Best Outdoor Activities in Toronto
Toronto is a place where the city’s heart meets the wilderness.
It is an amazing city that offers a wide range of activities — but it doesn’t just stop at big-ticket items like the theatre and watching famous musicians. If you’re into spending time outside, there are tons of incredibly fun outdoor activities to do around the city.
No matter what your interests are, there’s sure to be something that will excite you.
Immersing yourself in this beautiful city will help you unwind and reconnect with nature.
Sounds enticing so far? Check out these top outdoor activities in Toronto and see for yourself!
Best Outdoor Activities in Toronto
Levelup Virtual Reality
Experience virtual reality at Toronto’s biggest and best VR arcade, Levelup Virtual Reality.
As the leading indoor tourist attraction in Toronto, Levelup Virtual Reality offers a VR arcade and event venue with a multitude of arcade games.
But if it’s an indoor activity, why is it even on this list?
Virtual reality transports you to an entirely different territory.
Wait, is that even possible?
Yes, definitely! Virtual reality is a technology that replicates outdoor activities like scuba diving, boxing, and rock climbing through immersive simulated environments. The video game industry has been using virtual reality for decades to enhance their games — now you can use it for yourself!
As an example of a VR game they offer, Google Earth VR is a virtual reality experience that lets you explore the world from a new point of view: as if you were really standing in the street in Tokyo, watching the sun rise over the Grand Canyon, or on top of the Eiffel Tower. Take a tour of the world’s cities, landmarks, and natural wonders. You can fly over a city, stand at the top of tall mountains and soar into outer space.
Another game, Everest VR, allows you to experience mountaineering and the real Everest in all its glory. In this stunning recreation of the world’s tallest mountain, you can journey from base camp to the summit, enduring terrifying obstacles such as the Khumbu Icefalls, camping at Camp 4, and scaling the treacherous Hillary Step.
Everest VR lets you explore Mount Everest like never before — without the need to leave your home. It’s not just a game but an experience that will have you coming back for more. Whether you’re a professional, an adventurer, or an aspiring mountaineer, the Everest VR experience puts you right in the middle of the action. Only in VR can you get this close to Everest without actually climbing it.
With great VR games like Google Earth VR and Everest VR, you can explore the world from a whole new perspective — no passport or time machine required. With powerful imagery, fascinating destinations, and a strong sense of presence, virtual reality games can bring the world to you in a way you’ve never experienced before.
Picnic at High Park
If New York has Central Park, Toronto has High Park.
This grand and beautiful park is home to the city’s most beautiful gardens and greenery — making it a great place for anyone to relax, do picnics, and enjoy nature for free.
Are you the type who wants to stay fit while enjoying nature? Then this is the place to go!
Famous as one of Toronto’s most picturesque places to walk, cycle, or rollerblade, the park’s hundreds of meters of trails are a great place to get some exercise without leaving the city.
How about your kids? Well, there is a zoo and children’s playground that they will surely enjoy at High Park.
Aside from its natural beauty, High Park also plays host to a range of live performances throughout the year. For Shakespeare fans, there are live Shakespearean performances that you can enjoy from June to August.
Visit Toronto Islands
No matter where you’re from or what you have in mind, Toronto Island Park has something to offer.
Whether you’re a nature-lover with a passion for wildlife or an adventure-chaser who wants to live life on the edge, it’s your perfect getaway. Sailing, swimming, cycling – you can do it all here.
Ranging from a public park to an ostrich farm, and from an art museum to a secluded beach, it’s hard to pick a favorite — no matter how you enjoy spending your time, you’re sure to find something that will brighten up your day.
Toronto Islands is also a great place for locals to relax and take in some fresh air — with over 250 acres at their disposal, it is home to the biggest car-free communities in all of North America. Centre Island, the most popular of the islands, is home to Canada’s only amusement park, Medieval Times.
As one of the city’s best-kept secrets, the Toronto Islands will surely walk off the stresses of your everyday life.
Relax at Riverdale Park and Farm
This 18-hectare park has a stunning view of Toronto’s looming skyline. It is a perfect spot to watch the sunset, have a picnic, or simply unwind from life’s daily grind.
Are you into sports? The park also offers sports enthusiasts opportunities to engage in a range of activities with its running track, two ball diamonds, an outdoor swimming pool, and many more.
More than anything else, you’ll love Riverdale Farm — it’s home to animals, gardens, and ponds. Enjoy urban farm life without having to leave the city!
Whether you just want to burn off a few calories or have a fun afternoon with your family, Riverdale Park makes it easy.
Horseback Riding at Toronto Equestrian Downtown
Toronto Equestrian Downtown is your one-stop-shop for riding lessons in the city.
Your kids as young as three years old can already start their equestrian journey, while adults like you with prior experience can amp up your skills in advanced classes.
