Summer in the city.
When you live in Canada, you learn to appreciate the warm weather. And now that we’ve had a couple years to find our footing after the pandemic, I think it’s safe to say that the city is finally fun again. From farmer’s markets and food festivals to concerts and street parties, there is so many things to do in the city during the summer months. These are just five of my favourite things to do in Toronto.
Toronto Flower Market
If you’re ever in the Queen West neighbourhood and in the market for a fresh bouquet of flowers, you should definitely check out the Toronto Flower Market. Located in the park next to CAMH at Queen and Shaw, vendors from all over the GTA get together once a month to sell flowers, plants, and handmade goods. It’s a great time to get seasonal blooms for a fair price and enjoy a park full of fresh flowers.
Taco Fest
If there’s one thing Toronto does really well, it’s a good food festival. Taco Fest is one of my favourites and it’s become a bit of a tradition with my family to go every summer. The last few years, it’s been hosted on at Hotel X near Exhibition Place. The outdoor space is beautiful, with tons of lush green space if you want to bring a blanket and enjoy the afternoon surrounded by tacos, tequila, and great vibes.
Rosé Picnic
Drink festivals are another great way to sample a bunch of new food and drinks menus in Toronto. I’m not a huge beer fan, so Beer Fest isn’t normally on my rotation during the summer. But Rosé Picnic is one of my favourites to attend for several reasons. One, the drink menus are full of, well, rosé, along with other kinds of fun wine options. Two, guests are encourage to wear their best pink and white outfits. I love an opportunity to dress on theme, especially if pink is involved. Three, there are so many things to do while you’re there like shop, eat, and dance and take the cutest rosé-themed pictures.
CNE
The Canadian National Exhibition, or The Ex to the locals, needs no introduction. After 145 years in business, it’s nothing short of a Toronto institution and something my family looks forward to every year. It’s always a bittersweet affair because it takes place during the last two weeks of August, marking the end of summer and beginning of new school year. But it’s everything a fair should be with tons of rides, foods, and activities to participate in. We usually go multiple times, especially when the concert lineup is good. I got to see Marianas Trench a couple years ago and it was so good!
All the concerts
One thing about me: I love a good concert. And I’ve been lucky enough to go to a lot of them in the last few years as a Toronto native. And while some of the more popular concerts are usually sold out, there’s always a chance to score cheaper tickets the day of a concert if you’re in the area.
What are your favourite things to do in Toronto during the summer? Tell me in the comments!
Portrait of a Fashionista 