Ten Best things to do in Toronto that cost absolutely nothing

Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the provincial capital of Ontario. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. Toronto is a huge city with several district articles containing sightseeing, restaurant, nightlife and accommodation listings.

1. The Beaches

The Beaches area is fun for walking along the board walk, cycling and sunbathing near the waters of Lake Ontario. The nearby commercial area is home to interesting shops for window shopping as well as cafes and restaurants.

2. Allan Gardens - Allan Gardens Conservatory, Toronto, Ontario

The lovely Victorian style greenhouses of this conservatory house a unique botanical garden, free to the public. The conservatory provides a warm and beautiful reprieve from the winter cold or a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city at any time of year.

3. Harbourfront Centre - Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, Ontario

During the summer in Toronto, the Harbourfront area is alive with activity. Stroll around the area and experience live music, myriad festivals and educational camps, many of which have free admission. The walk along the waterfront is peaceful and relaxing if you would prefer to escape the commotion and enjoy the view of Lake Ontario.

4. Chinatown - Chinatown, Toronto, Ontario

The colors, sounds and movement of this vibrant area of town make it excellent for window shopping and exploring, or meeting new people.

5. Kensington Market - Kensington Market and Spadina Avenue, Toronto, Ontario

With its colorful corner fruit stands, many thrift stores and pubs, Kensington Market is a meeting place for some of Toronto’s most interesting people. Each month the neighborhood blocks off the narrow streets for a Sunday afternoon festival celebrating the diversity of the area with drums, dances and music.

6. Riverdale Farm - Riverdale Farm, Toronto, Ontario

Located in the midst of Toronto’s Cabbagetown in the downtown area, this 7.5 acre farm has wooded paths, flowered vegetable gardens and a number of animals, including cows, horses, donkey, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese and rabbits, which you can view for free in the barns or outdoor paddocks.

7. Don Valley

The ten kilometers of biking trails along the Don Valley are great for experts and beginners alike. The stretch of ravine between the Don Valley Brickworks up to Thornhill Park boasts some challenging trails, with exciting descents and climbs as well as some North Shore elements built in.

8. Wednesday nights at the Art Gallery of Ontario - Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, Ontario

Housing over 36,000 works of art in its collection, the AGO is an excellent gallery worth visiting. You can do so for free every Wednesday evening between six and nine o’clock pm, when the museum drops its admission fee for the night.

9. St. Lawrence Market and Market Gallery - St Lawrence Market, Toronto, Ontario

Now a bustling marketplace filled with vendors of delectable foods, the Victorian building that hosts the St. Lawrence Market was once home to Toronto’s City Hall. It is a great place to wander and visit, or just sit and watch people interact. The gallery on the second floor, in what once was the council chamber. Now that space hosts periodically changing exhibits of paintings, artifacts and furnishings that display the history and culture of the area. Admission to the market and the gallery are free.

10. Toronto Islands - Toronto Island Park, Toronto, Ontario

The trails, picnic areas and beaches of the Toronto Islands make them an ideal place to spend an afternoon. You may want to investigate the mysterious and perhaps macabre history of the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, or enjoy the sun on the clothing-optional beach on the west side of Hanlan’s Point. There are a number of baseball diamonds, volleyball courts and wading pools to enjoy as well.