31 Things To Do In And Around Toronto This Summer If You Actually Hate Road Trips

You don't have to hit the road to have some fun!
31 Things To Do In And Around Toronto This Summer If You Actually Hate Road Trips

It's thrown around that the best thing to be doing during the summer months in and around Toronto is roadtripping somewhere else. But the GTA has plenty to offer in the way of fun acitivites and things to do. 

If you're the type of person that can't stand the idea of being crammed in a car on the open road for hours on end, then don't worry, because we've handpicked a list of cool things you can do without having to stray far from the city at all. 

1. Hit up the Toronto Islands 

You can get there via ferry the Jack Layton Ferry Docks at the foot of Bay Street, or take one of the many water taxis across and explore all the Toronto Islands have to offer. There's parks, beaches and even a children's amusement park. 

2. Get your culture on at The ROM 

Located at 100 Queens Park, this arts and culture museaum is a must when it comes to exploring the city. With everchanging exhibits, there's bound to be somehing to pique your interest. 

3. Check out Cobourg Beach 

At only 2 hours outside of the city, Cobourg Beach barely falls into the roadtrip category. The short drive is well worth it though because it's one of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches east of the city and is huge so it's not as packed as the city beaches. 

4. Hike it up at Rouge National Urban Park  

This stunning conservation area in Scarborough has trails galore, so whether you're a hike master or a first-timer, you'll love adventuring through this wooded oasis. The views from the top are also amazing and well worth the climb. 

5. Chase waterfalls in Hamilton 

Just outside Toronto is the city Hamilton, dubbed the city of waterfalls, and for good reason. There's so many breathtaking waterfalls to check out you'll have to go more than once just to see them all!

6. Take a beer tour 

Toronto is stacked with breweries to tour and explore and there's no better way to spend a hot summer day than touring and drinking the best beer you can get your hands on. 

7. Check out the edge walk at CN Tower 

The CN Tower is the staple of the city skyline. There's many things to do there, but the one that stands out the most is their Edgewalk. For the bravest of brave, this walk is no easy feat but hanging off the edge of the CN Tower does sound like a wicked experience! 

8. Go under the sea at Ripley's Aquarium 

The Ripley's Aquarium is a hotspot in the city and for good reason. With 20,000 underwater species to admire and a seriously cool shark lagoon, it's the perfect place to explore the ocean without having to go to it. 

9. Have a picnic in High Park 

Located at Bloor West and Parkside drive, this beautiful green space in the city is perfect for those lazy suuny afternoons. Pack yourself a lunch, bring a blanket and just graze in the beauty of it. 

10. Take in the views at Scarborough Bluffs 

In the far east part of the city is the breathtaking views of the Scarborough Bluffs. With trails, a marina and a beach to explore, it's the perfect activity for a hot summer day without all the expensive travel and wait times. 

11. Take a historical tour at Fort York 

The historical site of Fort York is in the west end of the city and when it's not hosting wicked festivals, you can tour the grounds and see all the military memorobilia it has to offer. There's a gift shop so on the way out you can grab a little keepsake from your visit. 

12. Take in a Jay's game at the Rogers Centre

You haven't experience Toronto until you've gone to at least one Jay's game. The community experience in the stands will have you making friends before the first pitch is even thrown. 

13. Visit the animals at the Toronto Zoo 

The Toronto Zoo is a great place to spend a hot summer day without having to travel too far away from the downtown core. It's at the eastern most point of Scarborough, and is well known for its interactive educational experiences and conservation activities.  

14. Act like a kid at Playdium in Mississauga 

The sunshine and warm weather has a way of bringing out the inner child in everyone, so there's no better place to indulge the 12-year-old version of yourself than Playdium in Mississauga. With over 200 games, rides and simulators, mini-golf, go-karts and more, there's some playful fun for everyone. 

15. Go mock skydiving at iFLY in Mississauga 

For the thrillseekers that haven't worked up the courage to put their life on the line jumping out of a real plane, there's iFLY! It's the perfect place to simulate skydiving and have a great old time doing it. 

