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It’s time to discover (or rediscover) why warmer months in Toronto are so magical. The city offers everything from opportunities to reconnect with nature to events that will get you breathing fresh air. There are even special events Toronto cultural organizers host outdoors because who doesn’t want to experience creativity under an open sky? Here are some of the ways you can explore the city without ever stepping indoors.
People often say there’s no better way to discover a city than on foot. Check out these five great examples of how to see more by strolling or rolling.
Interested in getting to know a particular neighbourhood but want to go at your own pace? These self-guided neighbourhood tours immerse you in the city’s history and help you uncover surprising stories. The eight tour locations include the Casa Loma neighbourhood and Fort York.
Gain access to buildings that are not usually open to the public and free access to sites that would usually charge an admission fee during Doors Open Toronto 2023. For the last 23 years, this event has allowed people to get an insider’s view of well-loved buildings and outdoor sites.
On Saturdays, get to know the Queen West neighbourgood, including the Art and Design District at Ossington Avenue. This culture tour includes the Gladstone Hotel, the Drake Hotel, and an outdoor portion that blends art, design, urbanism, local history, and popular culture.
From walks to exclusive building insights, Toronto Society of Architects’ tours start in the first week of June and continue until early fall. They celebrate the city’s built environment and are well-researched to ensure you discover the stories behind buildings and landscapes.
Tour Guys offers free public walking tours led by a team of history nerds, stand-up comedians and improvisers, actors, filmmakers, and musicians. Public tours include Downtown Toronto, Old Town, the Fact or Fiction Ghost Tour, Yonge Street Music and Pop Culture, Canadian Heroes and Villains, and more.
Think of spring as the soft launch of festival season, which really kicks into high gear come summer. To get a taste of the cultural celebrations and numerous food fests that lie ahead, make your way to these three early-season festival events.
There’s only one way to celebrate 70 years of Portuguese immigration to Canada: with food and music. Grab some of the country’s famous custard tarts, browse local vendors, and dance to traditional music at Nathan Phillips Square on May 14 during Portugal. The Festa.
For a unique experience, look ahead to June 7 to 18 when Luminato Festival 2023 rolls around. The annual celebration of performance, visual art, music, theatre, and dance takes over both outdoor and indoor spaces. One unique outdoor event occurs from June 7 to 11, when Luminato welcomes a 12-ft. puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee who has travelled through 90 cities around the world. She’ll walk the region looking for hope. Greet her during Walk with Amal.
The first day of summer is June 21, so this festival technically gets slotted into summer season by just two days. From June 23 to July 2, the sounds of jazz will take over various locations and Festival’s Village in Bloor-Yorkville. Among the musical greats slotted to perform are Herbie Hancock, Snarky Puppy, and Jully Black.
Scattered throughout the concrete jungle that is Canada’s biggest city are plenty of green spaces and parks so you can stroll, strap on the rollerblades, hop on a bike, and take in the greenery. Local organizations are also no strangers to highlighting nature. Check out these two gems.
Traverse 17 themed gardens over four acres at TBG. Beyond shrubs, perennials, wildflower meadows, ornamental grasses, water features, TBG offers an array of Toronto cultural events.
An abandoned brick factory is now a lively community hub where sustainable practices are at the forefront. Plus, Evergreen Brickworks is nestled in the heart of the Don River Valley Park, which is rich in walking, hiking, and biking trails.
Words by: Izabela Shubair