As a Toronto native with the travel bug, there are a few things I love about coming home to this city. For one, it’s multicultural which means amazing food and fantastic events. But probably the most important thing, is being able to find fun things to see and do on a minimal budget. Being the largest city in Canada with a population of over 3 million, it can become overwhelming for a newcomer (or even a return traveller). With that, I’d like to share with you my Top 5 Things to do in Toronto on a Budget so you can spend less time navigating and save more money for travel:
1. Stroll Through Kensington
Check out Toronto’s hippest neighbourhood where you can find everything from fresh fruits and veggies to organic fair trade coffee. Hands down this is the BEST place in Toronto to find a bargain. It’s got that funky, retro, mismatched furniture vibe reminiscent of Melbourne’s Fitzroy and you feel like you’re in a whole other world when walking through it. If you like vintage, you’ll LOVE Kensington. I also highly recommend taking an Urban Adventure tour through this area where you can sample some of the foods and learn about the history of this neighbourhood. Don’t forget to bring a camera, there are so many colours and art pieces you’ll want to capture.
2. Catch a Live Taping
Toronto is the ultimate media hub of Canada offering free tickets to attend live tapings for television shows virtually any time of the year. I recommend checking out a show at the CBC which is conveniently located right by the CN Tower. While you’re there, enjoy the free museum and learn about the history of Canadian TV. If you’re further north, check out MTV Live which is a half hour comedy show that tapes at the Masonic Temple- a building itself with a lot of history and hosted many rock shows back in it’s hey day.
3. Get Your Game On
If you’re here in the summer and really want to experience the Toronto sports scene for cheap, go to a Toronto Blue Jays game at the Rogers Centre (formerly known as the Skydome). A great place for an outing with a group of friends, you can usually score a cheap seat for under $15. Plus if it’s a nice day they’ll open the rooftop which gives you a fantastic view of the CN Tower while you get your tan on.
4. Experience the Island Sunset
One of the best ways to escape the hustle and bustle of the city is to take a ferry to the Toronto Island and enjoy the sunset. Offering endless amounts of parkland, beaches, BBQ’s, and bike paths, this is hands down one of the best places to chill out with some friends, family (or even solo) to enjoy the great outdoors. A mere $6.50 will buy you a ferry ride there and back, with a priceless panoramic view of the city skyline. Watching the sunset go down and the city lights turn on is truly breathtaking. I highly recommend Hanlans Point which is much less busier than Centre island.
5. Hit the Beach
‘The Beaches’ is an east-end Toronto neighbourhood that has a fantastic boardwalk which will take you along this seven beach stretch. I recommend biking, blading or taking the TTC Queen Streetcar, which offers a cheap tour of one of Toronto’s most famous streets. Be sure to check out the cute shops and eateries along the way.
Need some more ideas? Feel free to get in touch with one of our agents who would be happy to give you some more ideas of things to see and do and help you plan your next trip. Cheers and happy travels!