10 Things to Do in Toronto in Summer

Summer takes over Toronto from June to September, offering fun plans for the whole family. It's the perfect time to explore Ontario's capital and enjoy outdoor activities. Temperatures usually range from 14° to 27°, so it's a good idea to pack comfortable, cool clothing and sunscreen. Also, if you're planning evening things to do in the city, don't forget to pack some warmer clothes.

In general, during the summer you can take advantage of Toronto cruises or enjoy summer festivals that involve music, food and Caribbean celebrations. You can also tour the city, either by bike or on foot. Finally, I recommend sampling Canadian beer, walking on a platform in the air at the CN Tower, or simply enjoying a refreshing ice cream - I'll tell you all about it!

There's nothing better than starting the summer on board a cruise around Toronto's islands. It's the ideal way to relax, while enjoying panoramic views of the city. You'll be able to see towering skyscrapers such as the CN Tower, the world's largest communications tower, from a distance without being exposed to the seasonal crowds.

You can also catch a glimpse of Rogers Centre Stadium or Canada's tallest skyscraper, known as First Canadian Place. Lake Ontario is part of Canada's Great Lakes and is connected to Lakes Michigan, Superior, Huron and Erie. These lakes are freshwater and are surrounded by stunning harbours, where entertainment is never lacking. You can dine, fish or watch the salmon migration.

Note that there are about 15 small islands, which are connected to each other by bridges. Toronto cruises offer unforgettable experiences, as the islands have recreational areas, hiking areas, scenic overlooks, boat rides, picnic huts and even an enchanted lighthouse. The most important islands are:

• Center Island: ideal for family picnics and barbecues, plus it has an amusement park perfect if you're looking for things to do in Toronto with kids.
• Hanlan's Point: until 1900 it was an island inhabited by the Hanlan family and is an area with a variety of sports facilities. It is less crowded, so it is one of the best excursions from Toronto to get out of the routine.
• Ward's Island: this is the residential part of the islands, where you'll find a very picturesque seaside neighbourhood. If you prefer, you can take advantage of the best helicopter tours in Toronto to fly over the area.

With the arrival of summer, the city transforms into a tourist's dream. The sunny, warm, clear days allow you to appreciate the sights in detail, as well as soak up Canada's history. A bike ride is a natural summer activity, as you can enjoy the sun's rays to the fullest. It's also a great way to escape the traffic and make strategic stops at local points of interest. You can stroll through Chinatown, take over the impressive Financial District and sneak into the main local markets.

Personally, I recommend a stop at Nathan Phillips Square, where you'll find restaurants, numerous fountains to cool off in and iconic buildings such as City Hall.

Toronto tours are certainly interesting, but remember to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen during the hot season. Guided experiences start at 70 euros and the best time to start cycling is from 4pm or before 10am.

Summer is a very pleasant season, but some days the temperatures tend to rise a little too high. A beer is the best companion to ease the heat, drain the stress and share with friends. The best area to get a refreshing drink is Old Town or Old Toronto. Here you can visit classic pubs, which played an indispensable role in the creation of this local brew.

In this area you will have the opportunity to visit a popular brewery, called Mill Street. You can also take a beer tasting and learn about the history of beer in the province.

Keep in mind that Canadian beer has a particular flavour, which results from the fusion of malt and tropical fruits. The best thing is that there are options for all palates, as well as non-alcoholic versions. You can complement it with the best food tours in Toronto, and get a taste of delicious dishes in the Distillery District or St. Lawrence Market.

The best time to fly over the city by helicopter is definitely summer. The chances of rain are very low, especially in August. It's an experience that allows you to be 600 metres up in the air and fly from one end of the city to the other. You'll get a glimpse of iconic sites such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum, considered one of Toronto's best museums because it's so comprehensive.

From the air you can't miss a glimpse of the Fort York National Historic Site, a treasured historical monument where the Battle of York was fought in 1813. You can also get panoramic views of Lake Ontario and see some of Toronto's cruise ships. Keep in mind that the sun's rays will be streaming through the helicopter's windows, so in summer it's advisable to dress comfortably and coolly.

Summer is the time to spend time outdoors, especially if you're in Toronto. It's the best way to enjoy the greenery, the local beaches and the ambience of the quaint little streets. For example, you can walk through the Botanical Gardens, which is free and has a refreshing atmosphere surrounded by around 40,000 plants. Other outdoor plans not to be missed include:

• Watch movies outdoors: In summer, Toronto's parks turn into cinemas under the stars. Best of all, most are open to the public.
• Explore the trails and cycling routes: Toronto is a city surrounded by nature, and there are walking, jogging and cycling routes all around the province. You can even cross the bridges that interconnect the islands, while enjoying the vitamin D-filled days.
• Visit a historic village: If you want to travel back in time to the 19th century, head north of Toronto to Black Creek Pioneer Village. It's a village that's known for its outdoor plans, ideal if you're looking for things to do in the city with kids. It offers water mills, old buildings and arts and crafts areas.
• Take a trip to Niagara Falls, one of the wonders of the world, which is just an hour's drive from Toronto. The waterfall is breathtaking and a must-see experience, ideal for cooling off in summer.

