There are many free things to do in Toronto if the temptations of shopping, fine dining, and nightlife have quickly depleted your travel budget. This lively, multicultural city invites you to wander through picturesque parks, admire art installations, and visit historical landmarks, all without spending a cent. You can stroll along the waterfront or discover quiet streets rich with history.
With all its gorgeous scenery and city streets to explore, you'll never run out of free things to do in Toronto. Even if the weather is bad, you can always find free and inexpensive activities to do indoors.
If you're having trouble finding a list of free activities in Toronto, your search is over. This guide includes tourist attractions, recreational activities, and sightseeing excursions. The travel experts at Canadian Train Vacations specialize in trips to Canada. We create personalized itineraries full of activities you'll love. Continue reading to uncover the hidden gems that make Toronto a truly enchanting destination.
The Art Gallery of Ontario features 120,000 pieces created by renowned modern and contemporary Indigenous, African, and Canadian artists. On the first Wednesday night of each month, from 6 to 9 pm, you can visit the permanent collection without paying the admission fee. Another great collection, The Market Gallery in St. Lawrence Market, a museum and art space that celebrates Toronto's history, is always free to visit. The Museum of Contemporary Art in the West End of Toronto, offers free entry on Friday nights after 5 pm
10:30 am- 5:00 pm (Tuesday & Thursday)
10:30 am- 5:30 pm (Saturday & Sunday)
10:30 am- 9:00 pm(Wednesday & Friday)
Ticket price- $30 for Adults / Free on the first Wednesday night of the month
Route tip: The Art Gallery of Ontario is located at 317 Dundas St. W., Ontario, ON M5T 1G4 and is close to St. Patrick subway station.
Toronto's Cherry Beach provides a lovely escape from the hectic pace of city life. It's a great spot for a beach walk or sunbathing, but you can also try stand-up paddling boarding or windsurfing for a cost. There's also a food truck for snacks. Although Cherry Beach is theoretically accessible by foot from the downtown area (it's located on the harbour's outer border), it is on transit routes and there is plenty of visitor parking at the beach.
Beach season: June to September
Route advice: Cherry Beach is reachable via bus, streetcar, or subway. These are streetcar routes with nearby stops. The bus from Union Station is the most direct route.
Toronto's pedestrian-only Distillery District is a terrific spot to spend a few hours. It's regarded as Canada’s premier arts, culture and entertainment destination and features some of the oldest and best-preserved examples of Victorian industrial architecture.
How to reach: Take the 504 King East Streetcar on the King Street line.
#1 Travel Tip: See the artwork installations
There is so much to see at the Distillery District, including the many art pieces on display. We recommend checking out Love Locks and Big Heart - Both make great photo backdrops!
Louise WeissDirector of Legendary Hospitality
Toronto's PATH network allows you to walk many parts of downtown without going outside thanks to its 30 km of underground walkways and malls. It also includes an elevated portion, dubbed the SkyWalk, between the CN Tower and the Rogers Centre, with a great view of Toronto's skyline. As you explore downtown on the PATH, be sure to take a look at the artwork and artist biographies along SkyWalk's walls.
The PATH is open constantly, although the businesses along it operate according to regular business hours and are typically closed on weekends.
Take the TTC or GO Transit to Union Station. Follow the signs from Union Station to get to either the underground PATH or the Skywalk. You can also access via the Eaton Centre, one of Toronto's top shopping malls.
If you're interested in architecture and history, you can enjoy both in downtown Toronto, where the Old City Hall and the New City Hall are located next to each other. Old City Hall, which was constructed in the Romanesque architectural style, includes an incredible clock tower worth viewing at night. The neighbouring new Toronto City Hall opened in 1965. Its Modernist-styled rounded towers and central dome make it one of the city's most distinctive landmarks.
New City Hall- Monday to Friday- 8:30 am to 4:00 pm (Saturday & Sunday- closed)
Old City Hall- The criminal courtroom in Old City Hall is open every day, including weekends and holidays. Choose a weekday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm to visit. The bail courts are open on weekends and holidays, however, the majority of the facility is closed or empty.
