10 Things to Do in Toronto in July

Toronto is a cosmopolitan city that offers a wide variety of things to see and do all year round, but in July the warmth of summer creates the perfect backdrop for experiences to suit all tastes. It's a month when the city wakes up to festivities and cultural events that celebrate the diversity that defines Toronto.

From Canada Day celebrations that sweep the city, to music festivals, parades and concerts, this cosmopolitan city offers a myriad of activities to enjoy during your stay. That's why here's a list of the best things to see and do in Toronto in July, so you won't miss a thing.

Canada Day, celebrated across the country on July 1st, is an Independence Day celebration that fills the streets and squares with the colours of the Canadian flag. Of course it couldn't be any different in Toronto, so on this day you can take part in a variety of activities, from concerts and parades to fireworks displays. These take place at night over Lake Ontario.

During the celebration, you can appreciate Toronto's cultural diversity through traditional dance and music performances by the city's different ethnic communities. There are also film screenings and outdoor art exhibits.

To attend the celebrations for the celebrations, it is advisable to arrive early at the iconic venues such as High Park or the Harbourfront Centre, as these are where the most prominent events take place. It is also advisable to wear comfortable clothes and bring sunscreen, as the festivities usually last all day and most of the night.

This event is ideal for you to interact with the locals in a lively and festive atmosphere. It's definitely a good time to take a guided tour of Toronto, either on foot or by bike, to see the decorations and see the city's most iconic sights. Live music, decorations, art displays and the opportunity to interact with people from diverse cultures make this celebration an experience not to be missed.

Facts and figures of interest

• Days and times: 1 July in Toronto all day long. The main celebration starts around 10pm.
• Location: in the city's main parks and squares, such as Amesbury Park, Canada's Wonderland, High Park and Centennial Park, and in iconic venues such as the Harbourfront Cultural Centre.
• Admission: free of charge.

Niagara Falls is about 2 hours from the city, so you can't miss it during your stay in July. In addition to the warmer and more pleasant temperatures, you can cruise close to the falls on a cruise ship, which operates from May to November in Toronto.

The falls are located on the border between Canada and the United States and are considered one of the largest waterfalls in the world. To get there you have to go to Niagara Falls in the province of Ontario (it's called the same on the US side), which you can do by bus or join a guided tour from Toronto. If you're on your own, you can rent a bike, take a scenic bus or take private transport to see the falls.

There's no cost to visit Niagara Falls, as you can see it from the Niagara Falls waterfront promenade. In addition to the cruise, you can view the falls from a platform at the base of the falls. Access is from the Table Rock Welcome Centre and costs approximately 16 EUR per person. From there you can also take the White Water Walk, a 600-metre walk along the turbulent waters of the Niagara River. It costs about EUR 11 per person.

Without a doubt, visiting Niagara Falls is one of the best trips you can take from Toronto, and one of the most celebrated spectacles of nature. In Niagara Falls you'll also find other things to enjoy, such as wineries, the 160-metre high Skylon Tower observation deck, cable cars and the possibility to practice sports such as rappelling.

Toronto's harbour and island sightseeing cruise is an experience that offers a unique perspective of the city during the summer months. On board the cruise, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the Toronto skyline and the picturesque islands of Lake Ontario. It's definitely an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, where you can relax and enjoy the incredible views.

Boarding a Toronto cruise in July is highly recommended, as the weather is usually warmer and more pleasant. During the trip, you'll be able to admire landmarks such as the CN Tower, Rogers Centre and First Canadian Place, as well as the islands of Lake Ontario, which will delight nature lovers. Don't forget to bring sunscreen and light clothing to enjoy the ride to the fullest.

In addition to the beautiful views, Toronto cruises often provide interesting information about the history and architecture of the city. Many of these cruises also offer on-board entertainment options such as live music and a bar with a variety of drinks and food.

Interesting facts

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

The Toronto Jazz Festival, which takes place every July, has become an iconic event that attracts jazz lovers from all over the world. During the festival, talented musicians perform in venues ranging from outdoor parks to intimate clubs. The programme includes a wide variety of styles, from classical to contemporary jazz, ensuring a diverse musical experience.

To attend the Jazz Festival, it is recommended that you check the calendar of events in advance, so you can choose the ones that interest you most. Many concerts are free and open-air, so you can enjoy the music in a relaxed and festive environment both day and night in the city of Toronto.

If you're a jazz fan, you can immerse yourself in the rich musical atmosphere as you explore the stages and take part in a variety of activities such as workshops and talks with musicians. Without a doubt, the city comes alive with the talent of the artists who make the Toronto Jazz Festival a must-attend event for music lovers.

The Toronto Fringe Festival is an event that celebrates independent performing arts. For about ten days in July, Toronto becomes a stage for theatre, dance and music companies from around the world. The festival takes place at various venues across the city, and offers a wide variety of shows ranging from innovative theatrical productions to comedy and experimental dance performances.

