SUMMER TORONTO BUCKET LIST
It's summer 2022, and the city is back in full swing! With so many things to do and summer zooming past, here is my list of things to do in Toronto this season.
1. Island Beach Day
The Toronto Islands are my escape in the summer! I love taking a water taxi (the views of the city fromthe lake are unmatched!) over to Ward's Island and making the quick walk to the beach. This beach, on the north side of the island, isn't as much of a party as Hanlan's Point's infamous nude beach, and doesn't cater to families as much as the beach on Centre Island (though there are kids at Ward's too, of course!), it's usually a chill vibe, with volleyball, suntanning, and in the evening, beach bonfires.
After the beach, head to the Island Grill for a milkshake and a snack with views of the Toronto skyline before grabbing a ferry back-- the ferry is free from the island, so as long as the line isn't crazy, it's your best bet to get home.
2. Hotel Pool Time
The Radisson Hotel's rooftop pool is another great option for a sunny day. I first discovered this spot back when they had hospitality industry Mondays, which meant free admission for service industry folks. I'm a server on top of my publishing day job, so booking off work for those pre-pandemic Mondays by the pool with the CN Tower views made for some of my favourite memories! These days, admission can be booked online Monday to Friday for non-hotel guests at a cost of $45/per person. There is poolside food and beverage service and often a DJ playing, it's great.
There are other pool options in the city that offer
day passes as well. HotelX also has pool day passes, but they are pricey! I've also visited the pool at Grand Bizarre in Exhibition Place. Not a hotel, but it can be fun. Be prepared for loud music and dudes ordering bottle service at this spot though, even in the early afternoon. The Radisson is more my speed!
3. Check Out a Festival
The first year I lived in Toronto, I was stunned by how many things are going on here every weekend in the summers! Growing up in Ottawa, we marked our calendars by events like the Tulip Fest and Bluesfest, and while there was the occasional smaller event like the Great Glebe Garage Sale or Jazzfest, there wasn't nearly as much happening as there is here. On any given summer weekend here, there are multiple street fests happening, in addition to the many bigger celebrations and festivals like the newly renamed Toronto Caribbean Carnival, Pride, Beer Fest, Veld, and so many more. I've crossed this one off the list already with Bloor West Street Fest, but plan to check out a few more before summer fades away.
4. Movie Under the Stars
The Toronto Outdoor Picture Show offers movies by donation at several locations around the city all summer long. It's a fantastic event each time, with a giant inflatable screen playing classic films to movie-goers of all ages. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair, snacks, drinks, and pals, and get there early to grab a good spot. They usually have an assortment of food trucks and vendors on site before the film. My one (entirely unsolicited!) suggestion for the organizers (that they'll never see)? Since everyone gets there hours before the movie, before it's dark enough for the screen to be effective, why not have local bands or buskers perform for the crowd? It's a captive audience, would make the vibe even better!
5. Outdoor Concert
Like festivals, outdoor concerts in Toronto are plentiful in the summertime! The lineup at the Budweiser Stage is stacked with concerts of all genres. I've been lucky enough to catch a few already this season, both in seats and on the lawn. This venue has such great energy, and the crowd this year is better than ever.
Symphony in the Gardens at Casa Loma is also back, if music at a castle is more your thing. I've seen the incredible symphony pay homage to Abba and to the movies in the past, and it was incredible, really hoping to get over there at some point this summer!
There are also free outdoor concerts happening around the city, including at the Harbourfront, so there are lots of opportunities for live music no matter your budget.
Did I miss anything? What's on your summer in the city bucket list?
