Top Things To Do In Toronto In Summer 2018
Long days mean more time to take in everything going on. And Toronto has all the things – headline acts, major arts festivals and big league sports. Here are just some of the hot times that await.
CONCERTS & MUSIC FESTIVALS
Toronto is always a stop on the tour for big name acts, sometimes for two nights. Bruno Mars, Skaira and Elton John’s Farewell Tour are just a few of the major artists coming to town this year. Check out the rosters at Scotiabank Arena (formerly Air Canada Centre) and Budweiser Stage for all the best summer concerts.
For festivals that offer a range of musical experiences for one ticket price (plus food and other extras), check out Field Trip or Drake’s OVO fest or head to the heart of the city at Yonge-Dundas Square for NXNE. The favourite and FREE Beaches Jazz Festival never fails to entertain.
FOOD FESTS
Just about every weekend throughout the summer there’s a new food sampling opportunity. Take in the Taste of Little Italy which celebrates College Street’s rich Italian history, or the Taste of Lawrence in Scarborough with its array of flavours from practically every cultural community in the city. The biggie is the two-week gastronomic gallop that is Summerlicious, from July 6 to 22, 2018. For year-round foodie inspiration read Toronto’s Food & Drink Guide.
POOLS WITH A VIEW
Nothing says summer in the city quite like sitting poolside while taking in a spectacular urban vista. The infinity pool on the rooftop of the Thompson Hotel, the sophisticated lounge at LAVELLE and the lakeside Cabana Pool Bar are all stylish choices. The brand new luxury lakeside option, Hotel X, offers uninterrupted views of Lake Ontario and beyond from its 28th floor pool.
LIVE PERFORMANCES & OUTDOOR MOVIE SCREENINGS
Fascinating performances can be found around every corner in the summer. Dusk Dances and movie screenings inhabit local parks and squares, Shakespeare in High Park lights up the west end locale. Then there are all the multi-day fests like the cutting-edge Toronto Fringe and Luminato, which takes over Toronto for 10 days in June with a range of artistic programming.
The Royal Alexandra Theatre hosts the award-winning Come From Away now until January 20, 2019 (when it moves to the Elgin until April 2019) and the classic King & I moves into the Princess of Wales Theatre July 10 though August 12, 2018. Find more blockbuster theatre productions all summer long at our Theatre Guide.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN
When the whole crew is coming to Toronto there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy. Baby rhinos, which are now ready to meet the public, and the CN Tower and Ripley's Aquarium should top your list of must-sees. For the more adventurous there’s Treetop Trekking in Brampton and simulated soaring at iFly or the new Lumberjack ride at Canada’s Wonderland.
TORONTO CITYPASS
Save money and skip the lines at 5 of Toronto’s top attractions. Toronto CityPass includes admission to: CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Casa Loma, Ripley’s Aquarium and either Toronto Zoo or Ontario Science Centre. Valid 9 consecutive days beginning with the first day of use.
