There's always something happening in Toronto in the summer. From active, outdoor activities to lounging and leisure, Toronto offers it all.
Caribana (July / August)
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Caribana is a big, bold, colourful two-week festival celebrating Caribbean music, cuisine, and culture. Introduced in the late 60s, Caribana is one of the largest festivals of its kind in North America and a huge international draw. Few styles of music are more sunny and uplifting than the Calypso, Reggae, Steel Pan beats that pulse across Toronto during Caribana.
Harbourfront Centre
The Toronto Harbourfront Centre offers a variety of cultural activities along the shores of Lake Ontario in downtown Toronto. Outdoors, you can stroll the boardwalk on Harbourfront's 10-acre site, take a boat tour, or relax in one of the parks. Inside, take in a lecture or show, shop or dine.Luminato (June)
Introduced with great fanfare in 2007, Luminato is on the cerebral side of festivals; it is a unique week-long cultural festival that celebrates music, film, art, literature and creativity.Ontario Place
Ontario Place has been a Toronto family destination for decades. Open from May to September, the waterside parkland at the edge of downtown Toronto is definitely a day's worth of family entertainment. It boasts the largest outdoor soft play climbing structure in the country, pedal boats, a water park, the largest IMAX movie screen in Toronto and special events, including the Chinese Lantern Festival.Summerlicious (July)
Summerlicious is your chance to sample some of Toronto's best restaurants at reasonable prices.The Beach
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Formerly known as "The Beaches," the Beach is an east-end Toronto neighbourhood that boasts a long stretch of waterfront. Come down for the day to hang out at the beach, stroll the boardwalk or shop or dine at one of the many fine, trendy establishments.
Each July, the Beach turns its main Queen Street strip into multiple stages for the Beaches International Jazz Festival.
The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)
The CNE takes place in late August and winds up the first Monday of September. This long-running event is one of the largest annual fairs in North America. Features rollercoasters, amusement rides, games, concerts, special events.Toronto Islands
Photo courtesy Hanif Bayat Movahed
Escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Toronto to lakeside charm. Toronto Islands are a series of small islands that comprise the largest urban car-free community in North America (some service vehicles are permitted). The islands offer a place for recreation and relaxation and feature an amusement park, recreation areas, beaches, a yacht club, artist studios, restaurants and bed and breakfasts.
Toronto Islands are a short ferry ride away from downtown Toronto.
