After a long, harsh winter, Torontonians are taking advantage of one last month of the prime summer season to enjoy festivities, long weekends, and fun activities. Here are a few of our favourite must do’s in August in Toronto that you won’t want to miss!
1. Taste of the Danforth
Over a million visitors flock to Toronto’s Greektown every year to sample some of the best Greek food in the city at discounted prices. There’s plenty to do with tons of performances, yoga demonstrations, and concerts. August 8-10, 2014
Rogers Cup
2. Rogers Cup
Noted as one of the best tennis tournaments in the world, watch the drama of this fast paced game, which features 44 of the best players in the world, including Rafael Nadal and Canada’s own Milos Raonic. Better than watching it from your furnished apartment in Toronto! August 2-10, 2014
3. FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada
Riding off the high of the World Cup Tournament in Brazil this year, the sport’s organization, FIFA has organized a cup for the world’s best female teams under 20 across Canada. You can watch particular matches in Toronto like Costa Rica vs New Zealand and Canada vs Ghana at the National Soccer Stadium. August 5-24, 2014
Toronto Islands
4. Toronto Islands
One of Toronto’s top attractions just a short ferry ride away from downtown Toronto, the Toronto Islands are a series of connecting islands spanning over 5 km. The ferry isn’t the only way to get there. You can take a water taxi, canoe and kayak from one of the rental places at Harbourfront. Centre Island is a popular island and features Centreville Amusement Park for the kids. If you’re more adventurous, head over to Hanlan’s Point, Toronto’s only nude beach. Pack your picnic, rent a bike, and capture some of the best skyline views of the city.
Toronto Blue Jays
5. Watch a Blue Jays Game
Baseball games were made for summer, especially at home games when the dome is open at the Rogers Centre. Whether you’re up close or in the nosebleeds, there’s nothing like the excitement of a Jays game. Regular games range from $11 up to $75; and premium games (weekends and pending on team) range from $14 to $210 (“in-the-action” seats behind the home plate).
Home games are listed here: http://www.seetorontonow.com/listings/toronto-blue-jays-baseball-club/
Stop by the Steamwhistle Brewery afterwards for some fresh, Torontonian brew.
6. Kensington Market
Every last Sunday of the month, the streets of the eclectic Kensington Market close down to traffic and open up to the public to roam free amongst the music and various activities happening in the area. Grab a seat on one of the coveted patios for some of the best people watching in the city. August 31, 2014
7. Roundhouse Craft Beer Festival
Lager lovers will revel in this festival at the headquarters of the Steamwhistle Brewery (across from the Roger’s Centre) which is only a few minutes away from your furnished apartment in Toronto. This festival showcases craft beers specifically from Ontario, such as Great Lakes Brewery, Flying Monkeys, and Left Field. There will also be a multitude of food trucks from the popular Gorilla Cheese to Fidel Gastro’s to whet your appetite. August 9-10, noon until 7pm
Sail In Cinema
8. Free Movies in Interesting Places
Every summer, some of Toronto’s biggest public spaces open up to the public for free movie viewings. Our picks: the Sail-in Cinema at Sugar Beach, where you could dock your boat or watch classics like Jaws, Jurassic Park, and E.T. (August 14, 15, 16); Yonge and Dundas Square across from the Eaton Centre hosts movies every Tuesday at dusk in the summer; and Riverdale Park East for The Wizard of Oz on August 17. The Harbourfront Centre is also showcasing contemporary box office hits at their West Jet Stage on August 13, 20, and 27.
9. Pan American Food Festival
Come celebrate the diversity of the Americas and the Caribbean at Daniel’s Spectrum in Regent Park, where chefs cook the cuisine of a showcased country (Peru, this year). Some of the best Latin American yet Toronto based chefs will be in attendance, including Rossy Earle and Steve Gonzalez. There will also be performances, salsa and bachata dance workshops, and activities for the kids, including a youth World Cup! August 8-10, 2014
Fine Dining
10. Eat!
New, haute restaurants open almost every August just in time for the Toronto Film Festival in September. Now is your time to savour every bite at some of the hottest places where the stars will be. Noted openings include: Cluny, Montecito, Pai, and Rush Lane (for cocktails and bar snacks).
One of the biggest food parties of the summer is Tres, from famous taqueria, La Carnita. They celebrate their third anniversary with a big block party on August 23 around College and Bathurst. Check their Twitter and Instagram feeds for more details. https://twitter.com/la_carnita
Bar Buca
relax on a weeknight or a game night. The two-story location has a variety of options (e.g. Executive Suites, Gardens Room, and Players Lounge) if you’re looking for a private function for your company.
your smart phone set for your desired wake time and then use your travel clock as a backup that’s set for five minutes later. This ensures you’ll never sleep through your alarm.