25+ Best Things To Do This Summer 2025
Summer 2025 in Toronto promises an array of exciting summer activities, with a mix of long-standing traditions, new events, and unique opportunities to enjoy the city during the warmer months. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy a diverse lineup of festivals, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences. Here are 25 summer activities to add to your plans for this season.
Summer Activities to Enjoy in Toronto
1. Attend the Toronto International Dragon Boat Festival
Experience thrilling dragon boat races on the Toronto Islands. This event also features food trucks, live music, and a buzzing summer vibe.
- Details: Dragon boat races, food trucks, and live music.
- Website: dragonboats.com
2. Watch Shakespeare in High Park
Enjoy outdoor theatre performances by Canadian Stage in High Park. This is a fun way to enjoy culture during warm summer evenings.
- Details: Shakespearean performances in High Park.
- Website: canadianstage.com
3. Visit the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)
The CNE offers summer activities like unique foods, carnival rides, and live shows, making it a must-visit event in Toronto.
- Details: Carnival rides, unique food options, and entertainment.
- Website/Tickets: TheEx.com
4. Explore Kensington Market Pedestrian Sundays
Enjoy car-free streets filled with unique shops, street performances, and delicious food every Sunday.
- Details: Eclectic shops, street performances, and food vendors.
- Website: Kensingtonmarket.to
5. Watch a Blue Jays Game
Support the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre. Baseball games are a classic summer activity in the city.
- Details: Major League Baseball games at the Rogers Centre.
- Website/Tickets: Toronto Blue Jays
6. Enjoy Beaches International Jazz Festival
Experience free jazz performances, local vendors, and great summer energy in the Beaches neighborhood.
- Details: Jazz performances and local vendors.
- Website/Ticket: Beachjazz.com
7. Bike Along the Martin Goodman Trail
Rent a bike and explore this waterfront trail. Stop at parks, beaches, and viewpoints as part of your summer activities.
- Details: Biking activites along trail
- Website/Ticket: Bikesharetoronto.com
8. Attend Luminato Festival Toronto
Celebrate arts and creativity with performances, installations, and events across Toronto.
- Details: Citywide arts and creativity festival.
- Website/Ticket: LuminatoFestival.com
9. Relax at Sugar Beach
Spend a summer afternoon under pink umbrellas with beautiful views of Lake Ontario.
- Location: Downtown Toronto, ON
10. Plan a Day Trip to Toronto Islands
Take a ferry to the Toronto Islands for picnics, kayaking, or admiring skyline views as part of your summer activities.
- Details: Picnics, kayaking, and scenic views.
- Website:/Ticket: TorontoIsland.com
11. Celebrate Salsa on St. Clair Street Festival
Dance to salsa music, enjoy Latin American food, and join dance lessons during this lively street festival.
- Details: Food tour, Dancing
- Website:/Ticket: TorontoIsland.com
12. Shop at St. Lawrence Market
Browse fresh produce and artisanal goods while enjoying iconic peameal bacon sandwiches.
- Details: Historic market with fresh produce and food options.
- Website: St.Lawrence Market.com
13. Watch Movies at Christie Pits Film Festival
Bring a blanket and enjoy free outdoor movies every weekend in Christie Pits Park.
- Details: Weekly outdoor movie screenings.
- Website: Festivalstoronto.com
14. Paddleboard on Lake Ontario
Rent a paddleboard and enjoy the peaceful waterfront as part of your summer activities.
- Details: Paddleboarding on Lake Ontario.
- Website/Tickets: PaddleToronto.com
15. Dine During Summerlicious
Savor prix-fixe menus from top restaurants across Toronto as part of this culinary summer activity.
- Details: Prix-fixe menus at Toronto restaurants.
- Tickets: Make reservations directly with participating restaurants.
16. Watch Beaches Sandcastle Competition
See talented sand sculptors create stunning designs on the sandy shores.
17. Visit Evergreen Brick Works
Spend time at outdoor markets, explore trails, or relax in this sustainable green space.
- Details: Markets, trails, and green space activities.
- Website: Evergreen.ca
18. Stroll Through the Distillery District Summer Market
Enjoy shopping, food vendors, and live performances in a historic setting.
- Details: Shopping and performances in the Distillery District.
- Website: TheDistilleryDistrict.com
19. Canoe on the Humber River
Rent a canoe and paddle through this scenic urban waterway surrounded by nature.
- Details: Paddling and enjoy the peace Humber river offer
- Website/Ticket: torontoadventures.ca
20. Walk Graffiti Alley
Capture photos of the colorful street art on this iconic stretch near Queen Street West.
21. Celebrate Toronto Caribbean Carnival
Join the festivities with parades, music, and Caribbean cuisine.
- Details: Carnival Caribbean festivals, Food tour, Custom
- Website: todocarnival.ca
22. See a Concert at Budweiser Stage
This outdoor venue hosts big-name artists with Lake Ontario as a backdrop.
- Detail: Artists, singer performance at Budweiser Stage
- Website/Ticket: stubhub.ca
23. Enjoy Little Italy’s Food Scene
Sample authentic Italian dishes in one of Toronto’s liveliest neighborhoods.
- Detail: Food tour, Italian cusine
24. Visit the Aga Khan Museum Gardens
Walk through beautifully designed gardens and view exhibits celebrating Islamic art and culture.
- Detail: Visit Historic Site
- Website: agakhanmuseum.org
25. Watch Fireworks at Ashbridges Bay
Spend an evening by the lake enjoying fireworks displays with snacks and good company.
- Details: watch Firework at Ashbridges Bay
References:
