Events are back baby! After sitting empty for months, our social calendars are just begging to be filled up again — and this list of things to do in Toronto this August is sure to do the trick.
There is always something new to taste, see or do in Toronto, and even more so now that the city is waking up from a 16-month slumber. Rooftop patios, decked out with lush greenery, are ready to transport you to the tropics; new restaurants seem to be opening every day; and summer cocktails and glasses of rosé are just waiting to be sipped.
It's time to get back out there and start living it up again (while still following safety protocols, of course). From sipping on champagne and gnawing on lobster by the lake to satisfying our sweet tooth at a colourful candy-themed pop-up, these are the tastiest things to do in Toronto this August.
1. Lobster & Bubbly Thursdays
Now until September 6; Cabana Waterfront Patio
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Taking a trip down to Cabana Waterfront Patio already feels like going on a luxurious tropical vacation with its palm fronds, white umbrellas and stellar lakeside location, complete with views of the city skyline. Now they've upped the ante with Lobster & Bubbly Thursdays. Chow down on a whole grilled Maritime lobster with corn on the cob, coleslaw and a roll on the side, all for $39. Pair that with $12 glasses and $75 bottles of Chandon Brut and you've got a match made in heaven.
2. Get a free Aperol spritz
August 14; Christie Pits Park
August 15; Trinity Bellwoods Park
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If we had to name a drink of the summer, the Aperol spritz would definitely be it. And you can get one for free, along with an appetizer — all you have to do is track down the bright orange Aperol spritz bus. Popping up at parks across the city this summer, the Aperol team will be giving away spritz kits, prizes and vouchers for a free appetizer and Aperol spritz at participating restaurants. Count us in.
3. Get an ice cream subscription box
Available now; Delivered to your door
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Say goodbye to those late-night trips to the grocery store in search of ice cream and say hello to delicious tropical ice cream flavours delivered right to your door. Neale's Sweet N' Nice Ice Cream recently launched a monthly ice cream subscription box in two sizes, with six different flavours including banana-chocolate, mango and coconut. Choose between 24 snack-sized 100 ml cups or six 500 ml tubs — either way, now you can eat ice cream every day.
4. Try a lavender latte
Available all August; Multiple locations
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Great minds think alike, and both Balzac's Coffee Roasters and Terre Bleu Lavender Farm have local and sustainably-sourced products in mind. Which is why they've partnered up to offer a lavender latte for the month of August. The exclusive drink is made with Balzac's Coffee's locally roasted beans and natural lavender buds from Terre Bleu. Try it at any Balzac's Coffee location, or make the trip out to Terre Bleu in Milton — it's Ontario's largest lavender farm.
5. Take photos at the Candyland pop-up
On now; Bayview Village
You don't need a sweet tooth to enjoy this candy-themed pop-up. A partnership between Bayview Village and lifestyle brand by robynblair, this interactive art installation offers plenty of Instagrammable photo ops. Step inside and pose next to the colourful candy prints, a wall lined with gumball machines or the rainbow road. If you'd rather eat your sweet treats than play with them, there are candy boxes on offer.
6. Hit up the city's best food markets
On now; Multiple locations
Summertime in the Six is usually synonymous with food festivals galore. From longstanding stalwarts like Taste of the Danforth to newbies like Taco Fest and Pizza Fest, we had it all. And now we have nothing. If like us, you’re looking to fill the street food-shaped hole in your heart, Toronto’s food markets are here to offer us solace in the form of a variety of tasty bites dished out from stalls, trucks and even shipping containers. From loaded fried chicken sandwiches dripping with toppings to decadent desserts piled high with scoops of ice cream, these Toronto food markets have got your fill of delectable dishes and then some.
7. Take your park picnic up a notch
Available now; Multiple locations
You know what they say, "the grass is always greener when there's a picnic on it" — ermm, right? Anyways, if you're looking to have the best picnic ever this summer, look no further than some of our favourite Toronto restaurants doing picnic baskets to go. Packing an entire barbecue into a bag is a logistical nightmare and soggy leftovers just aren't the same, so BYOB (bring your own basket) to the park from these Toronto restaurants doing picnic baskets to go and be the hero we all need.
8. Keep cool with the city's best gelato
Available now; Multiple locations
Gelato is practically its own food group in Italy, other than pasta, of course. And this decadent Italian import with its waves of creamy goodness is popping up all over Toronto neighbourhoods in all sorts of creative flavours. From Oretta's pastel-hued gelato cart rolling around the city to Asian and Indian flavours at Nani's Gelato, this list of Toronto's best gelato is for any sweet tooth.
9. Shop local at summer farmers' markets
On now; Multiple locations
It's no secret that Ontario is home to some of Canada’s richest farmland. Every summer, we’re lucky enough to ditch the sour off-season strawberries and floppy imported kale in favour of a fresh Toronto farmers’ market bounty from right here at home. Crisp air, organic produce and a chance to connect with our neighbours and local farmers is exactly the medicine we need after over a year in lockdown — and these farmers' markets have got all the above and then some.