Whether you're coming from Queen Station or Osgoode Station, you can walk along Queen Street West. The Toronto City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square are situated on the north side of Queen Street West, almost halfway between these two stops.
Even the Pope has shopped at this popular market. The three heritage structures that make up St. Lawrence Market include an antique market, a food market, and a marketplace with more than 120 traders — perfect for wandering around. It's an ideal spot for a cheap lunch and you can eat outside on the terrace.
Don't miss the gallery upstairs, which features free exhibits reflecting the history and culture of the city.
Tuesday through Friday, 9 am. to 7 pm., Saturday, 7 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm are the new hours for the South Market.
Refer to the St Lawrence Market Map, to learn how to reach the market using a variety of transportation methods. The easiest way is by TTC. Take the 504 King Streetcar east to Jarvis Street. As an alternative, you may also travel to Union Station and make the short 10 minute walk.
Toronto is home to dozens of fantastic parks and High Park is one of the best. This large public park, located west of the core, can occupy a full day. By focusing on hiking the paths, admiring the gardens, and bringing a picnic lunch, you can visit High Park without having to pay for anything. If you want to purchase a meal, early risers have great breakfast options at the picturesque Grenadier Cafe.
Open for 24 hours ( Monday to Saturday)
Take the 506 Carlton streetcar to the High Park loop near Parkside Drive, or board the 508 Lakeshore streetcar and get off at the Parkside or Colborne Lodge stops. Or
take the 80 Queensway bus, which travels between Sherway Gardens and the Keele subway station.
#2 Travel Tip: Picnic at High Park
Pick uo a picnic to enjoy at High Park – There are 18 designated picnic sites throughout the park and it makes for a perfect way to spend a Summer afternoon!
Hannah Poaros-McDermottTravel Writer and Senior Content Coordinator
In this affluent area of the city, there are several eateries, boutiques, and art galleries housed in charming Victorian architecture. Yorkville offers premium eating and shopping, and the area's galleries include some of the best local and foreign artists. The upscale "Mink Mile" shopping area, which is located in Yorkville, is home to upscale stores including Holt Renfrew, Burberry, Prada, and Gucci.
Check the website for individual store hours.
Bay Street Subway station is in the Yorkville neighbourhood or you can disembark at Bloor/Yonge and stroll across Bloor.
The Toronto Harbour Lighthouse is your destination during an afternoon exploring Tommy Thompson Park's vast waterfront pathways. This beacon, located at the park's southernmost point, offers a stunning view of the city. There are several walking paths within Tommy Thompson Park, one of which crosses the park's floating bridge. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city over the lake, while immersing yourself in nature.
Monday-Friday: 4 am-9 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 5:30 am to 9 pm
Except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day, the park is open on weekends and holidays.
Take the 83 Jones Southbound bus. The park is a five-minute walk from the Commissioner’s Street bus stop at Commissioner's and Leslie.
Anyone looking to get away from the city's bustle should consider a day trip to Centre Island. Wander this parkland oasis, which offers fantastic views of the city, picnic spots and walking trails. While there is no entrance cost, the ferry to the island does cost a nominal fee. The 10-minute boat voyage costs between $4.29 and $9.11 Canadian (approximately $3 and USD 7) depending on your age; children under 2 ride free. Ferry schedules vary by season. For schedules for each season, check the website. The amusement park, dining options, and other attractions might also tempt you to take out your wallet.
[ Read: Amusement Parks in Canada ]
10:30 am to 5 pm
To travel to the island, you must board a ferry. The majority of passengers will use the ferry service run by the City of Toronto; however, it is feasible to take a private water taxi or a tender. On Queens Quay, the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal (the ferry docks) is situated between Bay and Yonge Streets.
What's free depends on the seaosn. In the summer, hiking in the parks and sunbathing at the local beaches is always free. In the winter, skating at Nathan Phillips and community rinks. Visiting High Park and the Toronto Islands are recommended year-round.
General admission to all 10 Toronto History Museums is always free. This includes Fort York, Spadina Museum, Todmorden Mills and the Scarborough Museum.
