Toronto is an exciting and vibrant city with so much to offer for those who want to explore it. Luckily Toronto has so many free and inexpensive things to do if you don’t want to break your wallet. Check out this list for some inspiration for fun things to do if you’re broke AF in Toronto.
1. AGO and ROM
The AGO and the ROM are two of the best museums in Toronto, but if you don’t want to pay the pricey fee for a day pass, fear not! General admission to the AGO is free for everyone on Wednesdays after 6 and if you’re a student, you can attend the ROM for free on Tuesdays.
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2. St Lawrence Market
Take a stroll through the historic St. Lawrence Market building and take in all of the cool local vendors. If you’re hungry, there are endless options for food and there is even a farmers market every Saturday from 5am – 3pm. There are constantly new and fun events going on at the market so be sure to check out their website to stay updated.
3. Free outdoor movies at Harbour Front and Yonge and Dundas square
Are you getting bored of Netflix or going to the theatres to catch a flick? Try heading to Harbour Front or Yonge and Dundas Square to see a free film! Harbourfront shows films every Wednesday night starting in July and Yonge and Dundas square’s films are every Tuesday starting the end of June.
4. Toronto Island
Toronto Island is a great place to get away from the city without going too far. Rent a bike and explore the island or kick back and relax on the beach! The island also offers paddle board, kayak, canoe and paddleboat rentals, the Centreville amusement park and a small farm where you can pet the animals!
5. Neighbourhood Food Tour
If you’re looking for a fun way to explore the diverse food in the city, consider taking a neighbourhood food in Kensington Market, Chinatown or Greektown on the Danforth. You will get a personal guide who will introduce you to delicious and affordable food from around the world you can sample. You will even get to meet some of the chefs that prepare the food you try and learn about the history of the food and culture it comes from.
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6. Allan Gardens
The gardens are a beautiful place to check out if you want to be one with nature in the middle of the city. This free attraction has six greenhouses that display a diverse and beautiful array of plants from around the world. From June – September there will even be a flower show which will showcase the newest varieties of annual flowers.
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7. Snakes and Lattes
Snakes and Lattes is a great to go with friends or on date if you wanna show your fun side. For a small fee, you can play any board game you could possibly dream of until you get too tired to play anymore! The staff are super helpful and will introduce you to cool games you have never heard of before! You can enjoy a yummy meal or snacks as you play, making this place a must to visit this summer.
8. Kensington Market Pedestrian Sundays
If you have been to Kensington Market before, you will know how exciting it can be to just stroll through and check out all the cool little restaurants and shops. However, pedestrian Sundays give Kensington even more life and excitement when the streets are closed off for the last Sunday of every month. There are dozens of artists, musicians and performers that line the streets as the local shops extend their shops to outside, offering food and drinks from outdoor stands.
9. Queen West
Queen Street West one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in the city and home to a few of jewels to explore. Graffiti is just off of the main street and features cool street art since it is the only place where graffiti is legal in Toronto. You can find cool murals and designs on dozens of buildings so the beautiful murals will pose as a great backdrop for your next Insta. Trinity Bellwoods park is only a 15 minute walk down Queen West and is a great place to go and relax in the grass.
10. Hike the Scarborough Bluffs
If you want to get active and enjoy the beautiful weather, be sure to head to Scarborough Bluffs to hike the trails and enjoy the views. It overlooks Lake Ontario and even features a beach that is great to relax at.
11. Junked Food Co.
If you’re looking for a unique place to grab a treat or a quick bite to eat, this Junked Food co is where you need to go. Their Queen West location features yummy food such as the “smash bag” which is a Doritos bag filled with food like nachos and taco salad, waffle sandwiches, edible cookie dough with soft serve and much more. The unique flavours will be sure to satisfy your taste buds.
12. Polson Pier Movies
Another alternative to your boring movie night is Polson Pier Movies which is a drive in theatre on the Toronto waterfront. They play movies that are currently in theatres so you can still watch the new movies you’ve been meaning to see, just from the comfort of your car!
13. Comedy Bar
Comedy bar is a great place to be entertained for a low price. It features various shows every night ranging from improv or stand up to new and established performers. Check out their website for their upcoming performances to see a show from someone you’ve never heard of or one of your favourite comedians.
14. Warehouse
Warehouse is one of the cheapest places to get great food in the city since each item on the menu is only $5. It also offers a great atmosphere with classic hits blasting from the speakers and Christmas lights hanging from the ceiling. Warehouse has two great locations in Toronto on Queen West and in the Annex so head to the location closest to you!
15. Distillery District
The Distillery District is a historical neighborhood that has been transformed into a village filled with one-of-a-kind stores, galleries, studios, restaurants, cafes, theatres, public artwork and more. Spend the day exploring all it has to offer and enjoy the Victorian Industrial Architecture.
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