A bustling, diverse metropolis that is Toronto – for exploring hundreds of opportunities. Did you know more than 2.7 million people live in this city? The good news is you don’t need to spend a fortune soaking up its beauty and charm; it’s a cultural mosaic.
Locals and visitors too, there are countless spots in Toronto where you can get the essence of Toronto without spending a single penny. I’m ready to give you some of the best place to travel in Toronto for free! Take notes!
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
Not only is the Royal Ontario Museum a museum, it is a celebration of art, culture and natural history. The largest museum in North America, ROM hosts an incredible six million artifacts and specimens. Treasures from cultures around the world including ancient Egypt, to Canadian Indigenous artifacts, are on display.
What to do here? Explore the limitless amount of exhibits and get lost in all the interesting tales from each exhibit. Don’t miss out on the amazing architecture, and the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal in particular. Plus, don’t forget to join one of their free tours which will give you a little insider knowledge about the artifacts.
Why is it great to visit? It’s both an educational and a visual feast to wander around the Royal Ontario Museum. It’s a chance to see into the past and see other cultures. And the best part is you may get access to certain areas being free so it is one of the best places to visit in Toronto for free!
St. Lawrence Market
St. Lawrence Market is a true culinary gem and vibrant, bustling and full of life. A feast for the senses, this is history in action, an historic marketplace founded in 1803. Over 120 vendors mean you can wander past stalls stuffed with fresh local produce, artisanal cheeses, and all kinds of local delicacies. While you may not spend any money, the atmosphere is well worth it.
After spending time at St. Lawrence Market, be sure to highlight your visit by checking out the vendors and trying the samples… some may even let you sample the flavors for free! Local artisans is also an option, you may be lucky and walk away with a story or two.
Why visit? The food isn’t the only thing that occurs in this market, it’s a place where culture and community converge. To the point, you can go here, especially the historic architecture plus the weird personality aura makes everything sound bearable; not to talk of an exotic place in Toronto for free. It also means that a stop here means you get to enjoy a nice stroll along the waterfront afterwards, and enjoy two experiences in one trip.
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
There is no end to artistic expression that the Art Gallery of Ontario can offer. Containing over 90,000 works, we’ve got something for everyone, from Canadian and Indigenous art to modern masterpieces. It’s a building of a building, designed by the great architect Frank Gehry.
Admission to the free permanent collection is free on Wednesdays. What you have to say when you get here is the galleries are expansive so bring your comfortable shoes! Visit pieces by artists like Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven, wander through contemporary ‘exhibits,’ where myriad genres from around the world are on display.
Why is it a great place? To Visit the AGO is to have the chance to connect to creativity, and culture, so it’s one of the best places in Toronto to visit for free. You can explore Canadian heritage, and artistic perspectives of different sorts. Nothing about this experience is about watching alone; it’s about feeling and interpreting.
Toronto Free Walking Tour
One of the best ways to get to know the city is to take a Toronto Free Walking Tour. They cover iconic neighborhoods in Toronto such as the Distillery District, the Harbourfront and Kensington Market and are led with knowledgeable, passionate about the city guides. You’ll walk and learn the city’s history and odd but wonderful architecture.
However, these tours are usually ‘pay what you can dinners’, meaning you can tip as you think appropriate. You’ll get some fun facts, stories and a chance to meet new friends, but most importantly: You’ll hit the best spots in the city.
What’s great about this? It is not without a huge benefit to walk through the city and get an authentic feel to Toronto. You will smell, hear, and see. The Toronto Free Walking Tour is one of the best free places to visit in Toronto because it is all about connection, history and personal discovery.
High Park
Longing for a bit of nature? High Park Toronto’s largest public park, look no further. Located across 4o0 acres with calm walking paths, sprawling gardens and a beautiful lake, it spreads over as much area. The cherry blossoms in spring are simply gorgeous and, bring your camera!
At High Park you’ll find free items such as playgrounds, zoos and picnicking spots. Hiking or running with trails, tons of space to lay back… It’s one of those kind of places to escape the city hustle and get that city escape even if for a moment.
Why this park? High Park is a leafy oasis in an urban jungle. It reminds of nature, the beauty and tranquility. You get to recharge when you visit here and it has iconic cherry blossoms. High park is one of the best free places to visit in toronto, as this makes High Park one of the best places to visit in whole toronto in terms of free places where you can see local fauna as well as community spirit.
Toronto Islands
The Toronto Islands are just a short ferry ride from downtown Toronto, in a completely different portion of the city. This is a bit of paradise inside the metropolitan, this beautiful beaches, picturesque gardens and walking paths.
Open green spaces are also available that you can rent a bike and play Frisbee in during summer. Visit the quaint shops on Centre Island or when you arrive, stroll through and enjoy the skyline as the sun sets.
Why visit the islands? The Toronto Islands offer an escape; an almost Zen carcass to the blur of the hustle of the city. It’s a beautiful, scenic break to feast on nature’s beauty and see its famed skyline views. Plus, visiting the islands keeps it on top of the list of the best places in Toronto to visit for free, since all of the beauty can be had without spending a dime on admission.
Distillery District
And lastly, the Distillery District. This charming area centered around its Victorian industrial architecture and art galleries is a National Historic Site. Its cobblestone streets give just the right character, while traversing its shops, cafes and art installations.
While the shops are easy to spend money on the history and aesthetics are easy to soak in too, for free. Alternatively, stop by the local breweries, take in the street art or the amazing outdoor installations that tease out the story of how the area got to where it is today.
Why is it a great visit? The Distillery District is about being in Toronto and being rich in history and being rich in modern day creativity at the same time. You will be able to blend the city’s spirit with history. One of the best free places to visit in Toronto is it: a vibrant neighbourhood filled with creativity and architectural beauty you can’t ignore.
Conclusion
But there is so much to do in Toronto free of charge that you can pull back each layer, one attraction at a time. Enjoy everything this city has to offer from the art at the AGO to the historical richness of the Distillery District — you won’t need to vacuum out your wallet. All, these are just a few of the best places to visit in Toronto for free. No matter you are a native or an upcoming tourist, there is always a new corner to explore. Have a blast here!