No, it is not free. There is a fare to ride the transit in Toronto. The transit system is known as the TTC. It uses the Presto pay-as-you-go system. You can get one-ride or two-ride tickets, as well as day and monthly passes.
No, it is not free. There is a fare to ride the transit in Toronto. The transit system is known as the TTC. You can get one-ride or two-ride tickets, as well as day and monthly passes.
The airport shuttle fare depends on your destination and ride option. Tickets range from $10 for a coach (to set drop-off locations) to $101+ for door-to-door service.
About the author: Samantha Edwards is the Content and Social Media Coordinator at Fresh Tracks Canada. A creative storyteller, she enjoys sharing her local expertise with visitors. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, her favourite Canadian destination is Sooke on Vancouver... Read more
Useful Links
Train Trip FinderWhere to go in CanadaJourneys Across CanadaCanadian Rockies and West CoastEastern Canada and The MaritimesCanadian North and ArcticSummer Train TripsWinter Train TripsFall Color Train TripsTours for SeniorsRoad Trips and Self DrivesFamily AdventuresVacations for Active SeniorsHistory and Culture TripsWildlife Viewing TripsExplore Canada
The Canadian TrainTrain Across CanadaCanadian Sleeper TrainLuxury Trains Across CanadaVIA Rail VacationsRocky Mountaineer Train ToursCanadian Rockies Train ToursTrain Tours for SeniorsCanadian Pacific RailwayBest Train Trips in CanadaNational Park Train ToursTrain Tours from VancouverCanadian Snow TrainAlaska Cruise and Train ToursCanadian East Coast Train ToursCanadian West Coast Train ToursPopular Train Trips
Vancouver to Toronto Train JourneyAcross Canada by TrainComplete Canadian Rockies by TrainCanadian Cross-Country JourneyClassic Eastern Canada by TrainTrans Canada Rainforest RouteCanadian Rockies Voyage by TrainCanada Coast to Coast by TrainRockies Winter Wonderland by TrainDiscover Whistler and the Canadian Rockies by TrainMontreal and Quebec City Getaway by TrainCanadian Cross-Country Journey in WinterLords of the Wilderness Bear ViewingTrans Canada by Train in WinterEssential Rockies with Alaska CruiseCanadian Train Vacations
© 2025 Fresh Tracks Canada
With all its gorgeous scenery and city streets to explore, you'll never run out of free things to do in Toronto. Even if the weather is bad, you can always find free and inexpensive activities to do indoors.
If you're having trouble finding a list of free activities in Toronto, your search is over. This guide includes tourist attractions, recreational activities, and sightseeing excursions. The travel experts at Canadian Train Vacations specialize in trips to Canada. We create personalized itineraries full of activities you'll love. Continue reading to uncover the hidden gems that make Toronto a truly enchanting destination.
The Art Gallery of Ontario features 120,000 pieces created by renowned modern and contemporary Indigenous, African, and Canadian artists. On the first Wednesday night of each month, from 6 to 9 pm, you can visit the permanent collection without paying the admission fee. Another great collection, The Market Gallery in St. Lawrence Market, a museum and art space that celebrates Toronto's history, is always free to visit. The Museum of Contemporary Art in the West End of Toronto, offers free entry on Friday nights after 5 pm
10:30 am- 5:00 pm (Tuesday & Thursday)
10:30 am- 5:30 pm (Saturday & Sunday)
10:30 am- 9:00 pm(Wednesday & Friday)
Ticket price- $30 for Adults / Free on the first Wednesday night of the month
Route tip: The Art Gallery of Ontario is located at 317 Dundas St. W., Ontario, ON M5T 1G4 and is close to St. Patrick subway station.
Toronto's Cherry Beach provides a lovely escape from the hectic pace of city life. It's a great spot for a beach walk or sunbathing, but you can also try stand-up paddling boarding or windsurfing for a cost. There's also a food truck for snacks. Although Cherry Beach is theoretically accessible by foot from the downtown area (it's located on the harbour's outer border), it is on transit routes and there is plenty of visitor parking at the beach.
Beach season: June to September
Route advice: Cherry Beach is reachable via bus, streetcar, or subway. These are streetcar routes with nearby stops. The bus from Union Station is the most direct route.
