10 Free Things to Do in Toronto

The temptations of shopping, good dining, nightlife, and other activities in Toronto — like any other big city — may quickly deplete your travel budget. Luckily there are many amazing fun free things to do in Toronto.

With all its gorgeous scenery and city streets to explore, you'll never run out of free things to do in Toronto. Even if the weather is bad, you can always find free and inexpensive activities to do indoors.

If you're having trouble finding a list of free activities in Toronto, your search is over. This guide includes tourist attractions, recreational activities, and sightseeing excursions. The travel experts at Canadian Train Vacations specialize in trips to Canada. We create personalized itineraries full of activities you'll love.

Here is our list of the top 10 free things to do on your trip to Toronto.

1. Free Admission Nights at the Best Museums in the City

The Art Gallery of Ontario features 120,000 pieces created by renowned modern and contemporary Indigenous, African, and Canadian artists. On the first Wednesday night of each month, from 6 to 9 pm, you can visit the permanent collection without paying the admission fee. Another great collection, The Market Gallery in St. Lawrence Market, a museum and art space that celebrates Toronto's history, is always free to visit. The Museum of Contemporary Art in the West End of Toronto, offers free entry on Friday nights after 5 pm

The Art Gallery of Ontario Operating Hours:

10:30 am- 5:00 pm (Tuesday & Thursday)
10:30 am- 5:30 pm (Saturday & Sunday)
10:30 am- 9:00 pm(Wednesday & Friday)
Ticket price- $30 for Adults / Free on the first Wednesday night of the month
Route tip: The Art Gallery of Ontario is located at 317 Dundas St. W., Ontario, ON M5T 1G4 and is close to St. Patrick subway station.

[ Read: Things to do in Ontario ]

2. Go for a stroll on Cherry Beach

Toronto's Cherry Beach provides a lovely escape from the hectic pace of city life. It's a great spot for a beach walk or sunbathing, but you can also try stand-up paddling boarding or windsurfing for a cost. There's also a food truck for snacks. Although Cherry Beach is theoretically accessible by foot from the downtown area (it's located on the harbour's outer border),  it is on transit routes and there is plenty of visitor parking at the beach.

Beach season:  June to September

Route advice: Cherry Beach is reachable via bus, streetcar, or subway. These are streetcar routes with nearby stops. The bus from Union Station is the most direct route.

3. Take a trip to the Distillery District

Toronto's pedestrian-only Distillery District is a terrific spot to spend a few hours. It's regarded as Canada’s premier arts, culture and entertainment destination and features some of the oldest and best-preserved examples of Victorian industrial architecture.

How to reach: Take the 504 King East Streetcar on the King Street line.

4.    Take the PATH to explore the city

Toronto's PATH network allows you to walk many parts of downtown without going outside thanks to its 30 km of underground walkways and malls. It also includes an elevated portion, dubbed the SkyWalk, between the CN Tower and the Rogers Centre, with a great view of Toronto's skyline. As you explore downtown on the PATH, be sure to take a look at the artwork and artist biographies along SkyWalk's walls.

Operating Times

The PATH is open constantly, although the businesses along it operate according to regular business hours and are typically closed on weekends.

Tip to reach the PATH:

Take the TTC or GO Transit to Union Station. Follow the signs from Union Station to get to either the underground PATH or the Skywalk. You can also access via the Eaton Centre, one of Toronto's top shopping malls.

[ Read: Toronto Attractions ]

5. View the old and new City Halls

If you're interested in architecture and history, you can enjoy both in downtown Toronto, where the Old City Hall and the New City Hall are located next to each other. Old City Hall, which was constructed in the Romanesque architectural style, includes an incredible clock tower worth viewing at night. The neighbouring new Toronto City Hall opened in 1965. Its Modernist-styled rounded towers and central dome make it one of the city's most distinctive landmarks.

Operational timing

New City Hall- Monday to Friday- 8:30 am to 4:00 pm (Saturday & Sunday- closed)
Old City Hall- The criminal courtroom in Old City Hall is open every day, including weekends and holidays.  Choose a weekday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm to visit. The bail courts are open on weekends and holidays, however, the majority of the facility is closed or empty.

