10 Things to Do in Toronto in August

In August, the city of Toronto invites you to enjoy everything from art celebrations to culinary events that fill the streets with music and culture. It's also high season and summer in the northern hemisphere, so there are plenty of things to see and do in Toronto throughout the month.

August is also a great time to visit Niagara Falls, or take a cruise on Lake Ontario. The summer heat is also ideal for taking part in the cultural festivals, concerts and outdoor events that make Toronto a must-see destination during this month.

One of the most enjoyable things to do in August is a trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto. During this month, the weather is usually pleasant and you can take a cruise to see the falls up close, as they operate from May to November in Toronto.

These natural waterfalls are about two and a half hours by bus from Toronto in the town of Niagara Falls, but you can also get there with a guided tour from Toronto, which includes round-trip transportation.

Once there, you can explore the scenic waterfront walkways, hike to a platform at the base of the falls from the Table Rock Welcome Centre or climb the 160-metre-high Skylon Tower observation deck. You can also walk along the White Water Walk, a 600-metre-long path where you'll see the rushing waters of the Niagara River.

In the town of Niagara Falls, there are also wineries, numerous restaurants and local shops for food and shopping. You can even enjoy sports such as rappelling down the Niagara River. Keep in mind that August is a high season month, so book experiences or tours in advance and be prepared for crowds of visitors.

Jerk Fest Toronto is an annual culinary event that celebrates Caribbean heritage and is a culinary and cultural experience in the city. It usually takes place in August for 3 days in Toronto. There you will have the opportunity to sample a wide variety of Caribbean dishes, with a special focus on jerk cooking techniques such as jerk chicken and jerk pork, as well as other Caribbean specialties such as curries and fried fish.

In addition to the food, at Jerk Fest Toronto you can enjoy live Caribbean music, dancing and stage entertainment while celebrating the rich cultural diversity of the Caribbean. You can also participate in educational activities that explore the traditions and history of Caribbean cuisine.

Without a doubt, Jerk Fest Toronto is a great opportunity to savour authentic Caribbean flavours. After the experience of this festival, and if you are a food lover, you will surely want to participate in one of the gastronomic tours around Toronto, as they will allow you to get to know and enjoy the culinary diversity of the city.

Interesting facts

• Location: Centennial Park. 256 Centennial Park Road, Etobicoke, ON M9C 5N3, Canada
• Admission: The price of admission varies from year to year. You can check prices on the festival's official website.
• Days and times: to check the schedule of shows visit the event's website.

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is an annual event that transforms Toronto's Exhibition Place into a bustling hub of activity in late August and early September in Toronto. It is one of the largest fairs in Canada and one of the oldest in the world.

The CNE offers a wide variety of attractions and activities, including roller coasters, rides, live shows, exhibits, food pavilions, concerts, fireworks and even aerial demonstrations. It is also famous for its annual parade, which kicks off the event and brings crowds to the streets of Toronto.

In addition to entertainment attractions, the CNE also features exhibits showcasing products and services from a variety of industries, including technology, home and garden. You can also sample a variety of local recipes, from gourmet dishes to fast food options.

Exhibition Place is about 4 km from downtown Toronto and can be easily reached by public transport. It's a great opportunity to have fun family activities, sample delicious food, enjoy shows and experience one of Canada's oldest and largest fairs.

Facts of Interest

• Days and Hours: Mid-August to Labour Day, which is the first Monday in September.
• Location: Exhibition venue, 210 Princes' Blvd, Toronto.
• Entry fee: about EUR 20 per person.

The summer months, such as August, are ideal for enjoying a cruise around Toronto's harbour and islands, allowing you to see the city from a different perspective. As well as enjoying the panoramic views of the Toronto skyline, you'll be able to see the islands of Lake Ontario, which are an oasis of nature in front of the big city.

On these Toronto cruises, you can admire landmarks such as the CN Tower, which is over 500 metres high; First Canadian Place, which is one of the tallest buildings on the continent; and the Rogers Centre stadium, with its striking retractable roof.

Many of these Toronto cruises are also an opportunity to learn about the city's history, architecture and landmarks. In addition, they often offer entertainment such as live music, and have a bar where you can buy drinks and local food.

Useful facts

• Days and times: every day, at different times.
• Location: the cruises are boarded at the Port of Toronto.
• Entry fee: from approximately 24 EUR per person.

OVO Fest is an event organised by Canadian rapper Drake and his record label OVO Sound, which has become a highlight on Toronto's August music calendar. The festival attracts a diverse audience with live performances by renowned artists, mainly from the hip-hop and R&B genres.

The concerts are often accompanied by visual effects and high-level production, providing an immersive experience for music fans. Each year, different artists participate in OVO Fest, which guarantees a unique experience in each edition of the festival.