To get the most out of the Toronto Fringe Festival, it's best to check out the programme so you can choose the shows that interest you most. One of the highlights is KidsFest, highly recommended if you're travelling with your family, as it offers performances especially designed for the little ones. It's definitely an opportunity to enjoy Toronto with children.

At the festival, you'll have the chance to interact with the artists and explore new forms of artistic expression. In addition to the performances, there are often side events such as talks, workshops and discussions, giving you a broader view of the independent art world. If you're interested in art, you can't miss a visit to the Art Gallery of Ontario, where you can admire famous works of art from around the world.

Interesting facts

• Days and times: You can check the schedule of shows on the event's official website.
• Location: at various theatres in downtown Toronto.
• Ticket price: some shows are free and others are free of charge.

Toronto' s Caribbean Carnival is a month-long event celebrating the cultural heritage and diversity of the city's Caribbean communities. It takes place in the streets of downtown Toronto, transforming the area into a colourful spectacle. The festivities include a massive parade with live Caribbean music, traditional dances, costumes and decorated floats that capture the joy and vibrancy of Caribbean cultures.

When you attend Toronto's Caribbean Carnival, you'll be immersed in a lively and boisterous atmosphere, where the streets are filled with catchy, upbeat Caribbean rhythms. There you can enjoy live performances, from steel pan bands to dance troupes representing the different islands of the Caribbean. Food and drink stalls offer a delicious variety of authentic Caribbean dishes for a unique culinary experience.

This holiday is often celebrated between mid-July and early August in Toronto. To get the most out of this celebration, it is recommended that you keep an eye on the days and times of the various shows and events. It's definitely a good time to take one of the best guided tours in Toronto and discover how the city dresses up for Carnival.

The Honda Indy Toronto event, which takes place every July, is an exciting experience for motor racing enthusiasts. For 3 days in Toronto, the streets are turned into a temporary street circuit where high-speed racing takes place. This event attracts world-renowned competitors and enthusiastic crowds who gather to watch the action live.

Attending the Honda Indy Toronto requires careful planning, as the streets near the circuit are often closed to regular traffic. At the event you'll be able to enjoy a variety of racing categories, from single-seaters to touring cars. There are also often a variety of activities on offer for attendees, including car shows, charity events and the chance to meet the race drivers.

It's definitely a great celebration as there are also food trucks and beer gardens set up in the open air, where you can sample local food and drink. By the way, Canada produces some of the best beers in the world, so after sampling some at the event you may want to take a beer tour of Toronto, especially if you're a beer lover.

Salsa on St. Clair is Toronto's annual signature event that takes place in July, transforming St. Clair Street into a Latin music and rhythm stage that invites the entire crowd to dance. During the event, the street comes alive with live performances by prominent salsa bands and Latin artists, creating a festive and infectious atmosphere.

When you attend Salsa on St. Clair, you'll have the opportunity to indulge in Latin American dishes from a variety of local stalls and restaurants. In addition to live music and dance, many editions of the event include interactive activities such as free dance classes, giving you the opportunity to actively participate in the celebration.

The event usually lasts two days, from noon to night, and is held on St. Clair Ave West near Humewood Park, Hillcrest Park and Wells Hill Park. This event, undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Toronto during the summer, is a unique opportunity to enjoy one of the city's most anticipated events, combining music, dance, fun and food.

Interesting facts

• Days and times: two days in July, from noon to night.
• Location: on St. Clair Ave West between Winona Rd and Christie St.
• Admission: free.

The Regent Park Film Festival is an annual Toronto event aimed at promoting inclusion and diversity through film. In addition to regular screenings, the festival presents a special programme called Under the Stars, which is a series of outdoor screenings that takes place on warm July nights in the city.

Under the Stars is a free, outdoor film screening event that takes place at various locations in Regent Park, a neighbourhood located in downtown Toronto.

In addition to the nightly screenings, there are many family-friendly activities before the film, and popcorn and drinks are sold. The films selected for Under the Stars are often heartwarming stories that celebrate diversity and address issues relevant to the local community, making it a much-anticipated annual tradition in Regent Park.

The Bloordale BIA: BIG on Bloor Festival is a community event that celebrates the cultural diversity of Toronto's Bloordale neighbourhood. During the festival, the streets of the neighbourhood come alive with a variety of events, including art exhibitions and live music, and a variety of local food stalls. The event usually spans an entire weekend.

The festival often includes special events, such as street art exhibitions and live demonstrations, which offer a glimpse into the creativity of the neighbourhood. There are also activities for the little ones if you're coming to Toronto with children.

The BIG on Bloor Festival is also an opportunity to take one of the best food tours in Toronto, where you can experience the true flavours of the city. In addition, shops and restaurants often offer special promotions that you can take advantage of.

On the other hand, the streets of the neighbourhood will be closed to vehicles, so you can enjoy the event and interact with the locals in a super festive atmosphere.