Affordable, fun, unforgettable moments!
During the school year, students’ schedules are nothing less than hectic. Balancing assignment deadlines, writing long essays and working to pay bills leaves little time for fun and entertainment.
When May arrives, spring and summer knock on the door, bringing much-needed free time for students. While many work full-time during the warm months, the absence of school responsibilities opens up their schedules.
However, a major city like Toronto can quickly drain your monthly income with endless shopping options, fine dining and nightlife. If you like going out, you know what I’m talking about; drinks in Toronto are beyond expensive.
Even though the list of expensive options is long, fortunately, Toronto also offers many affordable and cheap summer activities. This list will help you plan a summer full of fun while keeping your expenses in check.
Visit the Distillery District
Let’s start with a classic: the Distillery District, a set of historic buildings that are part of the history of Toronto.
The site was once home to the largest distillery in the world. Since 2003, the Distillery District has been a premier destination for art, dining, culture, entertainment and shopping. As you walk through this national historic site of Canada, you’ll be captivated by the unique Victorian architecture that dates back to the nineteenth century and its one-of-a-kind galleries and stores.
I know that you might be thinking, “Why is the Distillery District part of this list when most dining options are expensive?” Well, you may be right, but there are hidden activities here that won’t break the bank.
With its extensive and unique history, the Distillery District offers many tours that are both informative and affordable. For just $21 plus taxes, you can take a walking tour that delves into the fascinating history of the site. With different price options ranging from $7 to $30, you can also enjoy a brewery tour, exploring the historic brewery and learning about their award-winning beers and spirits. A self-guided tour is also available if you like having independence when visiting the area.
If you are an artsy person, you can also visit their galleries featuring unique pieces of art. From contemporary art and sculptures to the Deaf Culture Centre, these galleries offer free admission, allowing you to immerse yourself without spending a dime!
Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame
If you’re into sports or a hockey lover, the Hockey Hall of Fame is your place to go. Located in the heart of downtown Toronto at 30 Yonge Street, this place is entirely dedicated to the history of ice hockey in Canada.
The Hockey Hall of Fame moved from Kingston to Toronto in 1958 and now resides in the historic Bank of Montreal building. There, you have a ton of cool attractions to see. One highlight is a to-scale replica of the dressing room in the Montreal Forum, a building once home to the Montreal Canadiens where they celebrated 23 Stanley Cup wins.
You can also give it a try to your sports anchor skills at the TSN/RDS Broadcast Zone. Here, you can get a behind-the-scenes look at how television hockey broadcasting works. They also have a TSN Theatre where you can watch “Stanley’s Game Seven,” a film mixing live-action, 3D animation and archival footage of the most famous Stanley Cup playoff moments.
Also, check out the Mask presented by Mustang Products, featuring 90 iconic goalie masks and their evolution in the NHL over the years. And while you might not get to lift the Stanley Cup, you can see it up close, along with a collection of the major NHL trophies, including the original Stanley Cup donated by Lord Stanley of Preston himself in 1892.
With so much more to explore, the Hockey Hall of Fame offers everything Hockey for just $25.
Visit the Toronto Harbourfront Centre
The Toronto Harbourfront Centre is a nonprofit cultural organization that offers free contemporary arts and cultural activities all year round. With events happening seven days a week, the centre supports a wide range of local artists and communities.
If I had to list all their activities, you’d be reading this article for days, so here are some highlights. They offer courses and workshops that let you get hands-on with creative expression. Some examples include the glass-blowing techniques to make solid and blown objects, creating functional and sculptural pieces using ceramics and crafting your own textiles.
Throughout the year, they host different exhibitions. Some current ones are “Human Made Stuff” by Suzzane Carlsen and Noah Rosen and “Clouds of Colour” by Amanda McCavour. These exhibitions support local artists and offer insights into various art concepts.
Another highlight is the festivals, which everyone in this city loves. The Toronto Harbourfront Centre organizes festivals like the famous Summer Music in the Garden and the diverse Lakeview Market.
There are many other activities to make your summer memorable, and the best part is, they are all FREE!
Don’t miss out! Check out their “What’s On” section to see the current attractions.
Go watch an outdoor movie
Throughout the warm months, you can enjoy free outdoor movies on a big screen at parks across the city. Grab some blankets, pillows and snacks and you’ll be set to enjoy a movie under the stars.
The most famous organization offering these outdoor movies is the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show (TOPS). TOPS is a charitable organization devoted to “bringing high quality, diverse and engaging outdoor film programming to communities across the city of Toronto.” From June 19 to August 25, you can join TOPS at Fort York, Christie Pits, Corktown Common and Bell Manor Park to catch a movie. Their 14 annual programme is titled “On the Job,” highlighting how work impacts our lives and how we form communities. If you’re a film student, consider volunteering with TOPS. This extracurricular activity can look great on your resume. Check out their website for the 2024 calendar.
If you live in North York, your option is the outdoor cinema “Movies Under the Stars” at Downsview Park. They have screenings scheduled for July 19, August 20 and 21.
Explore Graffiti Alley
Located parallel to Queen Street West between Spadina Avenue and Augusta Avenue, Graffiti Alley is a vibrant showcase of Toronto’s street art and mural culture.
Emerging in the 1990s as a space for artistic expression in the city, the area was unsanctioned until 2011 when it was designated as a spot of municipal significance. The local community and businesses embraced the vibrancy of the graffiti and, over time, the alley transitioned into the complex and elaborate murals we see today.
The alley features well-known artists like ELICSER, Duro the Third and uber5000, the artist behind the little ducks scattered throughout the alley.
You can explore Graffiti Alley on your own or book a tour to learn more about the history of this colourful spot that embraces diversity, creativity and urban expression.
Fun and cheap can definitely go hand in hand in Toronto during the summer. These options aren’t only enjoyable and budget-friendly, but they also let you learn more about the history of the city. All for free or nearly free!
If you know any wallet-friendly summer activities that won’t break the bank, share them with us @shareignite.
Feature image courtesy of Sasun Bughdaryan via Unsplash.
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