You don’t need to break the bank to experience Toronto’s various cultural offerings.
Some popular attractions are free all year ‘round. Others, including major museums and historic sites, offer free admission on certain days of the week. Many arts organizations and community groups also offer free concert series, festivals and live events. Here’s a rundown of the some of the best free things to do in Toronto every day of the week (note that some places are closed during the holidays, so check the websites if you plan to go then).
Free Every Day
Fort York National Historic Site
250 Fort York Blvd., toronto.ca
This archeological park in downtown Toronto tells the story of the pivotal role that York (now known as Toronto) played in the War of 1812. Visitors can step back in time as they walk through the various barracks and blockhouses that make up this historic military compound. The site, open Wednesday to Sunday, also features a comprehensive exhibition gallery. Visitors can also sign up for a free 45-minute guided tour, offered on the hour.
Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery & Ascent Gallery
399 The West Mall, toronto.ca
These two distinct galleries are housed under one roof, at the Etobicoke Civic Centre, and feature an eclectic mix of both juried and curated exhibitions. The Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery, the older of the pair, showcases both Canadian and international artists. The Ascent Gallery, located one level below, focuses primarily on emerging artists and collectives. Both galleries are open from Monday to Saturday.
Todmorden Mills
67 Pottery Rd., toronto.ca
This oasis of a heritage site, tucked near the Don River, is like the lesser-known cousin of the nearby Evergreen Brick Works. But Todmorden Mills has an equally rich history, formerly serving as a paper mill, Indigenous gathering place and camp for prisoners of war. It’s open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday. There are also 60-minute guided tours offered thrice daily.
The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery
231 Queens Quay W., thepowerplant.org
This unique gallery, in a former powerhouse built on Toronto’s waterfront in 1926, exclusively showcases contemporary art by both Canadian and international artists. In addition to its various exhibitions, the gallery hosts live performances, panel discussions and master classes. It’s open Wednesday to Sunday.
Art Museum at the University of Toronto
7 Hart House Circle and 15 King’s College Circle, artmuseum.utoronto.ca
Located in the heart of the University of Toronto’s downtown campus, the Art Museum features two separate galleries in a pair of nearby buildings. The exhibitions, which rotate frequently, often spotlight emerging artists. To make the most of your visit, budget at least 45 minutes to explore the site. The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday, though it’s closed through the winter holiday season.
Free on Tuesdays
Organ Recitals at the Cathedral Church of St. James
106 King St. E., stjamescathedral.ca
These 40-minute recitals at the resplendent Cathedral Church of St. James are perfect for downtown office workers looking for a quick, lunchtime break. The concerts, scheduled for most Tuesdays except during the holidays, begin at 1 p.m. and feature both local and international organists. Originally built in 1863, the organ is older than Canada itself and consists of more than 5,000 pipes.
Free on Wednesdays
Aga Khan Museum
77 Wynford Dr., agakhanmuseum.org
This museum of Islamic art, located outside the downtown core near Flemingdon Park, is home to more than 1,200 objects, spread across two large exhibition galleries. Its collection includes rare manuscripts, paintings, textiles and ceramics, some dating back to the 9th century. Though the museum is small and can be completed in an hour or two, save enough time to explore the Aga Khan Park, with its stunning gardens and reflection pools. The museum is free Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m.
Free on Thursdays
Canadian Opera Company Free Concert Series
145 Queen St. W., coc.ca
The Canadian Opera Company hosts a series of free, lunch-hour concerts throughout the year, drawing artists from a wide variety of backgrounds and disciplines, including dance, classical music and contemporary world music. These casual performances are held at the intimate Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre in the Four Seasons Centre for the Arts, overlooking bustling University Avenue below. There are concerts on many Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the year. But check the COC’s website for full listings.
Free on Fridays
Museum of Contemporary Art
158 Sterling Rd., moca.ca
The Museum of Contemporary Art, commonly known as MOCA, is Toronto’s answer to New York City’s MoMA. As a non-collecting museum, MOCA doesn’t have any permanent galleries, instead presenting a wide range of rotating exhibits, with a focus on new, commissioned works. The museum offers free admission on Friday nights, from 5 to 9 p.m. Look out for live performances and pop-up events during these free evenings.
Free on Saturdays
The Stop’s Farmers’ Market
601 Christie St., thestop.org
Open year-round, this farmers’ market at Wychwood Barns hosts more than 35 farmers and vendors. Among the offerings is an Indigenous food table, serving cedar tea, bannock and other baked goods. But there’s more than just food. The Stop’s Farmers’ Market also features musical performances by local groups and a “community table” for various advocacy groups. It’s open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Free on Sundays
Bata Shoe Museum
327 Bloor St. W., batashoemuseum.ca
This eccentric specialty museum, near the Royal Ontario and Gardiner museums, focuses on all things footwear. Its sprawling permanent exhibit provides a comprehensive, centuries-spanning look at the history of shoes. The museum also features an array of rotating galleries, drawing upon various shoe traditions from around the globe. The museum is free to all visitors on Sundays, from noon to 5 p.m.
