10 Fun Things To Do In Toronto When You Have $2.88 In Your Bank Account
Toronto was recently ranked one of the least affordable cities in the world and if you're a true Torontonian, you probably aren't surprised. Rent alone can be a killer when it comes to eating up your paycheque.
But just because it's crazy expensive doesn't mean there aren't super fun things to do on the cheap. If you just paid rent and are eating ramen for dinner, you can still go out and have a good time by doing on of these 10 things.
Hit up the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario)
Where: 317 Dundas Street West
The Art Gallery of Ontario is a great place to get your art on without having to pay a dime. The place is stunning architecturally, and features new exhibitions all the time so you can check out the one that's going on now or watch for something up your alley and hit it up on one of their free admission nights on Wednesdays from 6-9PM.
Get Your Selfie On At Graffiti Alley
Where: Augusta Avenue and Rush Lane
The strip of alleyway known as Grafitti Alley is found just below Queen and Spadina and is a marvel of street art from different local artists. The colourful murals make the perfect back-drop for an afternoon photoshoot with your friends and will make for some seriously grammable photos.
Hike Your Heart Out At The Rouge
Where: 1749 Meadowvale Road
Rouge Park is a lush wilderness area covering around 50 square kilometres. With wildlife, trails (both easy and more difficult depending on skill level), and beautiful river and stream systems, this place is the perfect free spot to spend a day frollicking away from the concrete jungle without leaving Toronto.
Lounge At One Of The City's Many Green Spaces
Where: Different Locations
There are no shortage of green spaces across the city that you and your friends can just chill and enjoy the sunshine in. From High Park at 1873 Bloor Street West to Trinity Bellwoods at 790 Queen Street West, every neighbourhood is close enough to a greenspace that you won't be going out of your way. Pack a lunch from home and you won't even need your debit card.
Soak Up The Sun At Ashbridges Bay
Where: 1561 Lakeshore Boulevard East
With plenty of things to do, Ashbridges Bay offers something for everyone. They have volleyball nets, a skate park, a sweet board walk and argueably one of the best beaches in the city. You can grab a lunch from hom and head down to lounge in the beach, go for a swim or get your walk on.
Vibe Out At A Free Concert At Yonge-Dundas Square
Where: 1 Dundas Street East
The free concert series at Yonge-Dundas square runs every Friday all summer and is the perfect spot to hit up if you want to hear some great live music without having to reach into your wallet for ticket money. They also offer free admission to their beer garden and have an art unvieling each week.
Snuggle Up To A Free Movie At The Royal Cinema
Where: 608 College Street
Every Monday night the art-deco theatre offers free classic flicks. The theatre dates back to 1939 and will give you seriously olden timey vibes while still offering good picture and sound quality with recent renovations. If you're one of the first 100 to arrive you also get free popcorn!
Browse The St. Lawrence Market
Where: 93 Front Street East
The St. Lawrence Market is the perfect place to put on your walking shoes and browse the many food merchants stocked in their 2-level market. There's plenty of vendors so there's a little something for everyone. They offer free events all summer.
Hit Up One Of The Many Street Festivals
Where: Various locations
When the weather heats up in the city the street festivals start popping up. From this month's Pride, held up and down Church Street or the upcoming Salsa on St. Clair, held on St. Clair West below Bathurst, there's a festival for everyone. You can check out a full list at the website below.
Get Your Culture On At Harbourfront Centre
Where: 235 Queens Quay West
The not-for-profit cultural organization located on Toronto's beautiful waterfront is stacked with free events all summer long. With a seriously breathtaking view of the islands and Lake Ontario, Harbourfront Centre is the perfect place to soak in some culture while enjoying the best the city has to offer. They offer music, arts, and food festivals so check their website to see what events they can offer you and your crew.