Overall, the Beltline trail gives you an adventurous and memorable experience.
Location: Allen Road to Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto
Key Takeaways
Have the most wonderful and budgeted holiday in Toronto. The list can go on, but here we have shortlisted the best spots you must visit in Toronto that are completely free.
FAQs
Is Toronto a cheap city to visit?
Toronto is an urban delight and filled with many free activities! Walking through the city is your best way to be in Toronto on a budget, however, transport is very affordable too. The subway, trams/streetcars and buses can get you where you need to be for a low-cost price.
Which part of Toronto is the cheapest?
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