The top 10 iconic Toronto experiences to have before the end of summer, Canada Reviews

The acorns are dropping, the leaves are starting to change, and school supplies are piling up. Yes, the end is near dear Torontonians. But, it isn’t over yet! To make the most of the last remaining summer days, here are 10 of the most iconic things to do in the city.

1. Spend a day at the CNE

Yes, it is true a trip to the CNE is a double-edged sword. It is a very summer pastime, amusement park rides, outdoor concerts, but it is also how the city marks the end of the season. Still, it’s fun, and you deserve some fun right now. The 2026 CNE runs through Sept. 7, giving Torontonians one last chance to eat something deep-fried that probably should never have been deep-fried in the first place.

2. Take the ferry to the Toronto Islands

It is easy to forget that one of Toronto’s best escapes is a short ferry ride from downtown. Head out to the Toronto Islands for a bike ride, picnic, beach day or simply a long walk away from traffic. The skyline view on the ride back alone is reason enough to go. Start at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal and make a day of it. Toronto Islands are also home to the best and cleanest beaches in the city, perfect for a late summer dip. 

3. Catch a Toronto Maple Leafs baseball game at Christie Pits

Yes, the Toronto Blue Jays are still relevant. But, for one day, forget the Rogers Centre and head to Christie Pits for one of the city’s most beloved summer sports traditions: watching the Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball Club play ball. Bring a blanket, maybe an adult beverage, find a spot on the hill and settle in for old-school baseball in the middle of the city. It feels like a small-town summer afternoon somehow dropped into downtown Toronto. The last chance to take in a home game is Aug. 28. 

4. Go to Dream in High Park

Dream in High Park is a unique and pretty great summer tradition in Toronto. It takes place in the leafy natural amphitheatre in High Park, a gorgeous setting. This season, Canadian Stage is presenting the classic Shakespeare comedy Twelfth Night. It is only on until Sept. 6 so don’t delay.

5. Play beach volleyball at Woodbine Park

Toronto is home to the largest concentration of beach volleyball courts in North America. More than California, more than Florida. Ashbridge’s Bay Park is a Mecca for beach volleyball enthusiasts. And, there are recreational leagues happening all summer and into fall. Plus, there are some public courts available for all to use on a first-come, first-serve basis. Do it before it’s too late.

6. Watch the sunset from Riverdale Park East

Watching the sun go down behind the always-impressive city skyline from Riverdale Park East has unlocked ritual status in Toronto. Find a good clear night, a few friends and a snack from neighbourhood Chinatown East and watch the show while it’s still warm enough to be comfortable.

7. Spend an afternoon wandering Kensington Market

There are few better ways to enjoy a warm Toronto day than wandering through Kensington without much of a plan. Grab an iced coffee, browse vintage shops, pick up something to eat and let the afternoon unfold. On Aug. 30, Pedestrian Sundays returns to the neighbourhood, giving the area an especially festive, car-free atmosphere perfect for strolling. 

8. Have a drink on a Toronto rooftop

There is still time to take your summer drinking to the next level — literally. Toronto has plenty of rooftop patios where you can grab a cocktail, a cold beer or dinner while taking in the skyline, and late August is prime time for doing it. Try The Rooftop at the Broadview Hotel for sweeping views of the Don Valley and downtown skyline, KŌST for its 44th-floor perch and CN Tower views, or Harriet’s Rooftop for a more polished King West experience.

9. The last street festivals of the season

Toronto summers are often defined by street festivals, the early season bangers like Do West, the classics like Taste of the Danforth. If you need one last street-festival fix, or haven’t been to one yet, there are two remaining opportunities. Now in its 47th year, the free two-day celebration takes over Parliament and Carlton streets Sept. 12–13 with more than 250 artisans, food, street performers and more than 200 musical performers. Then, the Roncesvalles Polish Festival gets underway Sept. 19–20. Taking over Roncesvalles Avenue for its 20th anniversary, the festival highlights pierogi, sausage, live music, traditional dance and plenty of family entertainment.

10. Visit a farmers market

Late summer is peak farmers-market season in Toronto, when the stalls are overflowing with Ontario peaches, tomatoes, corn, berries and other produce that somehow tastes better simply because it won’t be around forever. Make a morning of it at Evergreen Brick Works Farmers Market, St. Lawrence Market, Dufferin Grove Farmers’ Market or one of the many neighbourhood markets scattered around the city. Stock up on local produce, grab something to eat and enjoy one of the simplest—and most delicious—ways to squeeze a little more summer out of Toronto.