As well as the artists, the dates of the concerts may vary from one year to another, so it is advisable to consult the official website of the festival, where you will find the latest information about the event. I also suggest you buy your tickets in advance, as this is one of the most important festivals in the city.

Useful information

• Days and times: every year during the first weekend in August.
• Location: Budweiser Stage Toronto. 909 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto.
• Ticket prices: Ticket prices vary according to the seats you select and the different concerts.

One of the most interesting ways to see Toronto's most representative sites and buildings is to fly over the city by helicopter. From an altitude of 600 metres, you'll be able to see buildings such as the 530-metre-high CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum, with its peculiar geometric shapes, and the early 19th-century Fort York. You can also fly over Lake Ontario.

A helicopter flight over Toronto takes about 7 to 15 minutes, but it is certainly one of the most intense experiences you can have in this city. August is also an ideal month to fly over Toronto, thanks to its pleasant weather and clear skies most of the month.

These flights usually depart from Toronto City Centre Airport, which is about 4km from the city centre. There are several schedules to choose from, both day and night, and up to 3 people can fly on each flight. To get there, go to the Billy Bishop Ferry Terminal and take the free ferry to the airport or walk from the pedestrian tunnel.

Veld Music Festival is an annual electronic music event that takes place in Toronto on a weekend in August. The festival features performances from some of the world's biggest DJs and producers, and showcases a variety of electronic music genres from house to techno to dubstep, ensuring there is something for everyone.

Veld Music Festival is known for its high-end staging and production. It is held in Downsview Park, a large outdoor venue with capacity for thousands of fans. While specific times may vary from year to year, concerts usually begin in the afternoon and continue late into the evening.

If you plan to attend the Veld Music Festival, I recommend that you purchase tickets in advance, as it tends to sell out quickly due to its popularity. Also, the event may have age restrictions, which is important if you are going to Toronto with children.

Without a doubt, this festival is one of the best things to do in Toronto at night. Although, my top recommendation is always to take a sightseeing tour under the night lights, when the city's iconic sites are lit up in a special way.

Interesting facts

• Days and times: Held every year during the first weekend in August.
• Location: Downsview Park. 35 Carl Hall Road, Toronto, ON M3K 2B6, Canada.
• Entry fee: from approximately 19 EUR per person.

GreekTown at Danforth BIA, also known as Taste of the Danforth, is a festival held every year in Toronto's Greek Quarter on Danforth Street. It is one of Canada's largest food festivals, attracting thousands of visitors each year. It usually takes place on a weekend in August.

At the Taste of the Danforth festival, you will have the opportunity to sample a wide variety of Greek dishes, such as souvlaki and other traditional delicacies. In addition to the food, you can enjoy live performances, music and traditional dances that fill the street with a festive atmosphere.

In addition, local shops and restaurants actively participate in this event, offering a wide variety of products and special offers. That's why it's a great time to take a food tour of Toronto and experience its delicious culinary traditions.

To get to GreekTown, which is located about 5 km from downtown Toronto, you can use the Toronto underground or local buses.

Useful facts

• Days and times: usually a weekend in August, from 6pm to midnight approximately. You can keep informed about the event on their official website.
• Location: Danforth Avenue, between Broadview and Pape Avenues.
• Admission: free.

The Toronto Chinatown Festival is an annual event that aims to celebrate and promote Chinese culture and heritage in Toronto. During the festival you will be treated to a variety of activities, live performances, cultural exhibits, parades and a wide selection of Chinese food and products.

The festival is usually held over a weekend in August in Toronto's Chinatown. There you can sample a wide range of traditional Chinese dishes, from street delicacies to more elaborate fare. It's a must for anyone looking for a culinary tour of Toronto.

At the event, you'll also find a wide variety of Chinese products, from art to traditional handicrafts. In addition, you can participate in educational events and interactive activities that will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in Chinese culture and learn about their unique customs. At this festival you can not only enjoy Chinese culture, but also appreciate Toronto's multicultural richness.

FAN EXPO Canada is the largest pop culture event in Canada and one of the largest in North America. If you're a fan of comics, video games, movies and other aspects of pop culture, you'll have the opportunity to meet your favourite celebrities, purchase exclusive merchandise, participate in panels and workshops, and enjoy a variety of geek-related activities.

FAN EXPO Canada features several attractions, including exhibit areas where you can purchase comics, toys, apparel and other pop culture-related items. In addition, the event includes autograph sessions, photo opportunities with celebrities, as well as panel discussions, where writers, directors and actors talk about their projects and answer questions from the audience.

The event also features a host of cosplayers participating in costume contests and parades, which are an integral part of the event experience. If you are a fan of pop culture, this event is an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of entertainment and creativity.