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Toronto is an exciting, multi-cultural city with many interesting places to explore! In this post, Nurture Happiness Today TRAVEL shares free places to visit in downtown Toronto! However, please be sure to check out the websites of the places directly to confirm free dates and times, particularly as some may not always be free. Some places could have admission fees on “regular days” or possibly have special events taking place. Therefore, we have also included links to the venues’ websites to help you confirm further details. Enjoy discovering Toronto!
Toronto Harbourfront
The Toronto Harbourfront is always a free place to visit in Toronto. It is a popular area for visitors and locals!
The Harbourfront often has free street performances or busking in the warmer months for visitors that are entertaining and always draw happy crowds.
Events, vendors, and food and cultural festivals are available to the public especially in the summer. Of course, there are a variety of restaurants and various boat tours (for a fee) also available at the Harbourfront.
Additional highlights:
- Concert Stage is always free and features an open air, covered stage with seating. There are often various free performances in warmer months which have included musicians, singers, comedy, and dance shows. In the winter, ice skating maybe available in the space.
- The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery: offers free access all year-round to their gallery and programs. Be sure to check their website for details on their art and exhibits which change.
- Toronto Music Garden: the garden is a lovely area in the Harbourfront where live music is performed free for the public. There are solo or small musical performances of singers, musicians, and a variety of instruments in the summer.
Nathan Philips Square
The outdoor square is open to the public and a free place to visit in Toronto all year. The colourful Toronto sign attracts many visitors and is illuminated at night.
Nathan Phhilips Square is located near the Eaton Centre Shopping Centre and is a short walk to other popular sites like Yonge Street and Dundas Square.
Festivals and performances: there are often free events, festivals, and performances taking place, particularly during the warmer months. We have seen free concerts, cultural events, and art and food festivals taking place throughout the year.
In the winter, the water fountain area is turned into an outdoor ice rink. Enjoy ice skating and winter markets that are open to the public. Check the Nathan Philips Square Skate Rental to confirm their skating rental availability directly.
Yonge-Dundas Square
The open square is open to the public all year. The square is busy with shoppers from the Eaton Centre Shopping Centre and tourists and visitors exploring the busy area. The square is surrounded by restaurants, lots of lights, and billboards. There are often free events and exhibits at Yonge-Dundas Square in the warmer months!
TIFF Under-25 Free Pass
If you are under the age of twenty-five, sign up for the TIFF Under-25 Free Pass if you love movies. The pass provides benefits, discounts and special perks right away, including:
- two complimentary tickets to regular-price year-round Cinematheque screenings
- 15% off concessions and at the TIFF Shop
- advance access to ticket (pre-) sales and events, and more!
The TIFF Bell Lightbox and box office is located at 350 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3X5, Canada
Website: https://tiff.net/
Toronto Waterfront Bike Trails
- Waterfront Trails: The trails are enjoyed by cyclists, runners, walkers, and roller bladers. Many the trails are asphalt paths and some include off-road trails. The trails are scenic and great to get some exercise and enjoy nature. There are three sections of Toronto’s Waterfront Trail: Etobicoke (west), Toronto (central), Scarborough (east).
- Don Valley Trails is particularly great for cyclists and very scenic as the trail is by the Don River. It is enjoyable to see the nature in the city and also see some public artwork along the trail.
Toronto Beaches
Woodbine Beach & Park: approximately 15 hectares, this park is a picturesque, popular spot for locals and tourists. Many people have picnics, sunbathe, and enjoy the boardwalk. There is also the Summerville Outdoor Olympic Pool nearby.
Location: 1675 Lake Shore Boulevard East, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Sugar Beach: people enjoy the small beach area that has pink beach umbrellas and Muskoka chairs free for visitors. Visitors can be found sitting and reading, sunbathing, or just enjoying the views and surrounding area. Close by the Toronto Harbourfront, Sugar Beach is located at the foot of Lower Jarvis Street (between Jarvis Street and Richardson Street), south of Queens Quay East.
Toronto Museums
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
Open Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Monday. Check the ROM directly for admission information, general admission ticket prices and special exhibit costs and details. Free Admission on the third Tuesday of every month only, from 4:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. Please confirm with the ROM website directly for times and dates for any changes.
Address: 100 Queen’s Park, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2C6
Art Gallery of Ontario
Open Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Monday. Visitors aged 25 years old and under are free. Visitors 18-25 years old must show valid ID to claim their pass. Free Wednesday Nights only from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Confirm with the AGO website as tickets must be pre-booked online.
Address: 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1G4
The Distillery Historic District
Toronto’s Distillery District is described in their website as “an internationally acclaimed village of one-of-a-kind stores, shops, galleries, studios, restaurants, cafes, theatres and more.” It was designated a national historic site and offers visitors a unique and beautiful area to explore in the heart of the city. As such, you may also see wedding photos being taken and wedding celebrations taking place in the venues there.
In addition, there is a self-guided tour and tours offered (for a fee) e.g. brewery tours, segway and walking tours, etc.
Check the Distillery District website for shops, events, restaurants, and further details about visiting the district.
• Photo Opportunities: Large open red heart, LOVE sign with locks.
• Address: 55 Mill Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 3C4
High Park
Located in the middle of Toronto, High Park is about four hundred acres where you can enjoy nature, recreational facilities, picnic, and various events throughout the year. Please check the High Park website for further details and events, which include:
Cherry Blossoms: trees usually bloom in April or May which bring large crowds of people to the park.
High Park Amphitheatre: Canadian Stage often performs plays and “Shakespeare in the Park” during the summer. There are regular priced tickets and a “Pay What You Wish” option based on availability. Please check the Canadian Stage website directly to confirm dates, performances, and pricing.
Fort York National Historic Site
The historic site is preserved as a archeological park. The Toronto website indicates “Fort York is where British soldiers, First Nations warriors and Upper Canadian militiamen stood together against the United States and its mission to capture Toronto in the War of 1812.” There is a visitor centre that includes a gallery and various exhibits. Check the Fort York National Historic website for further details about visiting.
• General admission is free. Some special events may charge separately for admission.
• Free guided tours are also available.
• Address: 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3K9
St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica
Located in the core of the city, close by the Toronto Eaton Centre shopping mall, is St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica. It is one of the oldest churches in Toronto and the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto. The basilica highlights gothic architecture and has beautiful stained-glass windows.
The Cathedral is free to visit in Toronto. Please refer to St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica website to confirm information directly, as details provided in this article may change, especially during the holidays.
If you are planning to celebrate Catholic mass at the cathedral, the beautiful voices from St. Michael’s Choir often sing at the weekend mass. And so, please confirm directly if interested in seeing the choir.
Address: 200 Church Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1Z2
Cathedral Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM
There are many free places to visit in Toronto throughout the year! However, as some places may hold temporary events or may be available free at specified dates and times, be sure to confirm with the venues directly.
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For more articles, be sure to take a look at Nurture Happiness Today‘s other features on travel, food, and inspiration for happiness:
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