Toronto's pedestrian-only Distillery District is a terrific spot to spend a few hours. It's regarded as Canada’s premier arts, culture and entertainment destination and features some of the oldest and best-preserved examples of Victorian industrial architecture.
How to reach: Take the 504 King East Streetcar on the King Street line.
#1 Travel Tip: See the artwork installations
There is so much to see at the Distillery District, including the many art pieces on display. We recommend checking out Love Locks and Big Heart - Both make great photo backdrops!
Louise WeissDirector of Legendary Hospitality
Toronto's PATH network allows you to walk many parts of downtown without going outside thanks to its 30 km of underground walkways and malls. It also includes an elevated portion, dubbed the SkyWalk, between the CN Tower and the Rogers Centre, with a great view of Toronto's skyline. As you explore downtown on the PATH, be sure to take a look at the artwork and artist biographies along SkyWalk's walls.
The PATH is open constantly, although the businesses along it operate according to regular business hours and are typically closed on weekends.
Take the TTC or GO Transit to Union Station. Follow the signs from Union Station to get to either the underground PATH or the Skywalk. You can also access via the Eaton Centre, one of Toronto's top shopping malls.
If you're interested in architecture and history, you can enjoy both in downtown Toronto, where the Old City Hall and the New City Hall are located next to each other. Old City Hall, which was constructed in the Romanesque architectural style, includes an incredible clock tower worth viewing at night. The neighbouring new Toronto City Hall opened in 1965. Its Modernist-styled rounded towers and central dome make it one of the city's most distinctive landmarks.
New City Hall- Monday to Friday- 8:30 am to 4:00 pm (Saturday & Sunday- closed)
Old City Hall- The criminal courtroom in Old City Hall is open every day, including weekends and holidays. Choose a weekday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm to visit. The bail courts are open on weekends and holidays, however, the majority of the facility is closed or empty.
Whether you're coming from Queen Station or Osgoode Station, you can walk along Queen Street West. The Toronto City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square are situated on the north side of Queen Street West, almost halfway between these two stops.
Even the Pope has shopped at this popular market. The three heritage structures that make up St. Lawrence Market include an antique market, a food market, and a marketplace with more than 120 traders — perfect for wandering around. It's an ideal spot for a cheap lunch and you can eat outside on the terrace.
Don't miss the gallery upstairs, which features free exhibits reflecting the history and culture of the city.
Tuesday through Friday, 9 am. to 7 pm., Saturday, 7 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm are the new hours for the South Market.
Refer to the St Lawrence Market Map, to learn how to reach the market using a variety of transportation methods. The easiest way is by TTC. Take the 504 King Streetcar east to Jarvis Street. As an alternative, you may also travel to Union Station and make the short 10 minute walk.
Toronto is home to dozens of fantastic parks and High Park is one of the best. This large public park, located west of the core, can occupy a full day. By focusing on hiking the paths, admiring the gardens, and bringing a picnic lunch, you can visit High Park without having to pay for anything. If you want to purchase a meal, early risers have great breakfast options at the picturesque Grenadier Cafe.
Open for 24 hours ( Monday to Saturday)
Take the 506 Carlton streetcar to the High Park loop near Parkside Drive, or board the 508 Lakeshore streetcar and get off at the Parkside or Colborne Lodge stops. Or
take the 80 Queensway bus, which travels between Sherway Gardens and the Keele subway station.
#2 Travel Tip: Picnic at High Park
Pick uo a picnic to enjoy at High Park – There are 18 designated picnic sites throughout the park and it makes for a perfect way to spend a Summer afternoon!
Hannah Poaros-McDermottTravel Writer and Senior Content Coordinator
In this affluent area of the city, there are several eateries, boutiques, and art galleries housed in charming Victorian architecture. Yorkville offers premium eating and shopping, and the area's galleries include some of the best local and foreign artists. The upscale "Mink Mile" shopping area, which is located in Yorkville, is home to upscale stores including Holt Renfrew, Burberry, Prada, and Gucci.
Check the website for individual store hours.
Bay Street Subway station is in the Yorkville neighbourhood or you can disembark at Bloor/Yonge and stroll across Bloor.
