14 distanced things to do in Toronto this week: August 4 to 9
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Note: While local parks, shops, and events are reopening, Toronto Public Health is reminding individuals to monitor their health for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. And if you’re not feeling well, they recommend staying home at this time. If you decide to go out, maintain the six-feet physical distancing guidelines.
Who’s ready for a new week of interesting things to do — while staying safe of course. Toronto doesn’t disappoint, so try one of these fun things this week as August takes off.
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Malcolm Gladwell: Talking to Strangers
Columnist Oliver Burkeman sits down with, Canadian convert, author, and podcast host Malcolm Gladwell for a candid conversation about his new work. Audience members will be able to submit their own questions for the writer as well.
When: Tuesday, August 4
Time: 1:30 pm
Tickets: Available online
Encuentro Flamenco
In this passionate encounter between the new and the old, the composed and the interpreted, four artists delve deeply within themselves and their art in the never-ending quest for identity as Canadian flamenco artists. Together they bring a unique sound and art form to the stage: rooted in the traditional, yet redefined as their own.
When: Thursday, August 6
Time: 7 pm
Where: Watch online
Downsview Park Friday Night Lights – The Addams Family
Downsview Park Friday Night Lights is back for another year! This year they will be changing the fourth annual movie nights at the park to a drive-in experience. Check out 2019’s Addams Family.
When: Friday, August 7
Time: 9 pm
Where: Downsview Park — Festival Terrace
Tickets: Register online, free
Yuk-Yuks grand reopening
Since the mass shutdown that impacted the entire province is slowly and carefully opening up, one iconic comedy venue is joining in feature performances by Rob Ross and Shannon Laverty for two Toronto shows. There will be limited seating capacity and table spacing being enforced by the venue.
When: Saturday, August 8
Time: 8 and 10 pm
Where: 224 Richmond Street W
Tickets: $25, available online
Canadian Guitar Quartet
Celebrated for its energy, passion, and refinement, the Canadian Guitar Quartet performs a delightful program of solos, duets and quartets by composers from Germany, Spain, Italy, France and Montreal.
What: Sunday, August 9
Time: 4 pm
Where: Watch online
Have a distanced drink on the water
Mariposa Cruises is offering a unique dining experience aboard its ship docked on Queen’s Quay. Ontario’s liquor laws have officially been adjusted to allow boat operators with liquor sales licences to temporarily sell and serve alcohol while their boat is docked.
Where: Queen’s Quay
Tickets: Start at $32, available online
Catch a drive-in movie in the GTA
You’ll have to head out of the city for this one, but if you have access to a car (or someone does in your bubble) then you can enjoy a movie in a very old school way.
The 5 Drive-In and The Starlight Theatre (both in Oakville) are open as is the Starlite in Hamilton and The Stardust Drive in Theatre in Newmarket.
Some of the movies include E.T., The Invisible Man, and Troll World Tour.
Go raspberry picking
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One of the more sustainable activities you can take up during the summer, the time has come to hit the fields with baskets in hand and select only the brightest, plumpest, and juiciest berries in the land.
Whether you skip town on a Tuesday morning or spend the whole weekend away — there are multiple spots near Toronto where you can get your raspberry-pick on.
Take a drive through the Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo is now open and has introduced a new Scenic Safari. “Take a drive on the wild side” from the comfort of your own car. You can now safely take a tour of the Zoo by driving through the site.
Timed-tickets must also be purchased by zoo guests in advance. Facial coverings are required inside all buildings including the African Rainforest Pavilion and the Gift Shop.
CN Tower EdgeWalk
This thrilling attraction is now open. You can participate in the EdgeWalk as a larger group if you live in the same house as them.
Masks or face coverings are required in order to gain access inside the CN Tower. Your temperature will also be taken as you pass through security.
Casa Loma
Casa Loma is now welcoming guests back to the Castle. They have implemented protocols to ensure the safety of guests, including limiting the number of people in the castle at one time. They have also increased their cleaning schedule.
The onsite patio dining is also open for guests to grab a bite in the Gardens at Casa Loma or the Blueblood Steakhouse.
Toronto Islands
The Toronto Islands are open. Visitors must buy tickets online in advance. There will be a limit of 5,000 tickets per day, as the ferry service is operating at a 50% maximum capacity. Tickets will also only be valid for the selected day of purchase.
All passengers on the ferry will be required to wear facial coverings. To reduce crowding, the City is encouraging visitors to travel outside of peak times. The busiest time for travel from the terminal to Toronto Island Park is between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm, and between 3:30 and 6:30 pm for the return trip.
Stream Toronto artists online
ISO Radio, founded by @jayemkayem and @freezachin, has been hosting DJ sets online featuring local DJs that are no longer able to perform at your favourite venues. They also have a live chat so you can stay connected over music while supporting local artists in your community.
Get into a podcast or three
If you need some background chatter while you work from home, it’s never too late to discover a favourite podcast. From true crime to just hanging out and joking around, we’ve found 22 podcasts to appeal to anyone with a set of headphones and time to kill.
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