Downtown Queen Street

Wade Gilpin

During your visit to Toronto, things to do on your travel itinerary should include a stop at some of Toronto's most beloved and entertaining outdoor activity destinations. If you love fresh air and exercising in the outdoors, plan on doing either of the following during your stay:

Hike, Bike, Boat and Relax at Toronto Island Park

Toronto Island Park has outdoor activities for everyone in the family. There's a mini amusement park with rides and games, but if you're looking for more traditional outdoor activity, you can go hiking, rent tandem bikes or go canoeing, to name just a few activities. The series of three islands are entirely connected to one another and only accessible via ferries at Bay Street and Queens Quay.

The approximately 568-acre islands are completely car-free--the largest geographical area in North America that is free of cars--and an ideal retreat for the outdoor enthusiast visiting Toronto. Bring your own bikes or rent them on the island and ride circles through the mile and a half bicycle trail circumventing the islands. Relax at one of two public beaches in July and August or play tennis, volleyball or softball at multiple fields and courts across the islands. You can also go swimming or wading at pools scattered throughout the islands. Rent boats and canoes or go golfing. Roundtrip ferry costs to the island are $6.50 per adult and $3 per child. How much else you spend on the island depends on whether you rent equipment or make purchases. You can spend an entirely free day hiking or picnicking once you arrive at the island.

Walk, Picnic and Bike throughout Toronto High Park

You won't have to use a ferry to access Toronto High Park, which is located at the heart of central Toronto and has an expanse of almost 400 acres. Popular outdoor activities include biking and walking while observing the trees, flowers and historical architecture that pepper the expanse. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy your meal under the shade of a tree or at a picnic bench. You can also play tennis or squash at courts or swim at at the community center. An open-year-long zoo featuring bison, deer, llama and more offers free admission within the High Park grounds.

Most activities within High Park are free and even parking is free. If you plan to be there on Sunday, you may be able to take a free walking tour of the park offered by Colborne Lodge, the historical estate home that once housed the original settler owner of the park land.