Toronto Events Archives - DOWNTOWN TOYOTA BLOG

Toronto’s Best Boating Activities

Being out on the water in Toronto is a great way to spend the last few days of summer before the weather turns cold. Here are some of the best boating activities to enjoy and some tips to ensure that you have a good time.

Rental options

The Boat House, Harbourfront Canoe & Kayak Centre, and Toronto Island SUP all offer the option of renting all kinds of equipment. At these spots, you can rent kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, standup paddleboards, and more. You can also take lessons if you’re unsure about your skill level.

Enjoy a cruise

If you don’t want to haul any equipment out on the water, you can always opt for one of the many dining cruises available in the area. Eat delicious food while viewing the Toronto skyline from companies like Great Lakes Schooner Company, Jubilee Queen Cruises, Yankee Lady Yacht Charters, and more.

Remember the rules

Before heading out on the water, you’ll want to be sure you’re aware of all of the guidelines and rules that are in place. Speed limits, zones, markers, driving etiquette, and essential tools are all things to consider.

The next time you stop by and see us at Downtown Toyota, let us know what your favourite water activities are in the area!

Toronto Festivals You Should Visit This Fall

Toronto is home to many exciting events year-round. From thought-provoking art installations to music and film festivals, you’re sure to find something fun to do this fall in the city.

BuskerFest

If you want to attend an event for a good cause, stop by BuskerFest from Sept. 2-5. This quirky festival takes place at Woodbine Park and benefits Epilepsy Toronto. Here, you’ll see all kinds of acts like circus performers, aerialists, musicians, and magic shows.

Toronto International Film Festival

You’ve probably heard of TIFF, the Toronto International Film Festival that runs from Sept. 8-18 this year. After hosting a virtual version of the event in 2020 and 2021, this year marks the festival’s return to theatres in the city. Visit the TIFF website to learn more about what will be premiering and how to purchase tickets.

Redpath Waterfront Festival

Head to HTO Park and Sugar Beach on Sept. 17-18 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for all kinds of family fun! The Redpath Waterfront Festival is where you’ll find live music on two stages, local food trucks serving delicious snacks, a working replica of Theodore TOO Tugboat, and more.

We can wait to get out and enjoy the many upcoming fall festivals in Toronto. Stop by and see us at Downtown Toyota if you’re in the area!

Our Favourite Hidden Gems in Downtown Toronto

Toronto Public Library | Toronto, ON — “Toronto Reference Library atrium” by Nayuki is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

If you plan on visiting us at Downtown Toyota to service your vehicle or shop for a new one, you might as well make a day of it! Here are our favourite best-kept secrets that you can enjoy in and around the city.

For book lovers

Toronto is home to many independent bookshops and libraries, offering unique experiences every time you turn a corner (and a page). The Monkey’s Paw features the world’s first “Biblio-Mat,” a random book vending machine. Just about 3 km down the road is the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, where you can see and hold a huge collection of beautiful antique books.

For history buffs

As you wander through the city, you’ll also find many engaging museums, educational buildings, and historical sites. At the Toronto Public Library, the Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation, and Fantasy features more than 72,000 items to make you question reality and everything you know.

For adventurers

The CN Tower is an iconic landmark of the city. But did you know that the structure holds the record for the world’s tallest metal staircase? While they’re not usually open to the public, the building does host charity star-climbing events occasionally. Good luck getting up those 2,579 steps to reach the SkyPod level!

What are your favourite spots to visit when you’re in the city? Let our team know the next time you visit us at Downtown Toyota!

Celebrate Toronto at These Summer Festivals

Toronto is home to many exciting festivals and events throughout the year — and summer is especially packed with great options. If you’re looking for inspiration for your upcoming plans, check out our top Toronto summer festivals.

Toronto Caribbean Carnival

The best part about the Toronto Caribbean Carnival is that is spans almost the whole month of July, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the festivities. From July 7-30, you can experience a variety of engaging events and food from Guyanan, Bermudan, Dominican, Haitian, Trinidadian, and Jamaican cultures. This includes a handful of parties, a couple of parades, delicious food, and lively music.

