Visiting TMU this summer? Here are six activities you need to try in Toronto
If you’ll be visiting or spending your summer in Toronto and are unsure of how to pass the time, look no further! Luckily, there are a ton of exciting events that will be happening here at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and around the city for you to enjoy.
I’ve compiled a list of six must-do activities that I think you should definitely add to your summer bucket list. Making a bucket list will not only help you feel organized, but it will also prevent you from having an unproductive summer. I hope this list is helpful to you!
1. Check out the murals in the Student Learning Centre (SLC)
In need of some inspiration? Go take a look at some student-made art!
During the winter semester, a group of students in the Graphic Communications Management program had the opportunity to install large-scale typographic chalk murals in the stairwell of the Student Learning Centre (SLC). The murals are set to stay in the SLC permanently, so make sure to stop by and take some time to appreciate all of their hard work!
2. Browse the exhibitions at The Image Centre (IMC)
If you’re still interested in taking a look at some on-campus art, luckily you won’t have to travel far. This summer, The Image Centre (IMC) (external link, opens in new window) will be showcasing a series of exciting exhibitions for all photography-lovers (external link, opens in new window) to enjoy. The centre hosts free exhibition tours at 1:30 p.m. from Wednesday to Friday, so if you’re interested in learning more about all of the exhibitions in greater detail, make sure to add it to your calendar.
The campus café, Balzac’s (external link, opens in new window) , is also located in the same building. I would definitely recommend grabbing an iced matcha latte or an almond croissant afterwards (thank me later).
3. Explore one (or a few) of Toronto’s many diverse neighbourhoods
Before I started my first year, I couldn’t believe that I would be attending a university that is located in the heart of such a diverse city like Toronto. During your time here, I would definitely recommend walking through neighbourhoods like Kensington Market, which is approximately a 30-minute walk from TMU. This is the perfect place to try a new restaurant, go thrifting or take some cool pictures. I would recommend checking out vintage clothing stores like Courage My Love (external link, opens in new window) or grabbing some gelato from Dolce Gelato (external link, opens in new window) , which is always satisfying on a hot day.
4. Attend a concert at Budweiser Stage
One of the best parts about spending the summer in Toronto is attending concerts. My favourite venue is Budweiser Stage (external link, opens in new window) since it’s situated right next to Lake Ontario, and depending on the weather, it’s also the perfect spot to watch the sunset. Practically every seat is good too, so you don’t really have to worry too much about buying seats with an obstructed view.
Artists like Orville Peck, Mt. Joy and Dan + Shay are set to be performing there this summer, so if you’re interested, I would definitely recommend getting your tickets as soon as possible.
Oh, and if you're sitting on the lawn, don’t forget to bring a disposable poncho just in case it rains! Toronto’s weather can be unpredictable sometimes, so it’s always better to come prepared.
5. Watch the sunset at a park with a beautiful view
One of my favourite ways to end a long summer day is to watch the sunset at pretty parks like Riverdale Park (external link, opens in new window) . The park is about a 20-minute subway ride from Dundas Station, which is located right next to TMU, and a seven-minute walk from Broadview Station. It’s a pretty popular spot, so you might have already seen it all over your social media. Toronto Island (external link, opens in new window) is also a nice place to visit if you’d like to spend some time by the water. You’ll have to take a ferry (external link, opens in new window) or water taxi (external link, opens in new window) to get there, but don’t worry, it’s only about a 15-minute trip.
Either way, Toronto is practically known for its parks, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a spot with a nice view. Having some ice cream to accompany you on your sunset-watching also makes the experience so much better.
6. Once you join TMU … relax in the sun at the Summer Open Farm
Once you officially become a TMU student, you’ll gain access to events like the Summer Open Farm which is located on the eighth floor of the Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex (DCC). The DCC’s rooftop farm is one of two urban farms here at TMU and operates alongside the rooftop farm at the George Vari Engineering & Computing Centre (ENG), which was converted from a green roof to a quarter-acre farm back in 2014.
The DCC’s rooftop farm is dedicated to Black food sovereignty and Indigenous food sovereignty initiatives, and is completely free for all guests to access. It also has a pop-up farm where guests can purchase flowers, fresh produce or grab a glass of iced tea, which is all made with campus-grown ingredients. Surrounded by an array of plants and an aerial view of the city, this is the perfect spot to soak up some sun or have lunch with a friend.
I hope at least one of these activities caught your eye, but either way, I would highly recommend that you spend some time exploring the city yourself so you can truly discover what interests you. Enjoy!
Chat soon,
Claire