10 Things to Do in Toronto in July

Toronto is a cosmopolitan city that offers a wide variety of things to see and do all year round, but in the month of July the warmth of summer creates the perfect setting for experiences for all tastes. It's a month when the city wakes up to festivities and cultural events that celebrate the diversity that defines Toronto.

From Canada Day celebrations that sweep the city, to music festivals, parades and concerts, this cosmopolitan city offers a myriad of activities to enjoy during your stay. That's why here I bring you a list of the best things to see and do in Toronto in the month of July, so you don't miss a thing.

Canada Day, which is commemorated on July 1 across the country, is an independence day celebration that fills the streets and squares with the colors of their flag. Of course it could not be different in Toronto, so during this day you can participate in various activities, from concerts and parades to fireworks shows. These take place at night on Lake Ontario.

During the celebration, you can appreciate Toronto's cultural diversity through traditional dance and music performances by the city's different ethnic communities. Film screenings and outdoor art exhibits are also held.

To attend the celebrations for the celebrations, it is recommended that you arrive early to the emblematic places such as High Park or the Harbourfront Centre, because these are the places where the most outstanding events take place. It is also advisable to wear comfortable clothes and sunscreen, as the festivities usually last all day and most of the night.

This event is ideal for you to interact with the locals in a lively and festive atmosphere. It is certainly a good time for you to take a guided tour of Toronto, either on foot or by bicycle, to see the decorations and see the most emblematic of the city. Live music, decorations, art exhibits and the opportunity to interact with people from diverse cultures make this celebration an experience not to be missed.

Interesting facts

• Days and Hours: July 1st in Toronto all day long. The main celebration starts around 10 pm.
• Location: in the main parks and squares of the city, such as Amesbury Park, Canada's Wonderland, High Park and Centennial Park, and in emblematic places such as the Harbourfront Cultural Centre.
• Admission: free of charge.

Niagara Falls is located about 2 hours from the city, so you can't miss visiting it during your stay in July. Besides the fact that the temperature is nicer and warmer, you will be able to sail close to the falls on a cruise, which runs from May to November in Toronto.

The falls are located on the border between Canada and the United States, and are considered one of the largest waterfalls in the world. To get there you must go to Niagara Falls in the province of Ontario (it is called the same on the U.S. side), which you can do by bus or by joining a guided tour from Toronto. If you go on your own, in the city you can rent a bicycle, take a scenic bus or private transportation to visit the falls.

Visiting Niagara Falls is free of charge, as you can see them from the Niagara Falls waterfront promenade. In addition to the cruise, you can view them from a platform at the base of the falls. It is accessed from the Table Rock Welcome Centre and costs approximately 16 EUR per person. From there you can also take the White Water Walk, a 600-meter path where you will see the turbulent waters of the Niagara River. It costs about 11 EUR per person.

Undoubtedly, visiting Niagara Falls is one of the best excursions from Toronto you can do, and one of the most celebrated spectacles of nature. In Niagara Falls you will also find other proposals to enjoy, such as wineries, the 160-meter high Skylon Tower viewpoint, cable cars and the possibility of practicing sports such as rappelling.

Toronto's harbor and island sightseeing cruise is an experience that offers a unique perspective of the city during the summer months. Aboard the cruise, you will enjoy panoramic views of the Toronto skyline and the picturesque islands of Lake Ontario. This is definitely an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, where you can relax and enjoy the incredible views.

Boarding a Toronto cruise in the month of July is highly recommended, as the weather is usually warmer and more pleasant. During the trip, you will be able to admire iconic landmarks such as the CN Tower, Rogers Centre and First Canadian Place, as well as the islands of Lake Ontario, which will be the delight of nature lovers. Don't forget to bring sunscreen and light clothing to fully enjoy the ride.

In addition to the beautiful views, Toronto cruises often provide you with interesting information about the history and architecture of the city. Many of these cruises also offer entertainment options on board, such as live music and a bar with a variety of drinks and food.

Interesting facts

• Location: the cruises are boarded at the Port of Toronto.
• Admission fee: from approximately €24 per person.
• Days and times: every day, at different times.

The Toronto Jazz Festival, which takes place every July, has become an iconic event that attracts jazz lovers from around the world. During this festival, talented musicians perform in a variety of venues, from outdoor parks to intimate clubs. The program includes a wide variety of styles, from classical to contemporary jazz, ensuring a very diverse musical experience.

To attend this Jazz Festival, it is recommended that you check the calendar of events in advance, so you can choose the ones that interest you the most. Many concerts are free and outdoors, so you can enjoy the music in a relaxed and festive environment both day and night in the city of Toronto.

If you are a jazz fan, you can immerse yourself in the rich musical atmosphere while exploring the stages and participating in various activities such as workshops and talks with musicians. Without a doubt, the city comes alive with the talent of the artists who make the Toronto Jazz Festival a must-see event for music lovers.

The Toronto Fringe Festival is an event that celebrates independent performing arts. For about ten days in July, Toronto becomes a stage for theater, dance and music companies from around the world. The festival takes place at various venues around the city, and offers a wide variety of shows ranging from innovative theatrical productions to comedy and experimental dance performances.

