Planning a trip and thereafter executing it can be difficult as well as expensive. But to travel does not necessarily mean expending all your savings, remember that. Everywhere you visit, there are expensive as well as free places to explore and things to do.
Toronto, a vibrant city, is situated on the banks ofย Lake Ontarioย and is theย capital city of Ontario, it is also a hugeย 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. And for fun lovers, there are numerous bars, nightclubs, sports centers, and amusement parks. So, it doesnโt matter what category do you fall in, you will surely enjoy your trip.
I must tell you that out of these things, there are many free things to explore. These include:
1. Toronto Botanical Gardens
Experiencing the natural beauty atย the Toronto Botanical Gardenย is a kind experience, the garden is always open, andย entry is free. I love gardens and when itโs free, why wouldnโt I explore it? And you also shouldnโt miss it.
Comprisingย 17 beautifully themed gardens, this spot has its beauty and importance. This is a perfect spot to take your kids to learn about nature.
The colourful planted beds, grass swaths, and trees spread all around create a pleasant atmosphere. The garden is also attached to theย Edwards Garden. There is also a cafe nearby to have snacks, coffee, or ice cream.
Location: 777 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario M3C 1P2
2. Nathan Phillips Square
Another amazing attraction is Nathan Phillips Square. It is an urban plaza in downtown Toronto, exactly in front of City Hall, where you can have a good time without paying for it.
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. Yes, the iconic Toronto sign makes people crazy for a selfie. It looks very attractive at night with bright lights and fountains.
Several events and free concerts are also organized there throughout the year. In winter you can also enjoy ice skating inside. In winter, you must not forget to enjoy ice skating here. Severalย events and free concertsย are also organized here throughout the year.
Location: 100 Queen St. West, Toronto, M5H 2N1
3. Evergreen Brick Works
Evergreen Bricks Worksย is a huge hub developed by transforming someย heritage buildingsย into multicultural and advanced public places.ย 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 childrenโs garden, and lots more to explore.
- One more attraction there is the Saturday Farmers Market which is the largest farmersโ market in Toronto.
Also, donโt forget to enjoy some of the outdoor activities there. Try skating or reaching the top of theย Lookout pathย to get the top view of theย CN towerย and the cityโs skyline. Have fun while cycling and hiking in its natural environment. You can also participate in severalย events, conferences, and debatesย 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
When we are talking about free things; you must enjoy a free performance offered by theย Canadian Opera Companyย in Toronto. It is the largest producer of outstanding operas in Canada.
Enjoy itsย lunchtime free concert series, it offers free concerts, music events and live performances atย the 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 Westย Toronto, Ontario, Canada
5. Distillery District
One easy way to enjoy Canada is to take a free walking tour to the Distillery District and learn more about its culture and history. There are many things for you to entertain all along the pedestrian way in the district situated inย 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 donโt want to spend money, you can enjoy walking and strolling the market or exploring its interesting shops. And if this is not enough, theย Distillery Districtย has severalย events and cultural and art performancesย at different times of the year.
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada, east of downtown
6. Queen Street West
Queen Street West is a popular historic area and a hub of the latest trends and technologies combined with cultural backgrounds. It costs nothing to explore its marketsโ busy streets and learn about its fashion trends and interests. 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. You can have a good time pass there. You only have to pay if you buy anything.
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
One place that I will always remember as the true epitome of art, Graffiti Alley is a place you must not miss. 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.ย
Royal Ontario Museum located at 100 Queenโs Park, Toronto, M5S 2C6 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.
Even the Gibson House Museum located at 137 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02116 also allows free entry, it is a historic house museum depicting the Gibson familyโs 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, and more.
Apart from these museums, Iโll tell you some more where you can get free entry. These are the Art Gallery of Ontario, Spadina Museum, Market Gallery, Mackenzie House, Scarborough Museum, Fort York National Historic Site, and a few more which allow free admission.
Location: 137 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02116
9. The Stunning Beaches
Now coming onto my favourite place to relax under nature, have special moments with my partner, or just sip a margarita, visiting Toronto beaches is just an amazing experience. Here, you can spend your time with your family and friends without paying for it.ย
- Woodbine Beachโ This blue-flagged beach is beautiful and offers various amenities to visitors. Enjoy volleyball, swimming, or simply lie down in the sand there.
- Cherry Beachโ It is popular for boarding, surfing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming and other water activities. There are picnic tables, and BBQ facilities amidst the greenery.
- Sugar Beachโ Chill in its scenic beauty with your friends and family. You will find colourful umbrellas and wooden benches everywhere on the beach for people to relax.
There are many other beaches to enjoy and relax for free.
10. Markets
Another free thing is to explore the Toronto markets, as you donโt have to pay unless you buy something. If you have enough time, you must stroll around these popular markets in Toronto.
- Kensington Marketโ Located at Kensington Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5t 2K2; this is Torontoโs most vibrant market and symbolizes the multiculturism of the city. Visitors come to this market for its vintage clothes shopping and international foods.
- Lawrence Marketโ Located at 92-95 Front Street East, Toronto, M5E 1C4, St, Lawrence Market is also free to explore and enjoy people-watching. This market is well known for its specialty food shops and historical influence, there are around 120 vendors.
11. Parks in Toronto
Who wouldnโt 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 Torontoโs charismatic parks for free. It will take you back to your roots- nature!ย I will tell you some of the must-visit parks there.
- High Parkโ Visit the park located at 1873 Bloor Street West, Toronto, M6P for free and enjoy the facilities of a swimming pool, playgrounds, zoo, gardens, and sports in the lap of nature.
- Toronto Island Parkโ Enjoy the fascinating views of the Toronto skyline and the landscapes of this park. There is a little fairground for kids to play and manyย amusement ridesย in the park. Sit and relax on the park bench and enjoy birdwatching, all for free. Itโs located at 9 Queens Quay West Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 2H3.
- Trillium Park-It is a government-owned park with trails and landscapes. beaches, and the beautiful views of the surroundings. Located at 955 Lake Shore Blvd West, Toronto, M6K 3B9, it is a perfect spot for families or couples to spend some leisure time.
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.
- Toronto Eaton Centreโ It is located at 250 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 2H1, and has over 240 stores. Exploring one of the largest malls in Toronto having air conditioning, lighting, and ventilation facilities will be great fun.
- Fairview Mallโ Located at 1800 Sheppard Ave. East, Toronto, M2J 5A7, this mall is one of the biggest. Entry is free. You can also some discount offers in the off-season.
13. Wonderful Hiking Trails
A haven for nature lovers like me, Toronto has several hiking trails, if you want to satiate your adrenaline rush, you can undoubtedly plan a trek on these hiking trails.
- Rouge National Urban Parkย is a beautiful destination for hikers, with aboutย 19 hiking trailsย to offer. Some of its best trails are theย Mast Trails, Orchard Trails, Vista Trails, Rouge Valley Creek Trails, and more.
- Kay Gardener Beltline Trail will give you an adventurous and memorable experience. Enjoy a pleasant walk or goย cyclingย under theย shady trees. Running through midtown Toronto, this place is very popular among hiking lovers.
By exploring the places mentioned above, you can have the most wonderful and budgeted holiday in Toronto. The list can go on, but here I have shortlisted the best spots you must visit in Toronto that are completely free. Make your experience more memorable by clicking selfies and photos of yours and your family. Have the most wonderful and budgeted holidays in Toronto!
Last Updated on April 7, 2024 by Pragya Chakrapani
