Your Summer Guide: Toronto's Waterfront Edition
If you blink, summer is gone, so make the absolute most of the season before it disappears.
Toronto's waterfront is the place to be during the summer. You don't have to escape to the cottage to cool off; you can enjoy many activities right here in the city.
Patios, events and festivals sit lakeside, offering stunning views and a wonderful breeze. The lake offers so many unforgettable activities, whether it's a boat cruise, trip to the islands, or a kayak adventure.
To make your summer bucket list easier, we are listing the top:
Events and festivals
Outdoor activities
Indoor activities (for the days when it's a bit too hot to spend it outside)
Patios
Summer Events on the Waterfront
Ward's Island Fire Parade
Take a trip to Ward's Island and experience the lantern-lit parade celebrating community and artistry under the stars.
Dates: July 31
Time: 8:30 PM
Location: Ward's Island
Island Soul
Experience the heart of the Caribbean at Harbourfront Centre! This four-day festival is packed with vibrant music, authentic flavours, exciting activities, and more.
Dates: July 31- August 3
Location: 235 Queens Quay West
Toronto International Tap Dance Festival
Experience the best in tap dance and the wide range of how it lives today at this 3-day festival featuring many of North America's greatest tap artists in performances and panel discussions!
Dates: August 21-23
Location: 207 Queens Quay West
Toronto Island Folk Festival
Experience the Toronto Folk Festival, a grassroots, artist-led, and community-focused music celebration held on Wards Island.
Dates: August 21-23
Location: Wards Island Association, 20 Withrow Street
Canadian International Airshow
Look to the skies for Canada's favourite airshow, and catch thrilling performances over Lake Ontario.
Dates: September 5-7
Location: Waterfront Wide
Summer Music in the Garden
Experience a series of intimate live music performances at Toronto’s Music Garden, all summer long.
Dates: Most Thursdays and Sundays until August 27
Location: Toronto Music Garden, 479 Queens Quay West
Ferry Terminal Busker Program
Get ready to have fun before you step on the ferry to the Toronto Islands. Talented performers will be animating the area outside the ferry ticket booths, making your wait a lot more fun!
Dates: Weekends until September 7
Times: 12 - 4 PM
Location: Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, 9 Queens Quay West
Outdoor Activities
Boat Tours and Cruises
Experience Toronto's waterfront and the iconic skyline on a boat tour or cruise.
Check out all of the available tours and cruises here
Kayaking, Canoeing, and SUP
Get out on the water this summer and paddle through the harbour and the Toronto Islands!
Check out all kayak, canoe, and SUP
Biking
Toronto's harbourfront offers some of the best biking in the city with dedicated bike paths, views of Lake Ontario, parks, greenery, and more.
Indoor Activities
For the days it's too hot, rainy, or when you need a break from the sun!
Second City Comedy Shows
Enjoy a show with non-stop laughter and entertainment. The Second City is renowned as the world’s premier comedy theatre with live improv and sketch comedy.
Location: 110 Harbour St
Learn more about the Second City Comedy Shows
The Power Plant Art Gallery
Immerse yourself in art exhibits that explore themes and societal commentaries. This year's exhibit is all about play, immersion, and experience. Visitors can enjoy the art exhibits for free, and it's perfect for all ages!
Location: 235 Queens Quay West
Learn more about The Power Plant Art Gallery
World Swing
Play all of the sports games you want - inside with World Swing. World Swing is Toronto's indoor simulator. You can play an endless amount of games like golf, soccer, baseball, and more!
Location: 251 Queens Quay East
Ethos Climbing
Climb to new heights at Ethos Climbing. Ethos Climbing is Toronto's largest bouldering gym with walls packed with challenges and a good time!
Location: 128 Queens Quay East
Patios
The patios along the waterfront provide the perfect setting to enjoy great food, refreshing drinks, and vibrant summer vibes.
We put together a guide for all of the patios on Toronto's Waterfront here
Newsletter
Stay up to date about what's happening on the waterfront