Some surefire staples in Toronto for summertime fun
· Toronto Sun
We have officially reached the dog days of summer.
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It’s that time of year — July into August — when everything grinds to a near-complete stop.
For some, that means busting out the flip-flops, setting up that out-of-office email and venturing out on #vacationmode. For others, these sizzling days are more subtle. Maybe the day job continues in earnest, but with a few more post-work patio drink evenings here or a beach day there.
Those with access to a cottage will surely have already fled from the concrete jungle, but those sticking around still have plenty of R&R options at their fingertips in the world-class city that is Toronto.
With that, and considering that the wildfire smoke issues that have recently plagued much of the province and beyond might finally be improving, what better time than now to discover, or rediscover, some of the city’s classic summertime spots?
And hey, with all those cottagers out of town, the city always feels a bit more spacious right around now.
Here’s a look at some tried, tested and true things to do in and around the city when the livin’ is easy and nostalgia is en vogue.
ISLAND TIME
Ten bucks doesn’t get you much these days, but it’ll get you to the Toronto Islands and back — and you’ll even have a bit of change left over.
It says here that the islands remain Toronto’s top summertime gem. Downtown types can escape cramped condo quarters for the more wide-open spaces found on the car-free islands nestled on Lake Ontario and easily accessible to anyone mere minutes from the downtown core.
Take the kiddies to the amusement rides on Centreville, play some pickleball or disc golf near Ward’s Island or take a dip at one of the many beaches. Just as fun? Go there with no plans at all other than to simply exist. There is no wrong choice on the islands.
The ferry schedule expands in the summer to offer returns as late as 11:45 p.m. in some instances. Be prepared for an extremely busy queue on weekends, however.
FEEL AT HOME AT THE DOME
The Blue Jays haven’t exactly set the baseball world on fire in 2026, but the dome — Rogers Centre, as some call it — is forever the place to be, win or lose.
Aside from aboard the ferry looking back at the cityscape, there are few views as exceptional as the ones that include the CN Tower when the lid is popped open on a midsummer day or night down at the diamond.
Renovations and various additions over the past few years have also made the dome far more welcoming, particularly for the passive baseball fan who enjoys a good vibe as much as a three-run dinger.
Two hated American League East Division rivals — the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees — are in town for back-to-back series in mid-August. Let’s cross our collective fingers that these games are of consequence in the standings by then.
Looking for baseball without the cost? Domenico Field at Christie Pits is home to the Canadian Baseball League’s Toronto Maple Leafs. There are no admission fees at the Bloor and Christie Sts.-area ballpark.
LIFE’S A BEACH
Toronto doesn’t immediately come to mind when the topic of a top-tier beach comes up, but there are some nice ones.
Beach volleyball and fireworks enthusiasts appreciate Woodbine Beach in the east end, while Cherry Beach is often rated as being one of the city’s cleaner beaches. Hanlan’s Point back on the islands is known for its quieter atmosphere (and clothing-optional lore). Bluffer’s Park Beach in Scarborough offers the most incredible views at the base of the Scarborough Bluffs.
We’d argue there are far nicer beaches elsewhere in Ontario — and for those with vehicle access, some are quite easy to get to from the GTA — but for a quick and easy jaunt in town, there are certainly decent choices.
Prefer a more chlorinated option? Fret not. There are more than 100 public pools in the city, including more than 50 outdoor pools that operate seasonally.
PATIO PARADISE
Everyone has their favourite “secret” Chinese food place. Similarly, most folks have a specific patio they cherish and sometimes try to gatekeep all summer long.
According to the city’s CafeTO Program, there are more than 1,400 licensed outdoor patios in Toronto.
Establishments with some of the top-ranked patios include Amsterdam Brewhouse on Queens Quay, KOST in the Entertainment District, Harriet’s Rooftop in the Fashion District and The Rooftop on Broadview Ave.
Trying to pinpoint a favourite is a bit of a fool’s errand, however. Downtown, east end, west end, rooftops, alleyways — there is legitimately something for everyone’s taste. We recommend hitting up your favourite neighbourhood and trying a few out.
Don’t forget: Enjoying your own adult beverage is also possible now at specific city parks that permit it .
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TAKE A WALK
If you can handle the heat, simply stepping out around town can prove to be one of the most enjoyable — and cost-effective — summertime activities in the place that the youngsters maybe still like to call The 6ix.
The city is home to more than 1,500 parks and green spaces, so even if you’re walking on concrete while you’re reading this, you’re likely to hit some grass eventually.
One of the benefits of not just Toronto, but any city, is that there’s so much to see and do, so the likelihood of getting bored is about as slim as the chance of scoring a reasonably priced FIFA World Cup ticket in Toronto earlier this summer.
Need some added motivation to get out there? Winter officially begins in about five short months from now.