To get the most out of the Toronto Fringe Festival, it's best to check out their schedule so you can choose the shows that interest you most. One of the highlights is the KidsFest, highly recommended if you are traveling with your family, as it offers presentations specially designed for the little ones. It is certainly an opportunity to enjoy Toronto with children.

At the festival, you will have the opportunity to interact with the artists and explore new forms of artistic expression. In addition to the performances, there are often side events such as talks, workshops and discussions, giving you a broader view of the independent art world. On the other hand, if you are interested in art, you cannot miss visiting the Art Gallery of Ontario, where you can admire famous works of art from all over the world.

Interesting facts

• Days and times: you can check the schedule of shows on the official website of the event.
• Location: in several theaters in downtown Toronto.
• Admission fee: some shows are free and others are free of charge.

Toronto' s Caribbean Carnival is an event that celebrates the cultural heritage and diversity of Caribbean communities in the city, with a whole month of events. It takes place in the streets of downtown Toronto, transforming the area into a colorful spectacle. The festivities include a massive parade with live Caribbean music, traditional dances, costumes and decorated floats that capture the joy and vibrancy of Caribbean cultures.

By attending the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, you can immerse yourself in a lively and boisterous atmosphere, where the streets are filled with catchy, upbeat Caribbean rhythms. There you can enjoy live performances, from steel pan bands to dance troupes representing the different islands of the Caribbean. Food and drink stalls offer a delicious variety of authentic Caribbean dishes, giving you a unique culinary experience.

This holiday is often celebrated between mid-July and early August in Toronto. To enjoy this celebration to the fullest, it is recommended that you keep an eye on the days and times of the different shows and events. It is certainly a good time to take one of the best guided tours in Toronto and discover how the city dresses up for Carnival.

The Honda Indy Toronto event, which takes place every year in July, is an exciting experience for motor racing fans. For 3 days in Toronto, the streets are turned into a temporary street circuit where high-speed races are held. This event attracts world-renowned competitors and enthusiastic crowds who gather to watch the action live.

Attending the Honda Indy Toronto requires careful planning, as the streets near the circuit are often closed to regular traffic. At the event you'll be able to enjoy various categories of racing, from single-seaters to touring cars. There are also a variety of activities for attendees, such as car shows, charity events and the chance to meet the race drivers.

It's definitely a great celebration, as food trucks and beer gardens are also set up in the open air, where you can sample local food and drinks. By the way, Canada produces some of the best beers in the world, so after tasting some at the event you may want to take a beer tour in Toronto, especially if you are a beer lover.

Salsa on St. Clair is Toronto's annual signature event that takes place in July, transforming the street of St. Clair into a Latin music and rhythm stage that invites the entire crowd to dance. During the event, the street comes alive with live performances by prominent salsa bands and Latin artists, creating a festive and contagious atmosphere.

When you attend Salsa on St. Clair, you'll have the opportunity to indulge in traditional Latin American dishes from a variety of local stalls and restaurants. In addition to live music and dance, many editions of the event include interactive activities such as free dance classes, giving you the opportunity to actively participate in the celebration.

The event usually lasts two days, from noon to night, and is held on St. Clair Ave West near Humewood Park, Hillcrest Park and Wells Hill Park. This event, which is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in summer in Toronto, is a unique opportunity to enjoy one of the most anticipated events in the city, combining music, dance, fun and gastronomy.

Interesting facts

• Days and hours: during two days in July, from noon to night.
• Location: on St. Clair Ave West between Winona Rd and Christie St.
• Admission: free.

The Regent Park Film Festival is an annual Toronto event aimed at promoting inclusion and diversity through film. In addition to regular screenings, the festival presents a special program called Under the Stars, which is a series of outdoor screenings that takes place on warm July nights in the city.

Under the Stars is a free, outdoor film screening event that takes place at various locations in Regent Park, a neighbourhood located in downtown Toronto.

In addition to the nightly screenings, there are many activities for families before the movie, and popcorn and drinks are sold. The films selected for Under the Stars are often heartwarming stories that celebrate diversity and address issues relevant to the local community, so it has become a much-anticipated annual tradition in Regent Park.

The Bloordale BIA: BIG on Bloor Festival is a community event that celebrates the cultural diversity of Toronto's Bloordale neighbourhood. During the festival, the streets of the neighborhood come alive with a variety of offerings, including art exhibits and live music, and a variety of local food booths are set up. The event usually spans an entire weekend.

The festival often includes special events, such as street art exhibits and live demonstrations, which offer a glimpse of the neighborhood's creativity. There are also activities for the little ones, if you're coming to Toronto with kids.

The BIG on Bloor Festival is also an opportunity to take one of the best food tours in Toronto, where you can experience the true flavors of the city. In addition, stores and restaurants often offer special promotions that you can take advantage of.

On the other hand, the neighborhood streets will be closed to vehicles, so you can enjoy the event and interact with the locals in a super festive atmosphere.