Route tip:

Whether you're coming from Queen Station or Osgoode Station, you can walk along Queen Street West. The Toronto City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square are situated on the north side of Queen Street West, almost halfway between these two stops.

[ Read: Places to visit near Toronto in Winter ]

6. Wander through St. Lawrence Market

Even the Pope has shopped at this popular market. The three heritage structures that make up St. Lawrence Market include an antique market, a food market, and a marketplace with more than 120 traders — perfect for wandering around. It's an ideal spot for a cheap lunch and you can eat outside on the terrace.

Don't miss the gallery upstairs, which features free exhibits reflecting the history and culture of the city.

Operating hours:

Tuesday through Friday, 9 am. to 7 pm., Saturday, 7 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm are the new hours for the South Market.

Route advice:

Refer to the St Lawrence Market Map, to learn how to reach the market using a variety of transportation methods. The easiest way is by TTC.  Take the 504 King Streetcar east to Jarvis Street. As an alternative, you may also travel to Union Station and make the short 10 minute walk. 

[ Read: Things to do in Toronto ]

7. Spend the day outside at High Park

Toronto is home to dozens of fantastic parks and High Park is one of the best. This large public park, located west of the core, can occupy a full day. By focusing on hiking the paths, admiring the gardens, and bringing a picnic lunch, you can visit High Park without having to pay for anything. If you want to purchase a meal, early risers have great breakfast options at the picturesque Grenadier Cafe.

Operating hours

Open for 24 hours ( Monday to Saturday)

Route tip:

Take the 506 Carlton streetcar to the High Park loop near Parkside Drive, or board the 508 Lakeshore streetcar and get off at the Parkside or Colborne Lodge stops. Or
take the 80 Queensway bus, which travels between Sherway Gardens and the Keele subway station.

[ Read: Places to Visit Near Toronto in Summer ]

8. Go window shoppping in Yorkville

In this affluent area of the city, there are several eateries, boutiques, and art galleries housed in charming Victorian architecture. Yorkville offers premium eating and shopping, and the area's galleries include some of the best local and foreign artists. The upscale "Mink Mile" shopping area, which is located in Yorkville, is home to upscale stores including Holt Renfrew, Burberry, Prada, and Gucci. 

Timing:

Check the website for individual store hours.

Route Tip:

Bay Street Subway station is in the Yorkville neighbourhood or you can disembark at Bloor/Yonge and stroll across Bloor.

9. Visit the Lighthouse on the Toronto Harbour

The Toronto Harbour Lighthouse is your destination during an afternoon exploring Tommy Thompson Park's vast waterfront pathways.  This beacon, located at the park's southernmost point, offers a stunning view of the city. There are several walking paths within Tommy Thompson Park, one of which crosses the park's floating bridge. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city over the lake, while immersing yourself in nature.

Operating hours

Monday-Friday: 4 am-9 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 5:30 am to 9 pm
Except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day, the park is open on weekends and holidays.

How to get there:

Take the 83 Jones Southbound bus. The park is a five-minute walk from the Commissioner’s Street bus stop at Commissioner's and Leslie.

[ Read: Best Time to go to Toronto ]

10. Spend the day on Centre Island

Anyone looking to get away from the city's bustle should consider a day trip to Centre Island. Wander this parkland oasis, which offers fantastic views of the city, picnic spots and walking trails. While there is no entrance cost, the ferry to the island does cost a nominal fee. The 10-minute boat voyage costs between $4.29 and $9.11 Canadian (approximately $3 and USD 7) depending on your age; children under 2 ride free. Ferry schedules vary by season. For schedules for each season, check the website. The amusement park, dining options, and other attractions might also tempt you to take out your wallet.

[ Read: Amusement Parks in Canada ]

Park Hours

10:30 am to 5 pm

Route Tip:

To travel to the island, you must board a ferry. The majority of passengers will use the ferry service run by the City of Toronto; however, it is feasible to take a private water taxi or a tender. On Queens Quay, the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal (the ferry docks) is situated between Bay and Yonge Streets.