If you are looking for things to do on a summer day in Toronto then join us as we explore the Toronto waterfront. They say that a picture is worth a thousand words so please enjoy the photo gallery of some of my favorite things to do in the heart of the waterfront.
Undoubtedly one of the best ways to see the city of Toronto is from the water and you have lots of different options such as taking the Toronto Ferry to the Island; a charter tour of the harbour or aboard one of our resident tall ships, Kajama or the Empire Sandy for an exciting day sail. For a slower pace you can rent a boat, kayak or even learn to paddleboard. 
I always tell people that if you should plan a visit to Toronto Island for the day. You can rent a bike and tour the island or go for a swim on one of the family beaches or at Hanlan’s Point clothing optional beach if you have forgotten your swimsuit. I recommend going to the Rectory Café on Toronto Island with its beautiful garden seating for dinner (but bring some bug spray) and come back on the ferry just at dusk and watch the city light up. 
Toronto is famous for its many parks and one of the prettiest is right along the waterfront (and very close to the Boatel) called the Toronto Music Garden. It feels like you are on the edge of the city but seeing it from a whole different perspective. June 30th kicked off the first free classical music concert for the season which happens on Sundays at 4pm and Thursdays at 7pm throughout the summer.
If you feel like just kicking back with a good book and digging your feet into the sand in a comfortable Muskoka chair (that is the Canadian version of an Adirondack chair) then head to one of our two Toronto Urban Beaches. There is no admission price and its affords a great unobstructed view of the Toronto Islands and the cruise boats in the harbour. If you go on Tuesday or Thursday night then you can watch the sailboat races in the harbour in the early evening, or drift along if there is no wind.
If you feeling more energetic then rent a bike at Wheel Excitement near the Urban Beach behind the Radisson Hotel. If you rent a pink one the money goes to helping fund Breast Cancer Research. If it gets too hot and you want to duck into Queen Quay Terminal for some shopping, a Tim Hortons coffee or some ice cream. Be sure to check out the photo exhibit on loan from the Toronto Port Authority achieves. The photos are hanging form the ceiling and depict the Toronto harbour in the 1800’s. There is also a great little gift shop at Harbourfront Centre which is a real hidden gem with beautiful wooden carved bowls and other treasures.
After a relaxing day at the waterfront you are probably ready for a refreshing cold beer and you are in luck because the Toronto waterfront area boasts three local beers to chose from; Steamwhistle, Amsterdam and Mill Street Brewery are all nearby and offer tours and tasting or dining options. New in June 2013 the Amsterdam Brew Pub just opened its door after a massive renovation of the Pier 4 Restaurant. Amsterdam Brew Pub also offers a great patio overlooking the water with comfortable Muskoka chairs like the ones we also saw at the urban beach.
During the summer you can take the Free Flicks at the outdoor WestJet Stage on Wednesday nights at dusk or a new this summer free yoga class on Thursday evenings at 6:30pm at Exhibition Common or Dancing on the Pier at 7:00pm.
We hope you enjoy your stay at the Boatel. For more information on what’s on in Toronto this summer
Pingback: Discovering Kensington Market