12 distanced things to do in Toronto this week: August 17 to 23

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 won’t let you down, so try one of these activities both out and at home as we settle into the latter half of August.

Try a Pop Art Paint Night

Get stylish with your paint night and recreate an image of your choosing as a reimagined piece of pop art. This class will touch on colour theory and the process of making something pop. Brushes, pallets, paints, more are provided so check it out.

When: Wednesday, August 19
Time: 6 pm
Where: Stackt Market — 28 Bathurst Street
Tickets: $38.15, available online

Sweet Delights Of Old Toronto Tour

This tour is an insider’s guide to the history and food at the heart of Toronto. Visit churches, world-class markets, hidden buildings and courtyards, and more while sampling Toronto’s best Gelato, some fine handcrafted chocolates, delicious Japanese pastries and Green matcha lattes, and the world’s best hot chocolate.

Don’t be afraid to let loose with talks about slavery, death, disease outbreaks, gun duelling, murder, religion and more, all whilst taking in savoury and delicious sweets and treats.

When: August 18, 19, 20, 22, and 23
Where: 35 Wellington Street East
Tickets: $40, available online

Sunset yoga at the beach

What could be better than an evening at the Beach? Try a free yoga class on the beach, that’s what. Sign up online and watch the sunset as you stretch it out.

When: August 17, 19, and 22
Time: 8:30 pm
Where: Cliff Lumsdon Park — 101 Lake Shore Drive
Tickets: Register online

Invasive Species Busting

Help protect the natural green spaces of the city by going out and removing the invasive species that are impacting it. With caution, and plenty of COVID-19safety measures join the group as they target the plant dog strangling vine.

When: Tuesday, August 18
Time: 6 to 7:30 pm
Where: Discovery Centre at Downsview Park — 70 Canuck Avenue
Tickets: Free, Register online

Toronto Scavenger Hunt

The hunt is on. You and your team will work together to wander throughout Toronto, racking up points and laughs along the way. It’s the perfect small group activity for anyone looking to spend an enjoyable afternoon in Toronto. Some of the more memorable landmarks you’ll see include city hall, the Royal Alexandra Theatre, and the Art Gallery of Ontario.

When: August 22 to 23
Where: 100 Queen Street West
Admission: $43.01 – $86.49, available online

Corktown & Riverside Beer Tour

With great facts and good beer recommendations, guests can have a great time spending a couple hours with their expert guide, on a casual and fun day out on the town, drinking great beer and getting a real feel for the old Corktown and Riverside neighbourhoods.

You and your guest(s), will learn about centuries of history, early and modern beer history, visit hidden alleyways and see private laneways and row-housing, and drink plenty of beer.

When: August 17, 22, and 23
Where: Entrance of the distillery district
Admission: $90, available online

Colours of the World

Stay classy with a very cool art event at Twist Gallery. These artists are unafraid to step outside the box and challenge traditional ideas of art. See the bold and fearless creators’ works that catch the hearts of the viewers.

When: On until August 29
Where: Twist Gallery — 1100 Queen Street West
Admission: Free, register 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.

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.

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.