What to do and see in Toronto, Canada: The Best Free Things to do

August 31, 2021 Enriqueta Cusson

We've heard Toronto described as "New York City run by the Swiss," and it's true—you can find world-class theater, shopping and restaurants here, but the sidewalks are clean and the people are friendly. The best place to start is literally at the top—the CN Tower, the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere.
Restaurants in Toronto

1. High Park

1873 Bloor St W, Toronto, Ontario M6R 2Z3 Canada +1 416-392-8188 http://www.toronto.ca/parks/featured-parks/high-park/
Excellent
64%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,270 reviews

High Park

Popular urban oasis offers a variety of outdoor recreation including ice-skating, baseball games, nature hikes and exploring the park's greenhouse.

Reviewed By TylerS30 - Toronto, Canada

Gardens, a waterfall, walking trails, a cafe, a small zoo, a lake, fountains, off leash dog area, picnic spots, historic statues, cherry blossoms, amazing fall colours, tennis, a train tour and more. High Park in Toronto has it all. High Park is basically Toronto's Central Park. It's big, and acts as a big green oasis perfect for an afternoon escape. To minimize walking, I recommend you drive into the park and park your car near the cafe and go on foot from there. If you don't mind the walk, you can take the subway to High Park station on line 2. From there it is about a 15 minute walk into the centre of the park. Don't forget your camera.

2. Queen Street

Queen Street, Toronto, Ontario Canada http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/top-business-stories/vogue-names-torontos-queen-street-west-worlds-second-hippest-district/article20488696
Excellent
48%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 689 reviews

Queen Street

Often compared to New York City's Soho, Queen Street is the place to go for trendy dining and nightlife, plus cutting-edge fashion, art galleries, antique shops and bookstores.

Reviewed By salm140 - Toronto, Canada

Take a streetcar ride from one end to the other. Walk so you don't miss an attraction or event or store. All the big chain stores are here as well as local artisans sell used and new. Every km on this street has something for everyone. East to west your eyes will be exhausted with all the various things to do.

3. Bloor West Village

Bloor St. W. (between Jane St. and Runnymede Road), Toronto, Ontario M6S 1N8 Canada +1 416-767-6026 http://bloorwestvillage.com/
Excellent
48%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 292 reviews

Bloor West Village

Neighborhood with excellent schools and a popular playground particularly attractive to families with children.

Reviewed By StephanToronto

Clean and save. Very good restaurants, bars and shops. The vibe is freindly and family oriented. Good place to go for a weekend stroll.

4. The Beach Village

1971 Queen St E Suite 203, Toronto, Ontario M4L 1H9 Canada +1 416-693-2242 [email protected] http://www.thebeachvillage.com
Excellent
53%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 624 reviews

The Beach Village

Undiscovered by tourists, this quaint neighborhood is home to an academic crowd and contains trendy antique stores and restaurants.

Reviewed By DelightedDiner2015 - Welland, Canada

We took a stroll along the boardwalk. It was well attended. Families and couples walked, individuals ran or jogged, folks walked their dogs. Everyone had an enjoyable experience. Trees had been planted and benches placed in memory of loved ones all along the way. Many were decorated for the season. A delightful walk for us before heading home.

5. Toronto Harbour

Bathurst to Leslie (at Harbourfront), Toronto, Ontario M5J 2G8 Canada +1 416-778-6245 [email protected] http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com
Excellent
47%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 532 reviews

Toronto Harbour

Encompassing the city's downtown area, the harbor is known particularly for its shops, restaurants, ferry terminals and marinas.

Reviewed By michaelaT8138GW - Toronto, Canada

This is a great place to spend time....the options are endless. Terrific cycle and or jogging/walking trail that goes for many kilometers along the lake (and links to many streets and cycle paths going north into the core). It has harbourfront centre with art and entertainment spaces, right next to the Queens Quay indoor mall riddled with shopping and dining, and the Power Plant art gallery. Lots of good spots along the waterfront to take the sun too. There are stretches of grass to sprawl out on, muskoka chairs to take the sun, and the odd picnic bench for a bite or a card game. This is a happening, lively part of a vibrant city. Rent a canoe! Rent a paddleboard, go for a cycle.....take a walk, then have a bite to eat. Enjoy!

