Study in Canada: Free Activities in Toronto

Toronto, Canada is a perfect location for students. WIth a plethora of free or cheap activities, there’s plenty to do for the cash-strapped student. Regardless of the season, there’s something for every type of person. Below is just a highlight of our favorite activities.

-Museums: Art lovers will have plenty to explore while in Toronto. The Art Gallery of Ontario allows free access on Wednesdays from 6pm to 8:30pm. For those with a less flexible schedule, you can pop by the Museum of Contemporary Art. You decide how much to pay for admission, and this option is available every day of the week. There are numerous art galleries and exhibitions that also pop up throughout the year and welcome visitors.

Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas St. W.

Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art, 952 Queen St. W.

-Woodbine Beach: Once the long winter ends and the temperatures start to rise, you can celebrate the start of summer at the beach. Volleyball, Frisbee, and sunbathing are all options on the shore of Lake Ontario. Located nearby are shops where you can spend the afternoon window-shopping, and there are plenty of restaurants for a bite to eat.

Woodbine Beach, Lakeshore Boulevard, East Toronto

-Window-shopping: When the weather is nice, there’s no better way to explore a city than by on foot. In the summer, be sure to visit the Distillery Historic District. A pedestrian-only area, the charming cobblestone paths will lead you to many unique restaurants, shops, and galleries. The architecture has been preserved from the Victorian Industrial era, which makes for a truly interesting walk. Also, the public spaces host the annual Christmas Market and other public events.

Distillery Historic District, 55 Mill St., 416-364-1177

–Wavelength Music Festival: While Canada is known for its long, cold winters, that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. There’s plenty of activities to keep one occupied throughout the season. This music festival is just one of many. Tickets range from $10-$19, and you must be 19-years-old or older to attend. Held in February, the festival provides the perfect way to dance the cold away.

Wavelength Music Festival

-Icefest: This annual festival celebrates winter and features some truly majestic ice sculptures. The festival takes place in February and also helps fundraise for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. There’s refreshments, as well as a DJ, and the best part, is that it’s a free festival!

Bloor-Yorkville Icefest

Toronto makes an excellent destination for the student that likes to be entertained. The city is friendly for a student budget, and has activities for every type of person. The best part is that the activities clearly don’t end when the weather gets cold. Toronto makes for a great year-round study destination.