Toronto is packed with great things to see and do all year long but there are a few things that need to be taken advantage of in the warmer months. Here are 10 things you don’t want to miss out on this summer in the city.

Visit the Toronto Islands

A day trip to the Toronto Islands is a quintessential summer experience in Toronto. Whether you rent bikes at Centre Island and explore on two wheels, hit the beach at Hanlan’s Point or Ward’s Island, lunch on the patio at Rectory Café or checking out the rides at Centreville Amusement Park, there’s something to do here for every interest level and age group.

Hit the beach

Toronto has quite a few stretches of sand worth setting up your beach blanket on. Designated Blue Flag swimming beaches in the city include Cherry Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Toronto; Sunnyside Beach, Kew-Balmy Beach, Woodbine Beach and Rouge Beach.

Explore Harbourfront

There’s always something going on along the Harbourfront, especially in the summer. Harbourfront Centre hosts numerous festivals, activities and events but the centre’s 10-acre site along Lake Ontario is also a great place to shop, stroll and relax. Sugar Beach is also in the area, as well as many Toronto attractions like the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium.

Jump in a pool

Some days, the only way to truly cool off on a hot summer day in Toronto is to jump in a pool. If you don’t have one or don’t know anyone who does, there are many public outdoor pools across the city to visit. There are 57 outdoor pools in total and the season for swimming is usually June 26 through to Labour Day.

Shop at a farmers’ market

While some of the city’s farmers’ markets operate all year long, there are many others that are only open from May to October. Shopping for local, organic, seasonal produce and locally-made breads and prepared foods is one of the best things about summer in Toronto.

Have a picnic in the park

Is there anything better than eating al fresco? Since we’re forced to dine indoors for several months of the year, it’s important to take advantage of balmy breezes and plan some summer picnics in one of Toronto’s many parks.

Spend a day at Canada’s Wonderland

If you like rides, a trip to Canada’s Wonderland is a must during the summer months. The sprawling amusement park boasts over 200 attractions, 69 rides for thrill-seekers of all levels, North America's largest variety of roller coasters, and Splash Works; a 20-acre water park.  

Go to a food festival

One of the best things about Toronto in the summer is the sheer amount of festivals that happen across the city between May and September. Food festivals especially are a fun way to spend the day outdoors while eating delicious food.

Canoe, kayak or SUP

Summer is the perfect time to get active on the water in a canoe or kayak or on a stand-up paddleboard. There are several places to rent all three. Toronto Adventures offers canoe and kayak rentals through their Humber River location and paddleboards at their Sunnyside location. You can also rent canoes, kayaks and paddleboards from Harbourfront Canoe and Kayak Centre.

Watch a movie with Sail-In Cinema

For three nights during the summer you can watch a movie under the stars with Sail-In Cinema, Toronto’s largest outdoor theatre. Movies are shown at Sugar Beach on a two-sided screen set atop a barge in Toronto Harbour. Screenings are free and you can watch on land (just bring something comfy to sit on) or come to the movies by boat and drop anchor. You’ll need a ticket if you’re viewing on land but not if you’re coming by boat, but boat-goers are encouraged to come early due to limited space.