6. Edwards Gardens

Lawrence Ave. E. and Leslie St., Toronto, Ontario M3C 1P2 Canada +1 416-392-8186 [email protected] http://torontobotanicalgarden.ca/get-gardening/public-gardens/edwards-gardens/
Excellent
61%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 694 reviews

Edwards Gardens

Garden enthusiasts will enjoy a stroll through this manicured landscape.

Reviewed By sairam2113raj - Bharuch, India

Nice piece of nature in the middle of the city. There is a ravine with trails for walking/biking and it's popular spot for wedding photos.

7. Scarborough Bluffs

1 Brimley Rd S South of Kingston Rd, Toronto, Ontario M1M 3W3 Canada http://www.facebook.com/bluffers/
Excellent
55%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 741 reviews

Scarborough Bluffs

Take in a spectacular view of the waves from these 100-meter cliffs.

Reviewed By adi49

I loved this place, somewhere to walk around, get a picnic with scenic views. well worth a visit, especially on a sunny day

8. St. Lawrence Market

92-95 Front St. E., Toronto, Ontario M5E 1C4 Canada +1 416-392-7219 http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/
Excellent
54%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13,866 reviews

St. Lawrence Market

All roads to good food lead to St. Lawrence Market, a city landmark more than two centuries old. Two hundred vendors sell everything from local mustard to fresh pasta, lobster to artisanal bread.

Reviewed By Nicole99756 - Temagami, Canada

But I’ve been to many places all over the city, and seriously, this is one of the reasons I moved here. Local, friendly, fresh, TASTY, always something different to try, great antiques section, and well, amazing fresh food to prepare yourself, or “no time for that?” the already prepared food is scrumptious too! And, well, if your into “people watching”... this is definitely your place. Surrounding area is always bustling with charm, energy and great food. So really, why not check it out?

9. Allan Gardens Conservatory

19 Horticultural Ave Between Jarvis, Sherbourne, Dundas and Gerrard Sts., Toronto, Ontario M5A 2P2 Canada +1 416-392-7259 http://www.toronto.ca/parks/featured-parks/conservatories/allan-gardens.htm
Excellent
54%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 641 reviews

Allan Gardens Conservatory

Donated by a prominent local philanthropist, these gardens boast a beautiful glass-domed Victorian structure.

Reviewed By E2000EFlisas - Boardman, United States

I was in Toronto for my daughter to attend a dance program at the National Ballet School of Canada and had a lot of downtime while she was dancing for 3 days. I decided to explore some lesser known Toronto spots around the ballet area. A friendly gal at Tim Hortons suggested Allan Gardens and I’m so glad she did. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that admission was free and the walk around the park to the building was lovely. As soon as I entered, it was as though I had transported to somewhere very different from the hustle and bustle of the city. It was peaceful, warm, and absolutely beautiful. I took my time and walked slowly though making sure to notice details and take it all in. I loved the Christmas decor mixed in with the more permanent plant displays. I especially loved the turtle pond and spent quite a bit of time watching them. Overall I spent about 2 hours visiting with some of that just relaxing on a bench with my book. I would definitely visit again when in Toronto and recommend it for all ages.

10. Toronto Public Library

789 Yonge St., Toronto, Ontario M4W 2G8 Canada +1 416-395-5577 http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/
Excellent
70%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 837 reviews

Toronto Public Library

This beautiful building contains a dramatic interior complete with pool and waterfall.

Reviewed By R5870WHstephanied - Toronto, Canada

This library might be one of the best in the Toronto Public Library system. It holds awesome events, including the Toronto Comic Arts Festival (TCAF), is the location of the Arthur Conan Doyle special collections (a must see for Sherlock Holmes fans), has hard working staff, and is visually stunning. Plus several film shoots and weddings have happened here!

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