10 Things to Do in Toronto in Summer

Summer takes over Toronto from June through September, offering fun plans for the whole family. It's the perfect time to explore Ontario's capital city and enjoy outdoor activities. Temperatures usually range from 14° to 27°, so it's a good idea to pack comfortable, cool clothing and sunscreen. Also, if you are planning nighttime things to do in the city, don't forget to pack some warmer clothes.

In general, during the summer you can take advantage of Toronto cruises, or enjoy the summer festivals that involve music, food and Caribbean celebrations. You can also tour the city, either by bike or on foot. Finally, I recommend you try Canadian beer, walk on a platform in the air at the CN Tower, or simply enjoy a refreshing ice cream. I'll tell you everything in detail!

There's nothing better than starting the summer aboard a cruise around Toronto's islands. It is the ideal plan to relax, while enjoying panoramic views of the city. You can see towering skyscrapers such as the CN Tower, the largest communications tower in the world, from a distance and without being exposed to the typical seasonal crowds.

You can also catch a glimpse of Rogers Centre Stadium or Canada's tallest skyscraper, known as First Canadian Place. Lake Ontario is part of Canada's Great Lakes and connects to Lakes Michigan, Superior, Huron and Erie. These lakes are freshwater and are surrounded by stunning harbors, where entertainment is never lacking. You can dine, fish or watch the salmon migration.

Note that there are about 15 small islands, which are connected to each other by bridges. Toronto cruises offer unforgettable experiences, as its islands have recreational areas, hiking areas, scenic overlooks, boat rides, picnic huts and even an enchanted lighthouse. The most important islands are:

• Center Island: ideal for family picnics and barbecues, it also has an amusement park perfect if you are looking for things to do in Toronto with kids.
• Hanlan's Point: until 1900 it was an island inhabited by the Hanlan family and is an area that has a variety of sports facilities. It is less crowded, so it is one of the best excursions from Toronto to get out of the routine.
• Ward's Island: is the residential part of the islands, where you will find a very picturesque seaside neighborhood. If you prefer, you can take advantage of the best helicopter tours in Toronto to fly over the area.

With the arrival of summer, the city transforms into a tourist's dream. The sunny, warm, clear days allow you to appreciate the sights in detail, as well as soak up Canada's history. A bike ride is a summer activity by nature, as you can enjoy the sun's rays to the fullest. It is also a great way to escape the traffic and make strategic stops at local points of interest. You can stroll through Chinatown, take over the impressive Financial District and sneak into the main local markets.

Personally, I recommend a stop at Nathan Phillips Square, where there are restaurants, numerous fountains to cool off in and iconic buildings such as City Hall.

Toronto tours are certainly interesting, but remember to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen during the hot season. In the city you will find guided experiences from 70 euros, and the best time to start pedaling is from 4:00 pm or before 10:00 am.

Summer is a very pleasant season, however some days the temperatures tend to rise more than usual. A beer is the best company to relieve the heat, drain stress and share with friends. The best area to get a good refreshing drink is Old Town or Old Toronto. Here you can visit classic bars, which played an indispensable role in the creation of this local brew.

In this area you will have the opportunity to visit a popular brewery, called Mill Street. You will also be able to do a beer tasting and learn about the history of this drink in the province.

Keep in mind that Canadian beer has a particular flavor, which results from the fusion of malt with tropical fruits. The best thing is that there are options for all palates, as well as non-alcoholic versions. You can complement it with the best gastronomic tours in Toronto, and try delicious dishes in the Distillery District or in the St. Lawrence Market.

The best time to fly over the city by helicopter is definitely summer. The chances of rain are very low, especially in August. It is an experience that will allow you to be 600 meters above the ground, touring the city from one end to the other. You will have a glimpse of iconic sites such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum, considered one of the best museums in Toronto, because it is very complete.

From the air you can not miss a glimpse of the Fort York National Historic Site, a precious historical monument where the Battle of York was fought in 1813. You can also get panoramic views of Lake Ontario and see some of Toronto's cruise ships. Keep in mind that the sun's rays are streaming through the helicopter windows, so in summer it is advisable to wear comfortable, cool clothing.

In summer you have to take advantage of spending time outdoors, especially if you are in Toronto. It is the best way to enjoy the green areas, local beaches and the atmosphere in its picturesque streets. For example, you can walk through the Botanical Garden, which is free and has a refreshing atmosphere surrounded by about 40,000 plants. Other outdoor plans not to be missed include:

• Watch movies outdoors: in summer Toronto's parks become movie theaters under the stars. The best part is that most are open to the public.
• Explore the trails and bike paths: Toronto is a city surrounded by nature, there are walking, jogging and biking trails all around the province. You can even cross the bridges that interconnect the islands, while enjoying the vitamin D-loaded days.
• Visit a historic village: if you want to travel back in time to the 19th century, you have to head north of Toronto, specifically to Black Creek Pioneer Village. It is a village that stands out for outdoor plans, ideal if you are looking for things to do in the city with kids. It offers water mills, old buildings and arts and crafts areas.
• Take a trip to Niagara Falls: one of the wonders of the world, which is just an hour from Toronto. The waterfall is impressive and is a must-see experience, ideal for cooling off in summer.