If you're looking for things to do in Toronto in August, don't miss the Caribbean Carnival or Caribana. It is one of the largest summer festivals in the region, with an estimated attendance of around one million people. It's a way of honouring Caribbean culture, with live entertainment, Caribbean music shows, traditional dishes, visual arts shows, as well as costumes and fancy dress.

This is an annual event that has been held in the city since 1957. Of course, you can't miss the Caribbean Carnival Parade which features eye-catching floats, regional songs and costumes from all the Caribbean islands - with feathers, sequins, textures and more. You can enjoy a variety of musical genres such as calypso, dancehall, reggae, soca, among others. It is also an experience that will allow you to appreciate the performances of the carnival bands.

Another tradition is the election of the king and queen, where the best costumes are also awarded. Also, don't miss the famous Carnival parties that take place all over the city. They are known as Fetes and take place between July and August, mostly characterised by live cultural performances. Additionally, if you're looking for things to do in Toronto with kids, don't miss the Caribana Kiddies Carnival which is a parade with a family-friendly atmosphere.

Canada Day is celebrated every July 1, with entertaining plans all over the country. Toronto, in particular, hosts fireworks displays that can be viewed from parks, beaches and islands. Downsview Park hosts recreational activities to commemorate the country's independence, so you'll find games for the little ones if you're looking for things to do in the city with kids.

Many activities involving Canadian cuisine also take place on this day. The experience is like taking part in one of Toronto' s best food tours, as you can sample maple syrup, poutine, craft beer and other local delicacies. There are also street parades, fishing events, free concerts, as well as a variety of activities in Fort York, Nathan Phillips Square and more.

Summer can't be complete without music, food and culture festivals. Between June and September there are hundreds of events not to be missed. They're great for meeting new people, taking advantage of the great weather and enjoying outdoor activities. Festivals that I recommend you to join in the summer include:

Toronto Dragon Festival

The Toronto Dragon Festival is a free event held in Nathan Phillips Square, where parades take place on the water. There is also a dragon dance and prizes are awarded for the best lion and dragon costumes. You can enjoy Chinese street food as well as cultural performances. It's definitely one of the best things to do in Toronto in September.

South Asian Festival

The South Asian Festival is an event organised to honour the heritage of the Asian continent. In the month of July, Toronto hosts a street festival with over 150 performances held in Little India. This event attracts a large number of tourists, which leads to traffic closures during the weekend, as most of the activities are outdoors. You can enjoy parades, food tastings and shows for the whole family.

Toronto Outdoor Art Fair

The Toronto Outdoor Art Fair is an ideal venue if you are a person who enjoys art. At this event, you can appreciate various forms of expression in an exhibition that takes place in Nathan Phillips Square. You'll have the opportunity to buy paintings, crafts, high-relief sculptures and much more.

Do West Fest

Toronto is famous for its street life, especially in the summer. For example, you can enjoy street musicians in June thanks to the Do West Fest festival which is an all-ages event and free of charge.

To take summer to the next level, you've got to risk the breeze against your face on Canada's tallest tower. It's an adrenaline-filled experience you'll remember forever. To start your adventure, you'll head to the CN Tower where you'll get the best views of the city. You will also have the opportunity to walk above Toronto, approximately 356 metres above the ground, on the historic Canadian attraction: the Edge Walk.

You will be on top of the most intimidating skyscrapers, in a completely safe experience. You'll be harnessed into a harness that will allow you to stay comfortably in the air for around 30 minutes. If adrenaline isn't your thing, you can explore the tower and visit the revolving restaurant or view Toronto from the glass floor on one of the main floors.

An ice cream is a must in summer, as it's the best way to keep cool. There are plenty of options, especially in this season, which is characteristically hot. Near Toronto's beaches and throughout the city, you'll find a variety of ice cream parlours including:

• Brett's: is a Canadian ice cream parlour that in summer has more than 30 flavours, among which you can find vegan and dairy-free options. I especially recommend the Blueberry Cheesecake or the Cinnamon Bun, which are the most popular between June and September.
• Nadege Patisserie: if you want to try French ice cream, then you should head to this ice cream parlour. You will find traditional ice creams such as Sated Caramel, Marie Antoinette and Pur Noir.
• Ice Creamonology: it is a Canadian ice cream parlour, where ice cream is prepared with seasonal flavours. It is located in the Harbourfront neighbourhood.
• Murphy's Ice Cream Parlour: is a quirky ice cream parlour, offering summer entertainment. So not only can you cool off, you can also take advantage of recreational activities such as live music, outdoor events, ice cream making workshops and more.
• T-Swirl Crepe: is an ice cream parlour where the cones are made with Japanese crepes, you can find flavours such as Matcha Azuki Bean. There are also sweet and savoury options.