Inside Toronto has teamed up with Ourfaves.com to bring you the very best in Toronto culture, according to passionate locals like you.
Although Labour Day marks the unofficial end of summer, the season technically doesn't end until September 23rd. From relaxing in the sun to scooping up some fresh fruits, take advantage of the next few weeks of warm weather by checking out these great outdoor spots:
Soak up some rays...
Neighbourhood: Harbourfront / St. Lawrence Market
Featuring: Urban beach area (larger than HtO) with shimmering quartz-infused sand, beach umbrellas, Muskoka chairs and a nearby promenade
What favers are saying: "The sugar theme continues with candy stripes on the large granite rocks
with the added touch of pink umbrellas. The tree-lined promenade that
runs diagonally through the park and connects to the Water's Edge
Promenade includes a granite maple leaf water feature, where people can
cool off next to the beach..."
Nearby hightlights: St. Lawrence Market, Guvernment Entertainment Complex, Loblaws - Lower Jarvis
Neighbourhood: Harbourfront
Featuring: Simulated beach environment, complete with bright yellow beach umbrellas and Muskoka chairs
What favers are saying: "Imported sand aside, this small harbourfront oasis is a nice spot to
sit, chat and watch planes take off. During the warmer months, there's
no shortage of free entertainment rolling by...bmx'ers and skaters
trying new tricks, cyclists in neon spandex, cute babies in strollers,
and so on..."
Nearby hightlights: Harbourfront Centre, Lusso Restaurant, Museum of Inuit Art
Neighbourhood: The Beaches
Featuring: Large beach area with volleyball courts, picnic areas and softball diamonds on the north side
What favers are saying: "This is a great park, close enough to the downtown core (just a short
streetcar ride away) and the perfect place to spend a summer afternoon.
Located on the beach, you'll see volleyball games going on, families
having picnics, couples going for walks along the boardwalk, and lots
of people soaking up the sun. It really doesn't feel like you're in the
city at all..."
Nearby hightlights: Martin Goodman Trail, The Beach Cinemas, The Tulip Steakhouse
Do some outdoor shopping...
Neighbourhood: Riverdale
Featuring: Summer farmers' market, in addition to facilities for baseball, bocce, soccer and tennis
What favers are saying: "On Saturday mornings you can get fresh, local produce and amazing
bread, cookies, cheese, honey and more, and take your kids to a great
playground at the same time..."
Nearby hightlights: Louis Authentic Gyro, Mocha Mocha Cafe, Pan on the Danforth
Neighbourhood: East York
Featuring: Farmers' market, in addition to a year-round garden centre, boardwalk, duck pond and facilities for family-oriented workshops
What favers are saying: "It's the best farmer's market in the city - you can get a delicious
breakfast, yummy truffles, fresh coffee and buy fab organic, local
produce. Even better - you can bring your kids and they can get their
faces painted, play in the straw bale maze and listen to live music..."
Nearby hightlights: Sobeys, Don Valley Park, Embrujo Flamenco Tapas
Make a splash...
Neighbourhood: Midtown
Featuring: Summer splash pad, in addition to off-leash forest trails for dogs, diverse plant life and great spots for bird watching
What favers are saying: "There are great trails, great places to throw the frisbee or ball
around, great places to sit and chat (or make out!). And if you have a
pooch, doggone it, bring Spot here as it's doggie heaven. If you have
kiddies, there's also terrific play equipment as well as a splash pad..."
Nearby hightlights: Homeway Soda Bar, Bark & Fitz, North 44
Neighbourhood: Toronto Islands
Featuring: Watering
can splash area, in addition to the turtle pond, bronze statues of
characters from the Franklin book series and an educational garden
What favers are saying: "If the kids need to release some energy, they can get lost in the vine
tunnel, explore the treehouse, or climb the spiral walkway of the
Unilever Snail Trail to the highest point on the Toronto Islands. At
the top, binoculars provide a panoramic view of the garden. They can
also cool off under a set of watering cans that act as a splash pad..."
Nearby hightlights: Centreville, Ward's Island, The Rectory Cafe
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