Not sure what you’re looking for?
No problem. The facility offers introductory courses for everyone, regardless of experience level.
Classes are designed with your specific goals in mind — from general horsemanship to competitive dressage. There’s no reason to spend money on a pricey franchise when you can get personalized training at a great price. A good deal for your hard-earned money!
Tour To Niagara Falls
Most people think of Niagara Falls as a day trip, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a unique place where history and nature collide.
So why not spend some time seeing all it has to offer?
If you visit Niagara Falls, you will know what you are looking at and understand why it is such a popular destination. To truly appreciate the sheer power of water, walk up to the edge of Horseshoe Falls — all that mist and fog you see isn’t just for show!
Aside from the beauty of the falls, there are other attractions that draw travelers to this breathtaking destination such as the Midway and Clifton Hill.
Clifton Hill is packed with some weird, but fun attractions — from museums and arcades to haunted houses and rides. You can get a discount pass for the Midway and attractions on Clifton Hill, including the famous SkyWheel.
No trip to Clifton Hill would be complete without visiting Dracula’s castle (the real thing), Ripley’s believe it or not, Wax Museums, Midways, and haunted houses. Without being too cheesy, these attractions offer fun for the whole family with rides, freak shows, and plenty of photo opportunities.
If you haven’t taken a Niagara Falls tour, it’s time to get on it. You won’t regret it!
Explore Different Beaches
The beaches in Toronto are a popular destination for tourists from all over — and for good reasons.
Designed to be a destination for beach lovers, the beaches neighborhood is home to five beaches — Ashbridges Bay Beach, Kew Beach, Balmy Beach, Woodbine Beach, and Cherry Beach.
The most famous is undoubtedly Woodbine Beach, which stretches along Lake Ontario for kilometers and is known for its boardwalks, volleyball courts, and plentiful green spaces.
Between Ashbridges Bay and Cherry Beach Park, you can enjoy a five-kilometer-long stretch of waterfront parkland — as well as city views and plenty of beautiful natural scenery. While the area is popular for water sports in warm weather, you’ll also find it a great spot for running and biking year-round. Visitors can stop off at the Beaches Jazz Festival and other local events during the summer.
If you’re the type of person who loves beaches, then this should definitely be on top of your bucket list!
Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding on Lake Ontario
Credit: Google Business Photo, Safwat Ghabbour
Is there anything more refreshing than a nice long paddle?
Paddleboarding is a great way to spend your free time. It’s easier on the body than kayaking, it’s as meditative as yoga, and allows you to enjoy the serenity of the water.
And if you’re looking for a place to try stand-up paddleboarding, the Toronto Islands in Lake Ontario are the perfect place for this activity.
Up in the morning to catch the sunrise? Or out to avoid that day’s traffic? Explore the world from a totally different perspective with a stand-up paddleboard.
Tour Around The City (Walking or Biking)
A leisurely bike ride in Toronto is a great way to unwind and enjoy nature while exercising. The city offers both interesting and well-planned routes, as well as dozens of beautiful, lush parks.
With the city’s numerous bike trails and pathways, it’s never been easier to explore the city on two wheels. While many tourists opt for touristy tours, you can choose to go at your own pace — exploring hidden streets while exercising your legs.
When biking, always practice safety. Be sure to always wear a helmet, know your route (Google maps are your friend), and carry a cell phone in case of an emergency — but most importantly, have fun!
Aside from biking, Toronto is a great walking city. The city boasts plenty of pedestrian-only streets, parks, and cultural areas — making it easy to see the sites on foot. From the Distillery District and Queen Street West to Chinatown and Kensington Market, walking tours are a great way to experience all that Toronto has to offer.
Visit Rouge National Urban Park
If you want to get into nature without leaving the city, there’s no better place to explore than Rouge National Urban Park!
For hikers at heart, Rouge National Urban Park has some of the best trails in Toronto.
This park also treats you to a variety of landscapes, from marshes and beaches to forests and fields. You’ll find more than 1,700 species of wildlife, including beavers, turtles, and more than 250 species of birds.
Toronto’s outdoors is essential to the city’s culture and character. They’re also an escape from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, a place to relax and rejuvenate. The latter is where Rouge National Urban Park comes in.
If you’re looking for an escape from the concrete jungle, Rouge National Urban Park got you covered.
Come Experience the Fun
Toronto, a city that’s as exciting as it is unique, offers a long list of activities and experiences to get you energized. It is a city with a love for all things outdoors.
While Toronto is known for its parks and citizen culture, there’s more to the city than meets the eye. One of the best things you can do in this magnificent place is to spend time outside — and there are tons of options available that can lead to an exciting adventure.
So if you’re looking for activities that will truly inspire your soul, go out and explore everything that Toronto has to offer.