By José Gonzalez
The summer doesn't have to break your bank account, and in a city as big as Toronto, there are a number of affordable options that let you take advantage of the warm weather. Below are some of the best values you'll find in the city to make the most of the summer. [Photo credit: courtesy of the Christie Pits Film Festival]
Free outdoor movie screenings
The stale air and rising ticket prices at a theatre can't compare with a free screening under the stars. Several outdoor screening series run throughout the city, from the Christie Pits Film Festival to the Sail-In Cinema. Films screened tend to be a mix of classics such as The Maltese Falcon and West Side Story, but on occasion you might catch something more recent, such as the live action Beauty and the Beast.
Summer festivals
There's no shortage of summer festivals happening in Toronto, and the nice thing is most of them don't charge a cover to get in! While there, you can enjoy live entertainment and art, and maybe find a few decent deals on food or other items. There are the big draws like Taste of the Danforth or Caribana, but you can also explore the many street festivals or food festivals coming up this summer!
Edwards Summer Music Series
Music fills the air in the city during the summer, and enjoying it in the beauty of Edward Gardens makes it even sweeter. This year's edition of the popular summer music series includes performances from Chris Smith Trio, Tich Maredza Band and The Wanted. While these free concerts are held outdoors, don't let a cloudy sky stop you, they're scheduled to happen rain or shine.
High Park Zoo
Home to the famed escapee capybaras, this zoo nestled in the heart of the city's most famous park also includes lamas, bison, emus and goats. Just be sure to keep your flash off while taking pictures of the animals!
Swimming
No matter what part of Toronto you find yourself in, you're likely not too from a nice free dip in a pool. Each have their own special set of programs, so check the city's website for specific details. And if you're not a fan of swimming indoors when the weather is so nice, you can take a dip in Lake Ontario via one of the city's beaches.
Disc golf
If you're near Centennial Park, [https://www.yellowpages.ca/bus/Ontario/Etobicoke/Centennial-Park/100928205.html] E.T. Seton Park or Toronto Island, [https://www.yellowpages.ca/bus/Ontario/Toronto/Toronto-Islands/100837039.html] you can take advantage of their free disc golf courses. The Centennial course has 27 holes, while the other two both have 18. Perhaps even more remarkable, the disc golf course on Toronto Island was the site of the 1987 world championships, a scant seven years after it was first opened in 1980. Please note: flooding on the Toronto Islands has made some areas inaccessible. Check conditions before heading out.
Watch a parade
Who doesn't love a parade? And they're even nicer on a nice summer day. Two big ones that happen in the city are the Pride Parade on June 25 and the Caribana Grande Parade on August 5. You can also check out the Festival of India’s parade down Yonge Street.
Shakespeare in the Park
For lovers of the bard, you can enjoy one of his great plays in the great outdoors of High Park. While ticket prices in premium areas are $25, all other seating is pay-what-you-can, with a suggested donation of $20, while kids won't have to pay anything at all. This year's plays are King Lear and Twelfth Night.
Catch a dog show
No, we don't mean a show where hundreds of model dogs are lined up and appraised like antiques, we mean a dog show where canine superstars perform tricks and stunts for ready applause. The Purina Pawsway hosts several special free events throughout the summer, and fans of dog tricks should make to catch the Woofjocks Canine All Stars for some displays of canine agility. The Pawsway's event centre is shutting down this September, so it'll be your last chance to enjoy it while it's around.
Free Discovery Walks
The city's history and natural beauty are sometimes easy to miss, but some of the more memorable routes highlighting both of those things have been carefully curated in a series of twelve discovery walks. Each has its own theme, from a trip through the historic downtown core to the picturesque western ravines and beaches. Walks range from 5 to 10 km and last as long as you need to take in the sights.