If you are looking for things to do in Toronto in August, you can't miss the Caribbean Carnival or Caribana. It is one of the most important summer festivals in the region, with an estimated attendance of around one million people. It is a way of honoring Caribbean culture, with live entertainment, Caribbean music shows, typical dishes, visual arts shows, as well as costumes and disguises.

This is an annual event that has been held in the city since 1957. Of course, you can't miss the Caribbean Carnival Parade, which features eye-catching floats, regional songs and costumes from all the Caribbean islands: feathers, sequins, textures and more. You can enjoy a variety of musical genres such as calypso, dancehall, reggae, soca, among others. It is also an experience that will allow you to appreciate the performances of the carnival bands.

Another tradition is the election of the king and queen, where the best costumes are also awarded. In addition, you cannot miss the famous Carnival parties that take place all over the city. They are known as Fetes and take place between July and August, mostly characterized by live cultural performances. Additionally, if you are looking for things to do in Toronto with kids, you can't miss the Caribana Kiddies Carnival which is a parade with a family atmosphere.

Canada Day is celebrated every July 1, with entertaining plans all over the country. Specifically, Toronto hosts fireworks displays that can be viewed from parks, beaches and islands. Downsview Park organizes recreational activities to commemorate the country's independence, so you will find games for the little ones if you are looking for things to do in the city with children.

During this day there are also many activities that involve Canadian gastronomy. The experience is like taking part in one of Toronto' s best food tours, as you can sample maple syrup, poutine, craft beer and other local delicacies. There are also street parades, fishing events, free concerts, as well as a variety of activities in Fort York, Nathan Phillips Square and more.

Summer can't be complete without music, food and cultural festivals. Between June and September there are hundreds of events not to be missed. They are ideal to meet new people, take advantage of the good weather and enjoy outdoor activities. Festivals I recommend you sign up for in the summer include:

Toronto Dragon Festival

The Toronto Dragon Festival is a free event held at Nathan Phillips Square, where parades are held on the water. In addition, dragon dancing takes place and prizes are awarded for the best lion and dragon costumes. You can enjoy Chinese street food, as well as cultural shows. Without a doubt, it is one of the best things to do in Toronto in September.

The South Asian Festival

The South Asian Festival is an event organized to honor the heritage of the Asian continent. In the month of July, Toronto hosts a street festival with more than 150 performances that takes place in Little India. This event attracts a large number of tourists, which leads to the closure of traffic during the weekend, as most of the activities are outdoors. You can enjoy parades, food tastings and shows for the whole family.

Toronto Outdoor Art Fair

The Toronto Outdoor Art Fair is an ideal space if you are a person who enjoys art. At this event, you can appreciate various forms of expression in an exhibition that takes place at Nathan Phillips Square. You will have the opportunity to buy paintings, crafts, high-relief sculptures and much more.

Do West Fest

Toronto is famous for its street life, especially in summer. For example, you can enjoy street musicians in June thanks to the Do West Fest festival which is an all-ages, no-cost event.

To take summer to another level, you have to risk feeling the breeze against your face on Canada's tallest tower. It's an adrenaline-filled experience you'll remember forever. To start the adventure, you have to approach the CN Tower where you can get the best views of the city. In addition, you will have the opportunity to walk above Toronto, approximately 356 meters high, on the historic Canadian attraction: the Edge Walk.

You will be on top of the most intimidating skyscrapers, in a completely safe experience. You will have a harness that will allow you to stay comfortably in the air for about 30 minutes. If adrenaline isn't your thing, you can explore the tower and visit the revolving restaurant or view Toronto from the glass floor on one of the main floors.

An ice cream can't be missed in summer, as it's the best way to keep cool. There are many options, especially in this season that is characterized by being hot. Near the beaches of Toronto and throughout the city, you will find a variety of ice cream parlors among which stand out:

• Brett's: is a Canadian ice cream shop that in summer has more than 30 flavors, among which you can find vegan and dairy-free options. I especially recommend the Blueberry Cheesecake or the Cinnamon Bun, which are the most popular between June and September.
• Nadege Patisserie: if you want to try French ice cream, then you should head to this ice cream parlor. You will find traditional ice creams such as Sated Caramel, Marie Antoinette and Pur Noir.
• Ice Creamonology: it is a Canadian ice cream parlor, where they prepare ice cream with seasonal flavors. It is located in the Harbourfront neighborhood.
• Murphy's Ice Cream Parlor: it is a peculiar ice cream parlor, where summer entertainment is offered. So not only can you cool off, you can also take advantage of recreational activities such as live music, outdoor events, ice cream making workshops and more.
• T-Swirl Crepe: is an ice cream parlor where the cones are prepared with Japanese crepes, you can find flavors such as Matcha Azuki Bean. In addition, there are sweet and savory options.