16. Or jump from a real plane with Skydive Toronto 

If you're ready for the real thing, there's no better place in the city than Skydive Toronto. They'll get you ready for the jump of your life and make sure the experience is a life-changing one. 

17. Check out the Port Credit Waterfront 

Located in Mississauga, the Port Credit Waterfront is a stunning place to relax by the water without having to head too far outside the city. There's trails to hike, a marina, and a beautiful pier that's totally perfect for your next Instapic. 

18. Shop 'til you drop at Vaughan Mills 

When the weather gets a little too hot, you can take solace in Vaughan Mills Mall and treat yourself at one of its 200 retail stores, restaurants, or entertainment outlets. Best part is that it's an outlet mall, so you won't have to empty the wallet to get something good. 

19. Adventure through the trees at Treetop Trekking

Located on Horseshoe Valley Road in Barrie, this Treetop Trekking experience is the perfect summer activity that doesn't include a serious road trip. With ziplining, aerial game tracks, and discovery courses, this place is a what's what when it comes to summer fun. 

20. Become a 'pilot' at Air Combat Zone 

Located in Hamilton, Air Combat Zone is a full on entertainment site. You can immerse yourself in flight simulators programmed with various combat missions so you can feel like a real life fighter pilot! 

21. Indulge your inner thrill seeker at Canada's Wonderland 

The amusement park in Vaughan is perfect for those looking to get their thrill on this summer. You won't have to travel too far outside the city but can enjoy the whole park of epic rides and an amazing waterpark to keep you cool all day long. 

22. Hit up the Toronto Festival of Beer  

Every summer the Toronto Festival of Beer takes over Exhibition Place to bring out the best and the brighest in beer. Also known as Beerfest, this festival is full of different brews to try, food trucks galore, and even live shows. 

23. Drive some golf balls at Polson Pier 

Up your golf skills by practicing your back swing at one of the best driving ranges in the city. Situated at the picturesque Polson Pier, the back drop for this place is stunning enough for you to want to get a few balls out pass the 100 yard line. 

24. Evade ghosts at this haunted escape room 

Escape Rooms are a seriously popular thing for people around the city, but there's a new, terrifying escape room in town and everyone will be dying to try it. Solve the murder myster by Escape Games Canada, and the spirit will be laid to rest, no longer hunting and haunting her way through the home. 

25. Drink the day away on one of these patios 

What's better than a nice cold cocktail on a patio in the middle of July? Nothing, that's what. And there's no better place than Toronto to patio it up because of the plethora of patio options available to suit anyone's style. 

26. Take in some live music at one of these venues 

Toronto is arguably one of the best places to see live music. Whether it's local bands or big name artists, there's a venue for all types of acts. From The Danforth Music Hall to the Budweiser Stage, the music scene in Toronto is always lit. 

27. Play beach volleyball at Woodbine Beach

Now that it's summer, the sports that you've been missing can be picked right back up again. And that means beach volleyball is in full swing. Head down to Ashbridges Bay to join a team of players and get your strike on. 

28. Paddle board at sunset with Toronto Island SUP 

The only thing that's better than a standup paddleboard adventure in Toronto is a standup paddleboard adventure at sunset. Done by Toronto Island Standup Paddleboarding, this beautiful activity is going on all summer long. 

29. Explore Kensington Market 

Kensington Market is known for its hidden gem restaurants and boutique shops. It's the best place to explore in the city if you're looking to find something exquisite and under the radar. 

30. Tour the Toronto Island lagoons

Whether you want to do it by paddleboard, kayak or canoe, the Toronto Island Lagoons are great to explore now that it's warm enough out to do so. And when you're done exploring by water, you can check out all that Olympic Island has to offer. 

31. Sail your heart out on Lake Ontario with Gone Sailing Adventures 

Sailing isn't something a lot of Canadians can do on a whim because of the short amount of summer we actually get, so now is the time to get your sail on! The best place to do this in Toronto is Gone Sailing Adventures. They offer lessons and sailing tours for every skill level. 

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