Toronto, the capital city of Ontario, Canada, is a vibrant and diverse metropolis that captivates visitors with its unique blend of culture, history, and modernity. Known as one of the most multicultural cities in the world, Toronto boasts a rich tapestry of ethnic communities, each contributing to its vibrant social fabric. The city's iconic skyline is dominated by the towering CN Tower, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Ontario and the surrounding urban landscape. Toronto is also renowned for its world-class museums, such as the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario, which showcase a diverse range of art, history, and natural wonders. With its thriving arts and entertainment scene, bustling street markets, and eclectic culinary landscape, Toronto is a city that seamlessly combines tradition and innovation, making it a must-visit destination for travelers from around the globe. Here are a few activities to do this summer if you visit Toronto.
50th Anniversary of The ArQuives
34 Isabella St | 416-777-2755
As Canada’s LGBTQ2+ archives, The ArQuives has preserved the stories, papers, books, artifacts, and more of the LGBTQ2+ community. The ArQuives will be hosting events all year long to celebrate their 50 year anniversary.
Visit Second City
50 Years of Funny
Till July 31st
The Second City | 1 York St
A comedy show 50 years in the making! This revue, celebrating The Second City Toronto's 50th Anniversary, features sketches created by Canadian comedy icons like, Mike Myers, Catherine O’Hara, John Candy, Colin Mochrie and more! Join us as we journey through a hilarious half century and bring some of The Second City's most beloved characters back to life!
Second City Improv Brunch
Till Nov 26th
The Second City | 1 York St
Bottoms up at The Second City Mainstage! Join The Second City for some hair of the dog comedy during this totally improvised experience from the city's finest. We're serving up all-you-can-stomach laughter! Food and mimosas are available to order separately.
Bloom: Dance & Circus in the Garden
July 10th - 19th
Toronto Botanical Garden | 777 Lawrence Ave E
Back this Summer by Popular Demand! An outdoor, high-flying dance, circus, and garden experience with storytelling, aerial tricks, beauty, and joy. You’ll be led through the garden to secret performance locations as you’re transported into a magical garden where cheeky gnomes, nimble fairies, and silly frogs swing through the sky and dance above the hedges. Incredible dance and circus acts bring to life the essence of hope, friendship, and love through magical flowers in the garden.
Toronto Fringe Festival
July 5th - 16th
Multiple locations
If the question is to go or not to go, the Toronto Fringe Theatre Festival definitely demands attendance. Since 1989, this grassroots, unjuried festival has comprised over a hundred productions by established and emerging cast, crew and companies. The Festival takes over dozens of downtown Toronto theatres for 12 days of comedy, dramas, musicals, improv and even childrens’ productions.
CNE Toronto Aug 18th - Sept 4th
Exhibition Place
The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is Canada’s largest community event and one of the top agricultural fairs in North America. Founded in 1879 as the Toronto Industrial Exhibition, the CNE is a not-for-profit organization that has enjoyed a distinguished history as a showcase of the nation. People came to experience the latest innovations in technology and commercial products, to enjoy the popular entertainers of the time, and to engage in a collective community celebration.
Photos courtesy of Destination Toronto