Experience Toronto this Summer

Toronto is quickly becoming a popular summer destination with many North American travellers, and it’s easy to see why! During the summer months, the city comes alive with a wide range of music festivals, outdoor activities, and culinary events taking place across the city. Here are just a few ideas of how you can expect to spend a couple of days in Toronto:

Take the Edge Walk at the CN Tower

If you’re not afraid of heights, or perhaps if you are looking to conquer that fear by staring at it right in the face, then you should try the CN Tower’s Edge Walk. The CN Tower was once the tallest tower in the world (a title that has been overtaken by numerous structures across Asia and the Middle East), however, its loss in status doesn’t make it any less frightening once you’re standing on the pod’s exterior with nothing holding you up but a cable. Daredevils can now walk, crawl, or dangle over the city and earn some major street credit while doing so.

Sample international food

With multiple food festivals happening across the city every summer, Toronto is one of the best places to sample international food. During the Summerlicious event which runs in July, 150 restaurants open up their doors and offer a special prix-fixe menu giving people a chance to sample the latest innovations in gourmet cuisine for a fraction of the regular price. Another fun food festival is the Taste of the Danforth which takes place in early August and celebrates the multicultural flavour of the city. This is the place to indulge in foods like Greek souvlaki, Indian curries, and Italian pastas. If you feel like a giant BBQ at the park, there is Jerk Fest; a two day event where you can sample jerk chicken, pork, rabbit, and yes, even alligator.

Catch a flick at the film festival

Cinephiles will enjoy summer in Toronto. Aside from the many movie screenings that take place in the evenings across parks in the city, there are also many international film festivals passing through town. The Open Roof Festival combines movies, music and drinks at rooftop bars across the city. Then there is Sail-In Cinema which has a quirky approach to movie viewing; a two-sided floating movie screen is set up in the harbour and people can watch movies from Sugar Beach or from the comfort of their own boat in the water. And of course, we can’t forget the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) which draws in big names from the entertainment industry every September. For a little celebrity spotting, you’ll want to opt for luxury hotels toronto in the heart of the city.

Visit the Toronto Islands

The Toronto Islands are a great place to get away from the bustle of the city for a few hours; plus it’s the only place where you can get that iconic postcard shot of the city skyline. Getting to the islands is fairly simple, you just catch a ferry from the docks, and a few minutes later you are pulling into Centre Island. Most people head there for a pic-nic on the weekends, but there are lots of other activities you can take part in like canoeing, kayaking, and cycling.

Attend a music festival

The Toronto Urban Roots Festival (TURF) takes place in early July and it includes an indie rock line-up. Then there is VELD which brings in some of the biggest acts in the electronic music scene. This music festival is only in its second year running, yet it’s already drawing the likes of deadmau5, Steve Aoki, and Pretty Lights – come to this one prepared to dance. And lastly, if you’re looking for something that has more of a Latin flavour, there is Ritmo y Color which is a Latin American music and culture celebration which includes lots of salsa dancing.

How would you spend a summer day in this city?