The snow is melting, the sun is shining longer, and that can only mean one thing in Toronto: summer is right around the corner.
The largest city in Canada and the fourth largest city in North America, there is no shortage of things to do in Toronto in the warm summer months.
With boundless parks, festivals, and beaches it can sometimes be a challenge to decide how best to spend your time. Looking for some ideas for things to do in Toronto this summer?
Look no further, we have you covered.
Plan A Trip To BATL Axe Throwing
The sport of urban axe throwing that has taken the world by storm started just as you might think it would: at a cottage with friends. In 2006, founder and CEO Matt Wilson to a cabin just outside of Toronto with his closest pals and after hours of rain, they had to find a way to keep busy. The group began throwing hatches at a tree, and instantly felt the cathartic release of sinking an axe into softwood. Little did they know this was the start of something huge.
Looking to get involved with BATL in Toronto? We offer many ways to get involved in the sport of urban axe throwing that we started back in 2006:
Walk-In Axe Throwing Sessions: If you're looking for a casual way to get involved with the sport of axe throwing, all BATL venues offer public walk-in sessions (no reservations required) every weekend. It's the perfect way to test the water when it comes to axe throwing, with little commitment. Our expert coaches are on hand to guide you the whole way, so whether you're new to the sport or looking to hone in on your skill BATL Axe Throwing has you covered.
Private Axe Throwing Event Bookings: BATL Axe Throwing offers two types of private event bookings: 1-hour bookings for groups of 2-5 people, and 2-2.5 hour bookings for groups of 6 and up. No matter which private event you book, you'll get the same thing that BATL Axe Throwing has become famous for the best one on one instruction from our skilled and friendly staff members, followed by a round robin style tournament and single elimination playoff - all orchestrated by our staff, leaving you with nothing to do but throw axes and enjoy the company of your guests. These parties are perfectly suited to any adult gatherings (bachelor/bachelorette parties, corporate team building, adult birthdays, etc) and many BATL locations offer complete bar and food services, which means even less planning for you.
League Play: It's no secret that the foundations of BATL Axe Throwing start with our axe throwing leagues. Thousands strong we show the power of being good to each other, using the axe as a tool to build community inspired by our backyard roots. Our axe throwing leagues run for 8 weeks, completely under the guidance of our resident axe gurus. Each season consists of round-robin style tournament play, where you'll throw 28 games against other people in the league, culminating in a top 16 double elimination playoff on week 8. Our leagues are suitable for people of all skill levels, with staff on hand at all times ready to give you tips and tricks to make sure that you're hitting the bullseye. League play falls under the National Axe Throwing Federation (NATF) umbrella, the worlds foremost governing body of the sport of axe throwing (of which BATL is a founding member). Being part of the NATF also gives you access to the most advanced statistic tracking in the sport of urban axe throwing.
Other Top Things To Do In Toronto, via Blog TO
Stroll along a street festival
Toronto loves to shut down streets in the summer and there's a big festival pretty much every weekend. Expect food, vendors and rivers of people to bump into at events like Big on Bloor, OssFest or Taste of the Danforth. Looking for an even bigger street party? Take in the festivities at Pride Toronto. Toronto's Pride celebrations are known around the world for their scale and diversity. A month of celebrations, memorials, rallies, marches and a big street fair comes to a close with the grand finale: the parade, on June 21st.
Ride The Midway At The CNE
The staple of every Toronto summer is the two-week run of the city's downtown carnival from August 16 to September 2, capped off by a big air show and fireworks display spanning Labour Day weekend. Shows, rides, rib fests and speciality goodies are what makes this event so fun. Perfect for a day out with friends or family alike, no summer in Toronto is complete without visiting the CNE.
Hit The Beach
There is no shortage of beaches in Toronto: regular beaches, secret beaches and clothing-optional beaches. Many of the beaches are blue flag designated, meaning they are perfect for swimming. You can stick on the mainland, or make a day of it and take the ferry across to the Toronto Islands and spend the day on a beach that will have you forgetting that you're in the middle of a large city. Pick and choose which you'd like to go, slap on the sunscreen and go. It's that easy.
Experience The Cultures Of Kensington Market
An eclectic and totally bohemian jumble of the weird and wonderful. Seek out charming vintage stores, record shops and chilled out cafes for coffee breaks. Quirky hipster hangouts and underground speakeasies more your thing? No worries, Kensington has long been an artists’ hub, a fact that's apparent from the counter-culture performance spaces and art galleries.
Spend The Day Indoors
Summer weather not cooperating? Toronto has many options when looking for a day of refuge. Check out some art at the Art Gallery of Ontario or Museum of Modern Contemporary Art, learn about history at the Royal Ontario Museum, or enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views atop the CN Tower.
Enjoy all that Toronto and BATL Toronto has to offer this summer because we all know that the nice weather doesn't last forever!