How to Have Fun in Toronto: A Guide for Incoming Students Who Are New to the City

From the outside looking in, Toronto can seem quite overwhelming. I mean, I’m born and raised in Toronto, and can still find it disorienting at times. That’s why I put together this guide for incoming students who are new to the city and want to take part in the many things to do in Toronto.

If you are new to the city, and want to have a fun daytime outing either solo or with some friends, I highly suggest that you check out Kensington market (external link, opens in new window) . If you are an enjoyer of good food, cool thrift stores and eclectic shops, this is the place for you. It is a short streetcar ride away from Spadina subway station, or if you are trying to get your steps in during the summer, it is about a 25-minute walk from the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) campus.

For vintage clothing shopping, my two favourite shops are Courage My Love (especially if you are having a Yee-Haw summer and need a trusted pair of cowboy boots) and Lost Boys Vintage (which offers curated streetwear with a vintage feel). My favourite place to get a snack and drink while exploring Kensington is Tacos 101/Fruta Libra because they sell yummy drinks like horchata and have delicious Mexican-style fruit cups. What I find so cool about Kensington is that you can find a mix of so many different shops and cultures that come together in the same space to create an energy that is pretty unique to Toronto, so definitely check it out!

There are so many beautiful parks in the city to visit, and the best part about them is that they are free! With a blanket, some snacks and good company, you are bound to have a great time.

Listing off some of my favourites, first we have Trinity Bellwoods (external link, opens in new window) . This park is located in the west end and is a pretty popular summer spot for Torontonians, especially if you live in the surrounding neighborhoods. Next, we have a place near and dear to my heart: Riverdale Park (external link, opens in new window) . This is located in the east end, south of Broadview subway station. You have probably seen this park in a picture as it is one of the best places in Toronto to see the iconic city skyline. Come here at dusk and watch the sunset — it really is a sight to see. Next up we have Christie Pits (external link, opens in new window) , which is also located in the west end of the city, right outside of the subway station that goes by the same name. This is a really fun park that has a lot of amenities such as a skate park and a basketball court. It is an especially popular destination for young people. Last, but not least on the list, is Grange Park (external link, opens in new window) , about a 15-minute walk from the TMU campus. This is a really cool park where you tend to find a lot of university students, so we fit right in!

A classic Toronto location, Centre Island is a summer staple for people living in the city. The whole process feels like you are on a journey due the fact that you need to board a boat to get there. I would suggest taking the city ferry to get there as it is the most cost-effective option available. If you do not like crowded spaces, I would recommend visiting the Island during the week, as the ferries can get pretty crowded during the prime times on the weekend. Once you arrive at Centre Island, there is so much to do; you can check out the petting zoo, go to the Centreville amusement park (external link, opens in new window)  or even go for a dip in the lake if you are feeling brave. What I like to do is go with some friends and rent a little pedal-powered cart and hit the bike trails to explore the island. When you are there, it’s easy to forget you are literally still in Toronto and it can be a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Earlier I mentioned Grange Park and located right in front of it is the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) (external link, opens in new window) , which, along with the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) (external link, opens in new window) , are my final recommendations for students who are new to Toronto. This may be a little more niche, but if you are a lover of art, an AGO membership is free (external link, opens in new window)  for students 25 and under. Aside from the awesome architecture, there are constantly new and engaging exhibits for visitors to enjoy. The ROM is also a really fun place to check out, and it is free for post-secondary students every Tuesday! From ancient artifacts to dinosaur bones, the ROM has so many interesting things to see. 

These are my recommendations for those who are new to the city and looking for fun things to do. The best thing to do in Toronto is to walk around and explore all that the city has to offer. Good luck and enjoy your time in the city and your time at TMU!