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AppSignal's guide to Toronto: Things to do in Toronto

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Ahmed Nadar is a Toronto-based Rails developer, founder of the RapidRails agency and creator of RapidRails UI components for Ruby on Rails.

AppSignal have enlisted Ahmed's help to write a series of guides to Toronto for fellow Rails World attendees.

Having already covered the things you can do in the Evergreen Brick Works, in this article we'll focus on what you can do in your spare time in Toronto, or was we Torontonians call it Torono.

Top Toronto Attractions You Should Visit During Rails World

If you have time and plan to visit some of Toronto's famous attractions, you may want to consider purchasing a City Pass which gives you access to the CN tower plus three other attractions of your choice.

Toronto is full of amazing places to visit, such as:

  1. The CN Tower: The iconic 553.3m high communication and observation tower with birds eye views of Toronto.
  2. Royal Ontario Museum: A museum of art, culture and natural history.
  3. Casa Loma: Once the largest private residence in Canada with a bird's eye view of Toronto from its upper levels, built with bricks from the Evergreen Brick Works, where Rails World is being hosted.

Best Fall Foliage Spots in Toronto

As we transition from summer to fall (that's what we call autumn in Canada) I thought I'd curate a list of picturesque spots you can visit to see the beautiful fall foliage.

Here are some of the best spots in Toronto to see the autumn colors this year:

1. Rouge National Urban Park A vast urban park offering diverse ecosystems, scenic hiking trails, and beautiful waterways—perfect for nature lovers.

2. High Park Toronto's largest public park, featuring playgrounds, sports facilities, trails, and the renowned cherry blossoms in spring.

3. Edwards Gardens A botanical paradise with beautifully landscaped gardens, ponds, and peaceful walking paths, ideal for garden enthusiasts.

4. Glen Stewart Ravine A hidden gem with a lush ravine trail offering tranquil walks through dense forests and diverse wildlife habitats.

5. Evergreen Brick Works A community hub blending environmental sustainability, markets, and cultural events within the historic former brick works.

6. Trinity Bellwoods Park A lively urban park known for its open green spaces, vibrant community gatherings, and scenic picnic spots.

7. David A. Balfour Park A tranquil park with scenic trails along the ravine, offering a peaceful escape amidst nature in the heart of the city.

8. Scarborough Bluffs Stunning cliffs with panoramic views of Lake Ontario, offering picturesque landscapes and serene beach walks.

Places to visit in Toronto

Looking for ideas for things to do during your stay in Toronto? You are in for a treat. Here are some of my suggestions for activities you can do while you're visiting Toronto.

Arcadia Earth Toronto

Arcadia Earth is a multi-sensory journey that combines creative art and cutting-edge technology to inspire action toward a sustainable future. Through interactive projection mapping, AR, and VR, this 10-room experience highlights the beauty of Earth and the impact of human actions on the environment.

St. Lawrence Market

Enjoy live music, dance performances, and outdoor food and drink vendors at the St. Lawrence Market. The market is a dynamic space that serves as a community hub, urban park, and vibrant public space.

Kensington Market

Kensington Market is a vibrant neighborhood and National Historic Site in the heart of Toronto. Known for its rich diversity, Kensington is home to a community with roots from all over the world. This eclectic area offers an authentic experience, showcasing a mix of cultures, flavors, and stories like no other place in the city.

Kensington Market Jazz Festival

The Kensington Market Jazz Festival brings Toronto's jazz scene to life in one of the city's most vibrant and historic neighborhoods. Over three years, KMJF (Kensington Market Jazz Festival) has hosted 320+ concerts featuring 500+ musicians across 25 venues, powered by over 150 volunteers. KMJF honors the market's rich history while delivering three days of live jazz in the heart of Kensington Market.

This year the festival will take place from September 29 - October 1.

Things to Do In Toronto During Rails World

Here are some activities you may find interesting between September 26-29:

Thursday, September 26

  • A September Business Owners & Founders Networking Social

    An exclusive networking event will be held at Mister C, featuring a business pitch session, a panel discussion with media representatives, a Q&A session, and networking opportunities.

  • A Sushi & Shawarma - Standup Comedy Show

    If you're looking to let off some steam and enjoy Toronto's comedy scene, Sushi & Shawarma at The Laugh House brings an evening of humor with two comedians, Darren Leo and Marwan Shaffey.

Friday, September 27

  • Toronto Oktoberfest (27-28 September)

    Join the celebration at Toronto's largest Oktoberfest, taking place at Downsview Airport Lands. This two-day event features a lively atmosphere filled with Polka music, authentic Schuhplattler dancers, and a variety of German and European beers. Enjoy a range of performances, including German rock and cover bands, an Oktoberfest cabaret show, and engaging contests and games. Savor a selection of quality beverages alongside delicious food from local vendors, offering both classic and contemporary takes on Bavarian cuisine, including non-alcoholic, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Saturday, September 28

  • TSO Open House & Free Concert For one day only, enjoy a free musical experience at Roy Thomson Hall. Starting at 10:00 in the lobby, there will be live performances by TSO musicians and special guest artists (no tickets required). At 14:00, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra will perform a captivating concert featuring familiar favorites and new discoveries. Please note that tickets will be required to enter the hall for this performance.

  • Latin Parade and Fall Fiesta Celebrate the vibrant culture of Latin America in downtown Toronto with a Parade on Bloor St. featuring hundreds of marchers. The two-day Fall Fiesta at Dundas Square will showcase delicious food, live music, mariachis, tango exhibitions, and more.

  • Word on the Street Festival This two-day festival features over 100 Canadian and Indigenous authors and is Canada's largest book and magazine marketplace. Now in its 35th year, it will offer four stages of programming for book lovers of all ages.

Sunday, September 29

  • Toronto Garlic Festival Join the Toronto Garlic Festival for a day filled with garlic-inspired food, desserts, garlic beer, crafts, musicians, face painting, and more.

  • Kensington Market Pedestrian Sundays Explore Kensington Market during Pedestrian Sundays, featuring music, art, and tasty food for a vibrant community experience.

Exploring Toronto During Rails World 2024

As this guide, and the previous guides hopefully show you, there's always something to do and experience in Toronto. If you're here for a short or long stay, try to make some time during your Rails World trip to explore the city beyond the Evergreen Brick Works and your hotel and make the most of your time in Toronto.

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