Salsa in Toronto Festival

An event that packs itself into just two days, the Salsa in Toronto festival, takes place July 9-10 in Midtown. This event celebrates Latin culture in Canada and includes amazing authentic food selections, dance lessons, art exhibitions, film screenings, musical performances, and a parade.

Toronto Jazz Festival

If you solely want to focus on music, consider visiting the Toronto Jazz Festival from June 24 to July 3. This event brings together local and international superstars of the jazz world right in the heart of the city! This year’s special guests include Smokey Robinson, Gregory Porter, and Michael Kaeshammer.

Our team at Downtown Toyota is excited for summer. If your vehicle needs any repairs or maintenance to get you to these exciting festivals, simply contact us or stop by and see us.

Get Outdoors in Toronto This Spring

We’ve all been cooped up at home this winter and now that the weather is getting nicer, our team at Downtown Toyota is ready to get outside and enjoy the city! Here are our picks for some of the top things to do in Toronto this spring.

Toronto Comic Arts Festival

While it may take place indoors, the Toronto Comic Arts Festival is a great way to get out and about in the city while also enjoying comic books. This free-admission event takes place at the Toronto Reference Library, so you can step outside afterward and read your new comics at one of the various parks nearby.

Enjoy a Farmers Market

Toronto is home to many outdoor farmers markets that offer incredibly fresh fruits and vegetables from locals. The best part about the city is that you can find markets that are open on the weekends as well as during the week!

Toronto Botanical Gardens

If you want to get up-close views of nature, consider stopping by the Toronto Botanical Gardens as well as the Allen Gardens Conservatory. The botanical gardens are open daily from dawn until dusk and are free to visit.

What is your favorite way to spend time outdoors in spring? We’d love to hear what your top spots are in the city!

Check Out These Toronto Sights Safely

Around Toronto, people are exploring everything our city has to offering while staying socially distanced. If you’re wondering what things to do after staying home during lockdown, never fear — we’ve come up with some sightseeing options to consider that will allow you to enjoy the city while still keeping up with current guidelines.

Toronto Zoo Scenic Safari

Are you looking for something educational and fun to do? Head to the Toronto Zoo. The zoo is currently offering a Scenic Safari for people of all ages. It’s an experience that goes above and beyond the normal zoo visit. With this safari, you can check out all the animals you love without leaving your vehicle. Your family can drive around the staff-only roads and explore the zoo, while your very own zookeeper will tell you everything you want to know about the animals. This is truly an experience that will make lifetime memories for everyone.

Virtual Toronto Tour

If going out isn’t something you’re ready to consider, you can enjoy the city you love without having to leave the house. Head out on a virtual tour of Toronto. Air Pano gives you a chance to check out the city from a bird’s-eye view, allowing you to scan the harbour, see the skyline, and more without having to get up from your couch. You will even be able to discover some interesting history about the city as you explore.

Whether you’re going out or staying in, these ideas from Downtown Toyota will help you enjoy all the great sights Toronto has to offer.

Don’t Miss These Toronto Summer Festivals

2020 Toyota Sienna | Downtown Toyota | Toronto, ON

Spring is here and the weather is warming up. If you’re looking for things to do in the summertime, we have you covered! We’ve gathered a couple of ideas for Toronto summer festivals you should put on your calendar this year.

NXNE: North by Northeast

Music and technology come together in the North by Northeast (NXNE) festival. This festival stretches over 10 days from June 7 to June 16 and takes place all across Toronto. The schedule includes a three-day music festival in the heart of the city. This festival mostly focuses on introducing emerging musicians to the masses, though it also looks to incorporate music, gaming, comedy, and interactivity to highlight both technology and the arts.

Fan Expo Canada

From August 22 to August 25 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, you can get in touch with your nerdy side thanks to Fan Expo Canada. This four-day event will give you the opportunity to learn more about your favorite sci-fi, fantasy, comic, and anime worlds. You’ll even get the chance to meet celebrity guests. This year’s lineup will feature big stars like Jeff Goldblum, Zachary Levi, Jason Momoa, and David Harbour.

If you need a new ride for the summer, view our new inventory today at Downtown Toyota in Toronto, Ontario.