Summer weekend in Toronto
How locals do summer in Toronto — patios, beaches, festivals and the long-evening rituals that only happen in July and August.
Top spots in Toronto
Cherry Beach
FamilyPort Lands
Lake Ontario swims and Sunday DJ sets in the trees.
Nathan Phillips Skate
FamilyDowntown
Free skating under the giant TORONTO sign.
Evergreen Brick Works
OutdoorsDon Valley
Wetlands, farmer's market and fall colour walks.
High Park Cherry Blossoms
OutdoorsHigh Park
Hundreds of sakura trees peak for ~10 magical days.
Toronto Islands
OutdoorsHarbourfront
Ferry over for bike rides, hidden beaches and skyline picnics.
Trinity Bellwoods Park
OutdoorsWest Queen West
Sunday hangs, drum circles and the city's best people-watching.
Kensington Market
Food & DrinkKensington
Pedestrian Sundays, vintage stalls and global street food.
Where to eat
Alo
$$$$French tasting · Spadina
Top of Canada's 100 — book a month out.
Bar Raval
$$Spanish tapas · Little Italy
Gaudí-meets-pintxos, standing-room only.
Lee Restaurant
$$$Asian fusion · King West
Susur Lee's signature singapore slaw.
Pai Northern Thai
$$Thai · Entertainment District
Lively, chili-fueled, packed nightly.
Live & on stage
Arkells
Budweiser Stage · Jul 18 · Rock
Caribana Festival
Exhibition Place · Aug 1–4 · Caribbean
Cavalcade of Lights
Nathan Phillips Sq · Nov 29 · Free / Family
Drake — OVO Fest
Budweiser Stage · Aug 3 · Hip-Hop
TIFF Tribute Gala
Roy Thomson Hall · Sep 7 · Film
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: Toronto Islands, Trinity Bellwoods Park, Kensington Market. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Toronto and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.