After a long, long winter, the weather is finally starting to turn, and you know what that means — time to head outside! Looking for something new to do in the great outdoors? We have ideas for everyone, whether you’re looking for a fun new trail, a hidden-gem patio, or a cool walking tour to help you get to know our spectacular city a little bit better.
SUBHED: Test these terrific trails
Dust off your walking shoes and give one of these scenic strolls a try.
NORTH
Charles Sauriol Conservation Area
Toronto is dotted with urban forests, but the woodlands within this conservation are truly special. There are many trail options here, with plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities, along with the picturesque East Don Trail Pedestrian Underpass. Make sure to snap a pic at the iconic rainbow bridge!
SOUTH
Toronto Islands
So many Torontonians mean to visit the island and then just never do. Change that this spring with a jaunt over to Ward Island; enjoy strolling 14 kilometres of pristine lakefront as you wend your way over to finish up at Hanlan Point. Don’t forget to check out the Gibraltar Point lighthouse on the way!
EAST
Scarborough Bluffs Park
This dramatic spot will make you feel like you’re not even in the big city at all. Clamber around the towering cliffs and enjoy the reward of a spectacular birds-eye lake view. Finish off your day with a stop at Guild Park to check out the architecture relics and outdoor sculptures.
WEST
Humber River Recreational Trail
There’s something so soothing about following the path of a river, isn’t there? One of the longest trails in the city, there are many cute sights along the way, from the duck ponds of James Gardens to the Instagram-worthy vistas of the waterfront. If you end up finishing in the south, pop over to the Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat for some bonus wildlife time.
SUBHED: Perfect your patio game
Hanging al fresco is sacred in Toronto; hit up one of these relaxing spots to enjoy a bevvie or snack (or two) in pure sunny bliss.
Bairrada Churrasqueira
Transport yourself to a sumptuous hidden garden somewhere in Europe, where the meats are plentiful and the specials oh so tantalizing. The rustic communal tables and jovial service will make you feel like you’re hanging out with your extended family in the old country.
Other lush-garden patios to try: Mercado, Café 23, Epoch, Cluny
Soluna
Ooh, a rooftop! Don your finest airy linen and get ready to lounge away the day on various pieces of cream-coloured furniture, fancy cocktail in hand. Catch that vacation vibe with a DJ spinning Afro and Latin house tunes and gorgeous, colourful murals.
Other overseas-inspired patios to try: Paradise Grapevine Winery, Lapinou, Bar Reyna, Amsterdam Brewhouse
Sweaty Betty’s
One of Toronto’s all-time best bars, this friendly dive is still going strong after two decades. The indoor portion boasts comfy couches but Sweaty Betty’s real secret weapon is its charming little back patio. It boasts the perfect mood lighting for a date or catching up with old pals. (Pups are welcome, too!)
Other cozy backyard patios to try: Grape Witches, Bar Pompette, Fonda Lola, Sunnys Chinese
SUBHED: Wander our metropolis on a walking tour
Learn something new about our bustling city on one of Toronto’s more unique tours.
Spirits of the Distillery District Ghost Tour
Want something on the spookier side? Creep around the Distillery District and learn about its undead denizens.
Toronto Crime Tours
Ex-cops share all gory details of some of the city’s shadier history; several different neighbourhood options are available, including Trinity Bellwoods and Roncesvalles.
ArtworxTO
Choose from over 50 different self-guided tours highlighting the best of Toronto’s thriving art scene across city, including everything from Yorkville murals and public art in High Park to TTC art and the Dundas West open-air museum.
Strange Toronto History Tours
Historian Adam Bunch has curated a fascinating lineup of history tours; he hosts regular public tours, or you can book your own group tour. Topics include secrets of the PATH; Old Toronto scandals, romance, or grotesquerie; weird mom-related stories; the tawdry history of the Toronto Islands, the Brickworks, or Rosedale; or Toronto’s animal history.
Toronto History Museums
Each museum has a free self-guided walking tour that shares a bunch of fascinating sights in the museum’s neighbourhood; finish off your walk with a stop at the museum itself to immerse yourself in a slice of Toronto’s past.
Toronto Field Naturalists
This nature conservation has been offering guided nature walks for almost a century; join one to discover some of the green space we’re lucky to have here.
Black Life in Mid-Nineteenth Century Toronto
Join abolitionist, educator, and newspaper publisher Mary Ann Shadd Cary on a journey through downtown Toronto, circa 1855, and learn all about Toronto’s thriving Black community.
