90+ Free Things to Do in Toronto (Ontario)

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90+ Free Things to Do in Toronto (Ontario)

Exploring Toronto without emptying your wallet? Yes, you can. This city is bursting with FREE fun that’ll have you saying, “What budget?” You can stroll through lush gardens, jam out to free concerts, visit vibrant street markets, or even catch some rays at the beach—all for free. Whether you’re into art, history, outdoor adventures, or just exploring new places, here are the 90+ free things to do in Toronto you shouldn’t miss.

Art Galleries

 free things to do in Toronto
Photo via @thepowerplantto / Instagram

Toronto is a hub of creativity and cultural expression, and you can visit free art galleries and cultural events. From contemporary art installations to cultural festivals, you’ll find something inspiring.

  1. The Power Plant
  2. Market Gallery
  3. Art Gallery of Ontario (first Wednesday nights)
  4. The Image Centre
  5. Hallway Galleries

Museums

 free things to do in Toronto
Photo via @agakhanmuseum / Instagram

Who says learning has to be expensive? Many museums in Toronto offer free admission on specific days or times. Explore history, science, and art without spending a dime.

  1. Royal Ontario Museum (third Tuesday nights)
  2. Aga Khan Museum (Wednesday nights)
  3. Museum of Contemporary Art (friday nights) 
  4. Bata Shoe Museum (Sundays) 
  5. Gardiner Museum (Wednesdays after 4 pm)
  6. Spadina Museum 
  7. Scarborough Museum 
  8. Art Museum at the University of Toronto
  9. Taras Shevchenko Museum

Parks and Gardens

 free things to do in Toronto
Photo via @trinitybellwoodspark / Instagram

Toronto’s green spaces offer a free escape from urban hustle. Stroll through lush gardens, enjoy a picnic, or relax in one of the many beautiful parks scattered throughout the city.

  1. High Park
  2. Rouge National Urban Park
  3. Christie Pits Park
  4. Trinity Bellwoods Park
  5. Sunnybrook Park
  6. Kew Gardens
  7. Edwards Gardens
  8. Colonel Samuel Smith Park
  9. Toronto Music Garden
  10. Toronto Botanical Garden
  11. Humber Bay Park East
  12. Riverdale Park West
  13. Bluffer’s Park
  14. Sunnyside Park
  15. Centennial Park Conservatory
  16. Riverdale Park East
  17. Sherwood Park
  18. Greenwood Park

Farmers’ and Food Markets 

 free things to do in Toronto
Photo via @trinitybellwoodsparkfm / Instagram

Toronto’s markets are bustling with life, offering a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. From farmers’ markets to eclectic street fairs, you can wander around, take photos, experience local culture and maybe even snag a free sample.

  1. St. Lawrence Market 
  2. Kensington Market 
  3. Dufferin Grove Organic Farmers’ Market
  4. Afro-Caribbean Farmers’ Market
  5. Trinity Bellwoods Farmers’ Market
  6. Evergreen Brickworks
  7. Sorauren Farmers’ Market
  8. Withrow Park Farmers’ Market
  9. Montgomery’s Inn Farmers’ Market
  10. The Leslieville Farmers’ Market
  11. Underpass Park Farmers’ Market
  12. Stackt Market
  13. Market 707
  14. Annette Village Farmers’ Market
  15. Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market
  16. World Food Market

Beaches and Boardwalks 

 free things to do in Toronto
Photo via @camille.seguin / Instagram

Toronto’s waterfront offers some of the best outdoor activities. Spend a day at the beach, walk along the boardwalk, or enjoy the stunning views of Lake Ontario without thinking of your budget.

  1. Cherry Beach 
  2. Bluffer’s Park Beach
  3. Woodbine Beach
  4. Sunnyside Beach
  5. Kew-Balmy Beach
  6. Rouge Beach and Marsh 
  7. Marie Curtis Park Beach
  8. Harbourfront Centre 
  9. Water’s Edge Promenade & Boardwalk (West)
  10. Hanlan’s Point Beach
  11. Ward’s Island Beach

Historic Sites and Landmarks

 free things to do in Toronto
Photo via @distilleryto / Instagram

Toronto’s rich history can be explored through its many historic sites and landmarks. Wander through old forts, historic districts, and iconic buildings, appreciating the city’s past without opening your wallet.

  1. The Distillery District 
  2. The Cathedral Church of St. James 
  3. Nathan Phillips Square
  4. Fort York National Historic Site
  5. St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica
  6. Union Station
  7. Mackensie House
  8. The Grange

Music, Movies, and Performances

 free things to do in Toronto
Photo via @topictureshow / Instagram

You’ll love the vibrant and diverse Toronto music scene. Catch free outdoor concerts, performances, and even movie screenings. 

  1. Concerts at Toronto’s Music Garden 
  2. Daily Live Jazz at The Distillery District 
  3. Summer Concerts at Village Of Yorkville Park
  4. Outdoor Movie Screenings by Toronto Outdoor Picture Show
  5. TD Union Summer Movie Nights by TD Bank 
  6. Movie Night in the Park by  Leslieville BIA

Public Art and Murals

Photo via @paularebalo / Instagram

The streets of Toronto are adorned with incredible public art and murals. Take a self-guided tour and discover the stories and artists behind these vibrant pieces.

  1. Graffiti Alley
  2. Underpass Park
  3. The Junction   
  4. Stackt Market
  5. The Bentway 
  6. Kensington Market 

Libraries and Book Events

Photo via @torontolibrary / Instagram

If you’re a book lover, enjoy visiting different libraries in the city. Attend free readings, author events, and workshops, or spend a quiet afternoon reading in a cozy corner.

  1. Toronto Public Library – Bloor/Gladstone Branch
  2. Toronto Public Library – Toronto Reference Library
  3. The Great Library in Osgoode Hall
  4. Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library
  5. Toronto Public Library – Wychwood Branch

Nature Trails and Conservation Areas

Photo via @highparknaturecentre / Instagram

A nature lover? Toronto has plenty of trails and conservation areas to explore. Enjoy a peaceful hike, birdwatching, or simply the beauty of nature without spending a cent.

  1. Bluffer’s Park Trails
  2. Don Valley Brick Works Trails 
  3. Glen Stewart Park Trails 
  4. Humber Arboretum Trails 
  5. Rouge National Urban Park Trails 
  6. Spadina Quay Wetlands
  7. Sunnybrook Park Trails 
  8. Taylor Creek Trails 
  9. High Park Trails 
  10. Morningside Park – Highland Creek

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