The Travelling Maple Leaf

Introduction

Toronto is a busy and exciting city located in Ontario, Canada. This list includes some suggestions for free activities in Toronto to help you explore the city without the expensive price tag! Keep reading to learn about parks, galleries, attractions, and more.

Visit Toronto’s Parks

Explore beautiful green spaces like High Park, Trinity Bellwoods Park, or the Toronto Islands for free. You can enjoy picnics, walking trails, and beautiful views all while making lasting memories and taking in the scenery.

High Park

High Park is located approximately 30 minutes from downtown Toronto by car or public transit. This park is well known for its beautiful gardens, especially its cherry blossom trees in the spring. With wide and well-maintained walking paths during the summer and a skating rink in the winter, this park is the perfect addition to a low-cost Toronto itinerary no matter the season.

Trinity Bellwoods Park

Trinity Bellwoods Park is another lovely destination in Toronto! This park is located only 20 minutes from downtown Toronto by public transport or 35 minutes walking. With a large and beautiful green space, outdoor courts, and a rink during the winter months, this park is another great option for a low-cost activity in Toronto.

Toronto Island

Lastly, Toronto Islands is a beautiful park that is free to access! This park is located a short boat ride across the water to an island that faces the Toronto skyline. This island is gorgeous with lush green spaces, waves crashing against the shore, and a beautiful lighthouse.

It does not cost to enter this park but to reach the park you must take a ferry or water taxi which can be expensive. Often on the weekends in the summer months, these methods of transportation have long wait times and may be difficult to access. On a positive note, you can take your bike across on the ferry to bike the island if interested!

Learn more about accessing Toronto Island here!

Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is a lovely stop that offers visitors the ability to slow down and take in local art.

The AGO typically has an entrance fee but they offer free admission on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9 pm as well as free admission to people under 25 years old.

The tickets for free entrance must be reserved in advance and are released online every Monday. It’s a great opportunity to explore Canadian and international art.

Learn more about the Art Gallery of Ontario Free Admission Tickets here!

Toronto Public Library

Visit one of Toronto’s many public libraries, where you can read books, use computers, attend free events, or just relax. With beautiful architecture, lots of seating, and lovely views you can’t go wrong. Visiting a public library is a great and low-cost option that allows you to relax and read your book, find a new book to try, or get some work done on your computer!

A few of the popular public libraries in the city include Fort York Branch, St. Lawrence Branch, City Hall Branch, or Beaches Branch.

Harbourfront Centre

The Harbourfront Centre is a lovely stop with picturesque views of Lake Ontario. This Centre is a non-profit that focuses on sharing culture, arts, and ideas.

The Harbourfront Centre often hosts free events, performances, and festivals throughout the year, so be sure to research events happening during your visit to Toronto!

Enjoy the beautiful waterfront views and stroll along the harbor! There are plenty of activities along the harbour as well as restaurants and cafes. Be sure to visit this location with breathtaking and memorable views.

Distillery District

If you’re searching for history mixed with the modern world, the Distillery District is the stop for you! Wander around the Distillery District, known for its cobblestone streets, art galleries, and boutiques. With lots of options for dining, shopping, and drinking the Distillery District is a lovely addition to your travel itinerary.

While shopping and dining may cost, exploring the area itself is free. In addition, there are many displays throughout the district that touch on the culture and history of the buildings and area.

During December, the Distillery District offers a Winter Village which is fun and adorable. However, there is a fee to enter the district during this time and the tickets must be purchased online, not at the gate. But, if you visit during other months, there should not be a cost to access the district.

St. Lawrence Market

The vibrant atmosphere of the St. Lawrence Market is something you must experience if in Toronto. From fresh produce to meats and cultural treats, there is something for everyone at this market!

While you may be tempted to purchase some delicious food or snacks, browsing around the market is free and enjoyable.

Graffiti Alley

Take a stroll through Graffiti Alley in the Queen Street West neighborhood to admire the detailed street art and explore a new area of Toronto! Witness vibrant colors and amazing artistry as you marvel at Graffiti Alley!

Visit Rouge National Urban Park

Explore Canada’s first national urban park, Rouge National Urban Park. This park offers free hiking trails, swimming, wildlife viewing, and nature experiences. There are also opportunities to rent canoes!

This park has rolling hills, creeks, forests, and a sandy beach! Rouge National Urban Park is especially beautiful during the fall months when the leaves turn color and change to vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges. Visit this park for an opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy a free activity!

Free Walking Tours

Did you know that there are free walking tours in Toronto? Join one of the many free tours that offer informative and entertaining walks around the city. Several different companies offer these free tours and there are many different options for tours depending on the interests of you and your group.

Although the tour does not cost anything, the guides rely on tips as their livelihood, so please keep this in mind! These tours must be booked in advance.

Visit a Beach

Being situated on Lake Ontario, Toronto has several beautiful waterfront views, some of these views can be enjoyed from the city’s beaches! A few of these beaches include Woodbine Beach or Sugar Beach.

You can relax, swim, or take a stroll along the waterfront as you enjoy the sound of waves crashing against the shoreline. Woodbine Beach is a beautiful sand beach with a well-maintained boardwalk that is popular during the summer months.

Sugar Beach is a smaller beach, but adorable beach chairs and umbrellas sit in the sand for the enjoyment of visitors. There is also a kid’s splash pad at Sugar Beach making it a great low-cost stop for families.

These free and low-cost activities offer a variety of experiences for all ages and interests.  Explore Toronto without breaking the bank and plan a fun family getaway using these recommendations! Comment below if you have any other free Toronto activities to add!

Disclaimer: I can only attest to my personal experiences and I am therefore not liable for any negative experiences you may encounter.