The summer is a great time to go out, explore the city and find some great things to do. Toronto has plenty of things to do (our province’s smaller cities do, too!). By many accounts, it’s the number one summer getaway destination in Canada. With its hot summer climate, great food, and exciting nightlife, Toronto is a fantastic place to vacation. Here are some top picks for the summer of 2021.
Kensington Market
Toronto is a city with a thriving food scene, active arts, and interesting urban culture. That’s why we decided to highlight a few of the places you might not have heard about before, especially the Kensington Market – a hidden gem in the Toronto area. Kensington Market was only officially designated in 2006, and is still a great place to visit on the weekend all year round. It’s a bustling open-air market, where you’ll find fresh produce, specialty foods and crafts, as well as live entertainment and fun bars. The bohemian feel is a unique escape from the hectic city and one you won’t want to miss.
Visit Breweries
Plan your own brewery tour or sign up for one. The craft brewing scene is rapidly growing in Toronto, and you’ll find breweries scattered throughout the city. Most of them offer free/cheap samplings, so make sure to try a variety! If you’re up for it, visit some of the local breweries that may be further out from downtown: Mill Street Brew Pub (207 Queen’s Quay) or Collective Arts (777 Dundas St W).
Distillery District
Tour the Distillery District and turn back in time. Toronto’s historic distillery district is one of the most picturesque areas, and a must-do in the summertime. With its brick buildings, shopping, and art galleries, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back into the early 1900s.
Toronto Island
Take a ferry from the city centre and spend the day on Toronto Island. The island is an oasis of waterfront parks, quaint shops and restaurants, and green space along Lake Ontario. There are also a couple of beaches (one nude beach!) and a fantastic boardwalk.
Visit St Lawrence Market (92 Front Street East)
Grab lunch or dinner at Toronto’s oldest market, open since 1801. You can find fresh fruit and vegetables, fishmongers and butchers all under one roof. Go for lunch on Saturday when the market is fully open. There are lots of cute restaurants and pubs around the market for dinner.
The Toronto real estate market isn’t for everyone, and many people are looking to invest outside of the city for more affordable housing. Check out what’s available in the Collingwood area.