July is a fantastic time to visit Toronto with sunny summer weather and tons of events and activities happening around the city. From annual festivals to outdoor concerts, sporting events, patios, and exploring Toronto’s diverse neighborhoods, there are so many great ways to enjoy Toronto in July. Here are some of the top things not to miss:
Attend Summer Festivals
Toronto has some amazing summer festivals happening in July. The Toronto Fringe Festival brings cutting-edge theater, comedy, dance, and music shows to venues across the city for about two weeks. It’s a great way to discover new talent.
Another major event is the Toronto Caribbean Carnival (formally known as Caribana) that celebrates Caribbean culture and traditions with a massive parade of colorful costumes, steel pan music, Calypso dancing, and delicious food. The Great Canadian Food Truck Festival also stops at Woodbine Park in July with over 30 food trucks plus live music and family activities.
Catch Some Rooftop Action
In July, Toronto residents head up to the city’s many rooftop patios and rooftop pools to soak up the sunshine and take in views of the Toronto skyline. Popular rooftop patios include Lavelle on top of the Fashion House Hotel, Longo’s Yorkville Grocery’s rooftop patio, The Porch on top of Union Station, and Sugar Beach’s cabana pool bar. The Thompson Hotel, Park Hyatt, and ONE Hotel also have trendy rooftop pools with DJs, cocktails and city views.
Cheer on the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre
Celebrate Toronto’s beloved baseball team by catching a Toronto Blue Jays game at the Rogers Centre stadium downtown. On most July nights you’ll find the Jays hosting rivals like the Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers and other MLB teams. Grab tickets, don some Jays gear and cheer them on with 50,000 diehard fans.
Spend a Day on Toronto Island
Just a short ferry ride from downtown Toronto, Ward’s Island and Centre Island feel like a world away with their beaches, gardens, trails and amusement park. It’s one of the best places to enjoy Toronto’s waterfront and relax in the summertime. Rent a bike and cycle around the car-free island, go paddling, enjoy a picnic lunch, rent a hammock, and let the kids go on rides at Centreville.
Shop Local at Kensington Market
Kensington Market is one of Toronto’s hippest and most colorful neighborhoods. In July you’ll find its cool vintage shops, bakeries, cheese shops, artisanal coffee spots, juice bars, Caribbean and Latin American eateries come to life with patios overflowing onto the streets. Don’t miss the Pedestrian Sundays in July when the streets become car-free. Shop local and explore this bustling multicultural neighborhood.
Catch a Summer Stage Show
From comedians to music acts, you’ll find free and ticketed summer stage shows happening under the open sky in July. Comedy acts, jazz, rock bands and more take the stage at Yonge and Dundas Square, while Budweiser Stage brings major concerts to Ontario Place along the waterfront featuring bands like Foo Fighters and Slipknot. The Harbourfront Centre puts on a range of music, dance and theater performances all summer long as well.
Sip and Socialize at a Beer Garden
What better way to hang out with friends in the summer than at a massive outdoor beer garden? Toronto has several great ones, like the sprawling Amsterdam Brewhouse on the waterfront with long communal tables, craft beers and even ping pong. Or belly up to a picnic table at the beer gardens at Steam Whistle Brewery, Junction Craft Brewing or Bellwoods Brewery.
Go for a Cafés and Patio Hop in Leslieville
Discover Toronto’s cool Leslieville neighborhood just east of the downtown where you’ll find charming independent cafes, bakeries, bars and restaurants. Local favorites like Tandem Coffee, Rustle & Still Café, Lady Marmalade and more have excellent patios worth stopping at. Grab an iced coffee, enjoy lunch al fresco or meet for beers and check out the neighborhood scene.
Picnic in One of Toronto’s Green Spaces
July is prime picnic time! Grab takeout from a local spot or pack your own picnic basket and have an outdoor feast at one of Toronto’s parks and green spaces. Top picks include Trinity Bellwoods Park, Dufferin Grove Park, Christie Pitts Park, and High Park. The Music Garden along the waterfront has a beautiful setting with live music on some summer evenings too.
Bike the Trails on Toronto Islands
Renting a bike and hitting the scenic trails on Ward’s Island or Centre Island is one of the most enjoyable summer activities in Toronto. Pedal through tranquil lagoons, across wooden bridges and along the shoreline. Stop to take in views of the Toronto skyline across the harbor and relax at quiet beaches tucked away on the islands.
With free festivals, rooftop patios, pro sports, the islands, hip local shops and eateries, outdoor concerts, beer gardens, parks and more, Toronto is brimming with energy and excitement in July. Take advantage of summer in the city and hit up these fantastic events, attractions and neighborhoods for an unforgettable Toronto visit. What will be on your July itinerary?