18 Amazing Things You Can Actually Do For Free In Ontario
Checking your credit card bill after a weekend of activities can be scarier than Toronto at rush hour. While there are so many fun things to do in Ontario, prices can quickly add up. It's nice to treat yourself once in a while, but if you're on a budget, it can be hard to stick to it while still going out and exploring. It turns out, the province has tons of activities you can enjoy at no cost. Ontario's free things to do will keep you and your wallet happy all year long.
You don't have to give up your paycheque to have some fun once in a while.
You can adventure to these free spots to save money while still having a good time.
The Toronto Light Festival has so many fantastical illuminated installations to explore, from a glowing mushroom forest to hundreds of dancing fireflies.
Sugar Shack TO is the sweetest spot to visit this spring, and you can gaze at glimmering ice sculptures and enjoy everything maple.
If you're from the Toronto area, you can check out these free winter activities that are perfect for when you're feeling broke.
Leave your wallet behind and explore these affordable places around the province.
Explore Brockville Railway Tunnel
Price: Free
When: Opens April 4, 2020
Address: 1 Block House Island Rd., Brockville, ON
Why You Need To Go: Wander through Canada's first railway tunnel, which is illuminated by colourful glowing lights.
Wander Around Allan Gardens Conservatory
Price: Free
Address: 19 Horticultural Ave., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You'll be whisked away to a lush summer garden inside this floral conservatory.
Flying Monkeys Brewery Tour
Price: Free
When: Various times
Address: 107 Dunlop St. E., Barrie, ON
Why You Need To Go: Take a behind-the-scenes tour of this funky brewery at no cost at all.
Gaze At Art In The AGO
Price: Free
When: Wednesday nights
Address: 317 Dundas St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Gaze at stunning art and explore new exhibits at the AGO for free on Wednesday nights. If you're 25 or under, admission is always free.
Take A Trip To Blumination Dream Trail
Price: Free
When: Until March 28, 2020
Address: Blue Mountain Village, 156 Jozo Weider Blvd., The Blue Mountains, ON
Why You Need To Go: Take a trip down this 1-kilometre illuminated trail for a magical winter adventure.
Travel To The '80s At Bloor-Yorkville IceFest
Price: Free
When: February 8-9, 2020
Address: Yorkville Park - 115 Cumberland St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You'll be transported back to the '80s at this nostalgic themed ice sculpture event.
Fulton’s Winter Magic & Spring Harvest
Price: Free
When: February 15, 2020 to April 19, 2020
Address: 399 Sugar Bush Rd., Pakenham, ON
Why You Need To Go: Explore frosty trails, historic maple paths, and fly down the toboggan hill at this pancake house and sugar bush. You can also enjoy treats like maple taffy and sleigh rides for $5 or under each.
Sail Around Wolfe Island Ferry
Price: Free
Address: Ferry Terminal, Barrack St., Kingston, ON
Why You Need To Go: Winter or summer, hop on board this ferry for a 20-minute ride to charming Wolfe Island. You'll get gorgeous views of Kingston's waterfront.
Explore Niagara Botanical Gardens
Price: Free
Address: 2565 Niagara Pkwy., Niagara Falls, ON
Why You Need To Go: This year-round garden boasts over 2,400 roses and nearly 100 acres of grounds for you to enjoy.
Drift Along Rideau Canal
Price: Free
Address: Rideau Canal, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Drift along the world's largest naturally frozen ice rink this winter. There are tons of delicious booths to stop at and warm up.
Eat Some Maple At Sugar Shack TO
Price: Free
When: March 14-15, 2020
Address: Sugar Beach, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This festival is filled with ice sculptures and all things maple!
Springer Market Square Ice Rink
Price: Free
Address: Springer Market Square, Kingston, ON
Why You Need To Go: Glide around this free rink in stunning historic downtown Kingston.
Admire Sculptures At Guild Park
Price: Free
Address: 201 Guildwood Pkwy., Scarborough, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can wander around giant sculptures at this hidden Toronto park.
Smell The Flowers At The Tulip Festival
Price: Free
When: May 8-18, 2020
Address: Commissioners Park, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Thousands of blooming tulips will brighten your day at this famous floral festival.
Explore The Riverview Park & Zoo
Price: Free
Address: 1300 Water St., Peterborough, ON
Why You Need To Go: This park boasts gorgeous waterfront trails, a waterpark, and a zoo that you can visit for completely free.
Illuminate Your Night At Toronto Light Fest
Price: Free
When: January 17, 2020 - March 1, 2020
Address: Distillery District, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Distillery District is filled with giant glowing installations that will warm your heart on the coldest winter nights.
Visit Rideau Hall
Price: Free
Address: 1 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Visit this historic hall, home to the Instagrammable tent room that will make you feel like you're at a whimsical circus.
Tour Christel Lake Lavender Farm
Price: Free
When: Opening May 15, 2020
Address: 1381 Scugog Line 12, Greenbank, ON
Why You Need To Go: Tour this dreamy lavender farm and stop by the gift shop for some floral products.