The Toronto Harbour Lighthouse is your destination during an afternoon exploring Tommy Thompson Park's vast waterfront pathways. This beacon, located at the park's southernmost point, offers a stunning view of the city. There are several walking paths within Tommy Thompson Park, one of which crosses the park's floating bridge. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city over the lake, while immersing yourself in nature.
Monday-Friday: 4 am-9 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 5:30 am to 9 pm
Except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day, the park is open on weekends and holidays.
Take the 83 Jones Southbound bus. The park is a five-minute walk from the Commissioner’s Street bus stop at Commissioner's and Leslie.
Anyone looking to get away from the city's bustle should consider a day trip to Centre Island. Wander this parkland oasis, which offers fantastic views of the city, picnic spots and walking trails. While there is no entrance cost, the ferry to the island does cost a nominal fee. The 10-minute boat voyage costs between $4.29 and $9.11 Canadian (approximately $3 and USD 7) depending on your age; children under 2 ride free. Ferry schedules vary by season. For schedules for each season, check the website. The amusement park, dining options, and other attractions might also tempt you to take out your wallet.
[ Read: Amusement Parks in Canada ]
10:30 am to 5 pm
To travel to the island, you must board a ferry. The majority of passengers will use the ferry service run by the City of Toronto; however, it is feasible to take a private water taxi or a tender. On Queens Quay, the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal (the ferry docks) is situated between Bay and Yonge Streets.
What's free depends on the seaosn. In the summer, hiking in the parks and sunbathing at the local beaches is always free. In the winter, skating at Nathan Phillips and community rinks. Visiting High Park and the Toronto Islands are recommended year-round.
General admission to all 10 Toronto History Museums is always free. This includes Fort York, Spadina Museum, Todmorden Mills and the Scarborough Museum.
No, it is not free. There is a fare to ride the transit in Toronto. The transit system is known as the TTC. It uses the Presto pay-as-you-go system. You can get one-ride or two-ride tickets, as well as day and monthly passes.
No, it is not free. There is a fare to ride the transit in Toronto. The transit system is known as the TTC. You can get one-ride or two-ride tickets, as well as day and monthly passes.
The airport shuttle fare depends on your destination and ride option. Tickets range from $10 for a coach (to set drop-off locations) to $101+ for door-to-door service.
About the author: Samantha Edwards is the Content and Social Media Coordinator at Fresh Tracks Canada. A creative storyteller, she enjoys sharing her local expertise with visitors. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, her favourite Canadian destination is Sooke on Vancouver... Read more
Useful Links
Train Trip FinderWhere to go in CanadaJourneys Across CanadaCanadian Rockies and West CoastEastern Canada and The MaritimesCanadian North and ArcticSummer Train TripsWinter Train TripsFall Color Train TripsTours for SeniorsRoad Trips and Self DrivesFamily AdventuresVacations for Active SeniorsHistory and Culture TripsWildlife Viewing TripsExplore Canada
The Canadian TrainTrain Across CanadaCanadian Sleeper TrainLuxury Trains Across CanadaVIA Rail VacationsRocky Mountaineer Train ToursCanadian Rockies Train ToursTrain Tours for SeniorsCanadian Pacific RailwayBest Train Trips in CanadaNational Park Train ToursTrain Tours from VancouverCanadian Snow TrainAlaska Cruise and Train ToursCanadian East Coast Train ToursCanadian West Coast Train ToursPopular Train Trips
Vancouver to Toronto Train JourneyAcross Canada by TrainComplete Canadian Rockies by TrainCanadian Cross-Country JourneyClassic Eastern Canada by TrainTrans Canada Rainforest RouteCanadian Rockies Voyage by TrainCanada Coast to Coast by TrainRockies Winter Wonderland by TrainDiscover Whistler and the Canadian Rockies by TrainMontreal and Quebec City Getaway by TrainCanadian Cross-Country Journey in WinterLords of the Wilderness Bear ViewingTrans Canada by Train in WinterEssential Rockies with Alaska CruiseCanadian Train Vacations
© 2025 Fresh Tracks Canada
