Summer Vacation Travel To Toronto

Overlooking the clear blue waters of Lake Ontario, Toronto is a bustling, vibrant city full of attractions and experiences just waiting for you to explore. Known as “the Six” because of the many neighbourhoods that make up its diverse cultural landscape, there is no better place to visit during the hazy days of summer. 

After all, over 25 million visitors per year can’t be wrong!

With a population of nearly 250 diverse backgrounds and 180 languages, you’ll be swept away by the many cultures that make up the city’s unique identity. Whether you’re looking for a family vacation full of fun activities or a romantic weekend getaway with your special someone, summer in Toronto has it all! 

In this article, we’ll help you plan your summer vacation in Toronto and introduce you to Toronto furnished apartments from DelSuites as an affordable, convenient and stylish alternative to a hotel stay.

Things to Do in Toronto in the Summer

With so much to do, finding the perfect activities to fit your needs and budget might feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help. Our suggestions cover everything from morning to night, including family-friendly (and budget-friendly) tips so you can plan a summer vacation to remember.

1. What are the Best Places to Visit in Toronto That Are Free?

There are a ton of activities and attractions that won’t empty your bank account during your summer vacation. These suggestions are only a few of the free opportunities that abound in the Six in the summer.

Graffiti Alley

One of the most popular and exciting free attractions to explore is Toronto’s Graffiti Alley. This vibrant laneway is located on Queen Street West, just east of Spadina Avenue. It spans Richmond Street to Portland Street and is called Canada’s most extensive outdoor street art gallery. 

Here you can find over 200 pieces of street art by local and international artists that will take your breath away! Stroll through this urban canvas or snap some Instagram photos for a memorable experience!

The Distillery District

One of Toronto’s oldest and most iconic neighbourhoods, this area was once the home to the largest distillery in the world, which has been repurposed into an incredible tourist attraction. Today, it’s a mecca for art lovers and history buffs alike with its brick-lined streets and historic architecture from Victorian times. 

This vibrant area features unique shops, galleries, restaurants, cafes and even a theatre – all free of charge! Enjoy wandering through cobblestone lanes or sit back on one of their many patios to soak up some sunshine while surrounded by stunning buildings and beautiful artwork.

Top Beaches in Toronto

Toronto is a great place to spend your summer vacation! With 11 beaches in the city, 8 of which are Blue Flag certified, you can be sure that Toronto’s coastal areas meet the highest water quality and safety standards. 

Popular spots include Sunnyside Beach, Cherry Beach and Bluffer’s Park Beach. All three provide beautiful views of Lake Ontario and plenty of space for swimming or just relaxing on the sand.

2. Toronto Summer Festivals

What can be better than soaking in the music and savouring the cuisine of different cultures? In the Six, there’s no shortage of festivals for you to enjoy this summer, including:

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival

From July 11th to August 7th, 2023, the streets of downtown Toronto will be alive with music, art and a vibrant display of Caribbean culture.

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is one of the largest cultural festivals in North America and is worth checking out. Dance to Soca and Calypso beats or sample some delicious authentic dishes and experience why this festival is known as ‘the real taste of the islands.’

Canadian National Exhibition

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is a summer festival held annually in Toronto from mid-August to Labour Day weekend. It takes place at Exhibition Place, an event space along the waterfront of Lake Ontario and is one of Canada’s largest festivals. 

Attendees can enjoy a variety of attractions such as rides, live entertainment, sports tournaments, food vendors and much more. 

Source: Pexels

3. Recommended Places to Visit in Toronto for Sports Fans

There is no shortage of sports events over the summer months in Toronto. Whatever your taste in sports, there’s an event that will satisfy you. Here are a few of the most popular.

Play Ball with the Blue Jays

Canada’s legendary baseball team, the Blue Jays, usually play home games at the Rogers Centre on weekdays and weekends from April to September. The iconic stadium is located downtown and features an impressive retractable roof so fans can enjoy a game regardless of the weather.

The centre has plenty of snacks and drinks to fuel you during long innings, plus stunning views of Toronto’s skyline. Visiting a Blue Jays game is a fantastic experience that will make your vacation memorable!

The Honda Indy Toronto

This popular annual event is held at Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto and is the only Canadian stop on the NTT IndyCar Series calendar. The race features world-class drivers competing against each other on an 11-turn street course around Ontario’s largest fairground. 

Fans can experience heart-stopping speed combined with up-close views of all the action from grandstands surrounding most of the track. This exciting event is a must for any motorsports enthusiast.

4. Family-Friendly Places to Visit in Toronto This Summer

Toronto in the summer isn’t just for grown-ups. These family-friendly attractions will teach your children the wonders of the natural world and all its creatures, from land to sea and everywhere in between. 

The Toronto Zoo

As the largest zoo in Canada, this park has over 5,000 animals worldwide. Located in the Rouge Valley off Meadowvale Road, its grounds offer many attractions for all ages. 

Memorable adventures include Splash Island, Zoomobile – an electric ride that takes you around some regions of the zoo – and the Gorilla Climb Ropes Course, which allows visitors to swing like the gorillas.

Ripleys Aquarium

With its incredible Sharks After Dark and Stingray Experience, you and your family can explore the depths of the ocean and the wonders within at Ripleys Aquarium. Plus, with their Sea The Sky Combo Ticket, you get access to all sorts of exciting marine life, plus a trip up to one of the world’s most iconic structures – the CN Tower.

Standing 553 meters tall, it offers incredible views of downtown Toronto and Lake Ontario. Plus, admission includes access to a 3D theatre experience and a thrilling glass-floored observation deck – perfect for families looking for some fun together.

Affordable Accommodation in Toronto

Toronto is a fantastic city to explore and experience during the summer months. From its scenic views, vibrant culture, and exciting attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

With DelSuites furnished apartments for rent in Toronto, you can have a home away from home that offers convenience, comfort, space and privacy without breaking the bank. When you opt for a DelSuites condo for your summer holiday, you will get the following: 

• Fully stocked kitchens with refrigerator, range, dishwasher and microwave oven
• Individual bedrooms and living rooms to guarantee seclusion and leisure time 
• Options of 1 bedroom, two bedroom or three-bedroom suites
• Free high-speed Wi-Fi connection 
• LCD flat screens with access to quality television programs
• En-suite washer and dryer

As an extra perk, if you are travelling with kids or pets, DelSuites has customizable features, including cribs, playpens, change tables, and pet-friendly accommodations. To top it off, they offer a complimentary Kids Care Package to make your stay even more enjoyable. 

Take advantage of all that Toronto offers and make your summer vacation unforgettable with DelSuites.