Please note: As of June 30, Ontario has entered Step 2 of its phased reopening plan. While restrictions have been relaxed, if you go out, maintain physical distancing guidelines and wear a mask.
More activities are starting to open up in and around Toronto, making finding things to do so much easier.
There are tons of places to check out this week that keep your safety in mind while you’re outdoors – especially when it’s hot.
Here’s a list of ideas that may help you through the week:
Explore the fun things to do at Ontario Place
It’s officially summer, and to kick things off, there are many events and things to do at Ontario Place that are sure to make these next few months more than enjoyable. Toronto’s beloved Ontario Place has a list of fun activities lined up for the summer, from kayaking to movie nights!
When: You’re looking for fun.
Where:Â Ontario Place.
Have fun at Canada’s Wonderland and other amusement parks opening this week
Summer is in full swing, and Ontario has officially entered Step 2 of its reopening plan. That means amusement parks and water parks are prepared to welcome guests back. It’s been a really long time since many of us have been able to enjoy a good old amusement park like Canada’s Wonderland – the epitome of summer fun. Now some locations are gearing up to reopen this week.
When:Â You miss amusement parks.
Where:Â Around Toronto.
Catch live performances at Dream in High Park
Tickets are now on sale to watch a line-up of community partners from Toronto perform at the High Park Amphitheatre. If you’re looking for a night of entertainment, starting July 11, Dream in High Park will be providing lots of performances, including theatre, dance, comedy, contemporary and baroque music, and much more.Â
When: July to September.
Where: High Park Amphitheatre – 1873 Bloor Street West
Try out one of Toronto’s beautiful waterfront patios
Finding the perfect patio in Toronto might seem like an overwhelming task. Deciding where to go and what to eat can be the hardest part of the evening. Luckily the city’s waterfront area has a bunch of choices. Whatever you’re in the mood for, you can enjoy a filling meal while taking in the view of Lake Ontario.
When: You’re looking for a gorgeous view and some good food.
Where:Â Several locations across the waterfront.
Explore some of Toronto’s many historical landmarks
Summer weather has officially arrived in Toronto, and that means the next few months can be spent getting outside and seeing some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Although there will likely be changing restrictions on what can be open this summer, all of the below landmarks are currently accessible and can, for the most part, be experienced outdoors.
When:Â On a nice sunny day.
Where:Â Across Toronto.
Check out Dave’s Hot Chicken second location
Dave’s Hot Chicken has officially opened its newest location in Toronto’s Midtown area. The American chain’s second location is located at 2066 Yonge Street and opened its doors on July 2. This is their second Canadian location after opening its Parkdale storefront back in January.
When: Sunday to Wednesday from 11 am to 11 pm, Thursday to Saturday from 11 am to 12 am.
Where:Â 2066 Yonge Street.
Book a reso at this Toronto patio with a Latin-Asian menu
Need a night out? This Toronto patio offers the perfect setting for a fun night out with the best cocktails and a Latin-Asian fusion menu. Xango is located at 461 King Street West and offers a Latin-Asian fusion menu to enjoy while overlooking a captivating view of the CN Tower. Its patio is secluded with 2,000 square feet of open-air space. As for food, the new menu focuses on Asian and Peruvian dishes that push authentic flavours to their full potential.
When: Tuesdays through Sundays from 4 pm to late
Where: 461 King Street West
Paddle through Lake Ontario on an LED kayak
Paddle your way through Lake Ontario in an impressive glow-in-the-dark kayak as the sun sets in Toronto. Toronto Kayaks is the city’s newest way to venture through the waters of Lake Ontario. The company offers transparent hybrid kayak canoes that come fully equipped with Bluetooth speakers and LED lights.
When: You’re looking for adventure.
Where:Â Lake Ontario
Order a HUGE boozy punch bowl from this Toronto patio
In search of huge, boozy cocktails to keep you refreshed this summer? Apt. 200 has huge punch bowls that are perfect for large groups. Since opening its first patio, they have created a brand new cocktails menu just in time for summer. Among their new list of concoctions is their $85 punch bowls. These bad boys are big and don’t mess around.
When: Apt. 200 – 235 Queens Quay West
Where:Â Monday from 9 am to 4 pm, Tuesday to Thursday from 9 am to 10 pm, Friday from 9 am to 12 am, Saturday from 10 am to 12 am, and Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm.
Watch Movies Under the Stars
Toronto’s film fanatics can now watch fantastic films under the evening sky with Movies Under the Stars. Running until July 25, the drive-in experience takes place at Downsview Park’s Festival Terrace near John Drury Drive and Carl Hall Road. Registration will open one week before each show, with films starting at dusk. Arrive early, though; spots are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis.
When: Throughout July
Where: 70 Canuck Ave, North York
Cuddle up with the cutest goats at this animal farm near Toronto
A new farm tourism experience has opened up near Toronto, and it gets you up close and personal with beloved farm animals. The makers of Udderly Ridiculous Goat’s Milk Ice Cream are welcoming guests to their Oxford County farm near Bright, Ontario, for a bunch of farm animal-friendly activities starting July 9.
When: Starting July 9.
Where: 906200 Township Road 12, Bright, Ontario.
Devour all the best food at one of 52 patios in Toronto’s Junction area
CaféTO is coming to Toronto’s Junction area this year, and it’s transforming into the ultimate getaway with over 50 different patios. From June 11 to November 1, the Junction, which runs along Dundas Street West between Indian Grove and Quebec Avenue, will host 52 patios with over 17,000 square feet of extra dining space and activities. Local restaurants participating in CaféTO include ATAI Bistro, Indie Alehouse, Kanto by Tita Flips, Decò Ristorante & Wine Bar, Isaan Der, and more.
When: You’re in the mood for good food.
Where:Â The Junction
Stay away from the rain at one of Toronto’s many covered patios
Toronto’s patio season is in full swing, and no matter the weather, many of the city’s restaurants and bars can ensure that rain or shine, you’re covered. Don’t let the rain stop you from enjoying a fun day out on a patio. Eat, drink and stay dry at one of these patios scattered across the city.
When: It’s a rainy day, but you NEED to be on a patio.
Where:Â Across Toronto.
Get your croissant fix at Hazukido’s second Toronto location
Hazukido, a Japanese-style French croissant chain, has officially opened its second location in Toronto after the success of its first North American store. Fans of the chain can now get the popular croissants on the concourse level of First Canadian Place, 100 King Street West.
When: Wednesday to Friday from 10 am to 3 pm
Where: 100 King Street West
Skate the night away at this 70s themed rollerskating pop-up
A retro rollerskating pop-up has taken over the Bentway, and they’re officially opening to the public. Retro Rolla is set to open on June 19, turning the popular winter skating path into the city’s newest summer-long pop-up. This is an adults-only pop-up; therefore, ID is required to prove you are older than 18.
When:Â Book your time slot ahead of time.
Where: The Bentway – 250 Fort York Boulevard