Weather and climate are often sore spot topics for Canadians. As a country nicknamed “The Great White North”, we’re often recognized more for our snow-piled winters than our balmy, sun-soaked climate. But what many people outside of Canada don’t know is that the summer season can be incredibly warm. And Torontonians enjoy the summer even more because we remember what winter feels like!
Here at Harvey Kalles Real Estate, one of Toronto’s leading real estate agencies, we love to see our city come to life during the summertime. If you’re considering moving to Toronto and are curious how to keep busy in the city during the hot summer months – or if you’re a dyed-in-the-wool Torontonian brainstorming ideas for this weekend – read on. In this post, we explore exciting ways to stay cool during those mid-summer heatwaves.
Toronto’s Red-Hot Neighbourhoods
In July and August, temperatures can routinely rise over 30 degrees Celsius in Toronto. And when it gets that hot, Toronto’s hottest neighbourhoods are its coolest ones – the neighbourhoods straddling the cool breezes of Lake Ontario.
Toronto is an interesting metropolis because, while it’s comprised of several busy financial areas and districts, it’s also home to beautiful, quiet residential areas that overlook the tranquil lake. Several neighbourhoods in Toronto overlook Lake Ontario, providing easy access to beaches, breezes and ambling strolls along long promenades. Below, let’s explore some of downtown’s exciting neighbourhoods, concentrating on the areas closest to the water.
The Beaches
In Toronto’s east end, you’ll find the laidback “The Beaches” neighbourhood, or simply, “The Beach”, as locals like to call it. Home to beautiful Kew and Woodbine beaches, this neighbourhood has a small town vibe where activities are centered around the beautiful, sandy strips and the shops and restaurants that pepper the main street of Queen Street East.
In addition to other scenic lakeside beaches in the area, Woodbine Beach is the largest of the beaches in Toronto. You can find this spot located right off Lake Shore Boulevard East. If you didn’t know that you’re in the middle of downtown Toronto, Woodbine’s white, sandy beaches might trick you into thinking you’re on a tropical island.
Living in the Beaches neighbourhood provides easy access to this special place — by living in this historic and energetic neighbourhood, you could walk to Woodbine Beach every day or every weekend to relax and soak up some sunshine.
Parkdale
On the other end of Toronto’s vibrant downtown is the neighbourhood of Parkdale, known for its art galleries, delicious restaurants, hip coffee shops and stately homes. Unlike The Beaches, which branches off Queen Street East, Parkdale is located near Queen Street West. The residential neighbourhoods that populate this area are full of large Victorian homes, perfect for families and folks looking for quiet and comfort. At the same time, it’s close enough to the thrumming nightlife of West Queen West that you never feel removed from the big city energy.
Parkdale’s also a neighbourhood close to Lake Ontario and the historic Lake Ontario Waterfront. The Waterfront is home to the Sunnyside Park, which has an outdoor pool that looks onto Lake Ontario. As a Parkdale resident, you could easily walk down to the pool for evening after-work dips, while admiring the beautiful summer sunset over the lake.
The waterfront also has a boardwalk suited for light jogs or bicycle rides, as well as a mini beach. And for the little ones, Parkdale boasts several exciting summer activities for kids, including a variety of summer day camps programs at local recreation centres.
The Toronto Islands
One of the best parts about Toronto summers (and the best place to escape the seasonal heat) are the Toronto Islands. The Toronto Islands are a chain of several small islands about a 15-minute ferry ride from the main dock off Bay Street. Torontonians go to the islands to relish the fresh air, the gorgeous beaches, and to enjoy outdoor activities, such as sailing, paddle-boating, and more. There is also a residential community on the island, offering a community vibe that is truly unique.
If you enjoy sailing, or are interested in getting started, considering joining the Toronto Island Sailing Club. They offer lessons and social events not just in the summer, but also throughout the year. If you’re looking for things to do with the kids, there are plenty of family-friendly things to do on the islands. Centre Island, which is the largest of the islands, offers a petting zoo, a splash pad, and amusement park rides. And if you’re just there to tune out, soak in some rays and enjoy a cool beverage or two, you’ll find several beaches to accommodate you — Hanlan’s Point, Centre Island, Ward’s Island, Gibraltor Point, etc.
Other Ways to Keep Cool
Aside from exploring Toronto’s islands and beaches, there are also other exciting ways to enjoy the summer while keeping cool. On those ultra-hot days, consider soaking in some culture at one of the city’s many air-conditioned museums or art galleries. Take the kids to the ROM for the day, (there’s currently an exhibition about dinosaurs – every kid’s dream!). Alternatively, visit the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) and marvel at the centuries of art history hanging on the walls. The AGO also offers a summer art camp for kids ages five to 13, if you have a budding Da Vinci in your family.
If galleries and museums aren’t your speed (or if you did that last weekend), consider a Toronto boat cruise. Disembarking from downtown, you’ll find brunch, lunch, dinner and sightseeing cruises that gird the shores of Lake Ontario, offering spectacular skyline views. Theses cruises give you the opportunity to admire the city’s beautiful harbour while also enjoying a little staycation adventure.
The city may be hot this summer, but there is always an opportunity to cool down. Whether it’s the beach, a swimming pool, outdoor activities or an urban boating adventure, Toronto will find a way to cool you down. To find out more about how to enjoy your Toronto summer in a vibrant neighbourhood, give us a call at Harvey Kalles Real Estate. We’ll be more than happy to help you find your new home.
