Things to Do in Etobicoke

A former city and now a district within Toronto, Etobicoke was an old farming community before World War II.  It has now become a “collection of towns, villages and special places” and a huge contributor to what makes Toronto as vibrant as it is. One of the best places to enjoy stunning views of Downtown Toronto Skyline, Etobicoke also has great art galleries, offers unique cultural experiences and great splendid outdoor recreational opportunities.

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I. Nature and Outdoor

1. Humber Bay Parks

Located along the shores of Lake Ontario in Toronto’s west end, Humber Bay Parks (East & West) are great venues to hike, or picnic along the shores of Lake Ontario. For the best views of the Toronto skyline,  you have to head to Humber Bay Shores Park. It is especially breath-taking at sunrise and sunset, so don’t forget your camera. Make your way over to  Sheldon Lookout, for a spectacular view of Toronto’s skyline. There are small plaques on a rock showing where the sun rises at different times of the year.  Part of the Martin Goodman Trail, Humber River Arch Bridge is another place to enjoy a stroll.

Spot various butterflies in different stages of development as well as unique plants and flowers at Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat located in Humber Bay Shores Park. This is a great educational opportunity for the kids and you can definitely learn something as well.

2. Humber Arboretum

Explore various trails, self-guided activities or attend different workshops from gardening to beekeeping at these botanical gardens and natural area. It’s a great educational centre with so much to learn and explore, a day here is never a day wasted.

 205 Humber College Blvd

3. South Humber Park

Hike the historical trail, once regularly used by indigenous people and European traders. The trail is now great for hiking, running, cycling and snowshoeing.

120 The Queensway

4. Mimico Waterfront Park

Explore the 1.1km multi-use waterfront trail and explore beaches, boardwalks, a small wetland habitat and scenic views at this park.

29 Norris Crescent

5. Colonel Samuel Smith Park

Colonel Samuel Smith Park is home to a variety of species of plants and animals. It features an awesome ice skating trail, dog off-lease area and of course scenic views.  This park is highly recommended for cycling, running, hiking and bird watching. The park is also the venue for annual Bird festival.

Wetland Lookout:  Originally built in 1995, Wetland Lookout gives you and your family a little educational experience while observing various flora and fauna.

 3145 Lake Shore Boulevard West

6. Marie Curtis Park

Head to  Marie Curtis Park for a day full of family fun. The park offers a pool, beach, dog off-lease area, great picnic spots, walking trails and a playground. It’s a great place to relax, have a family picnic and enjoy the day.

2 Forty Second St

7. West Humber Parkland

Explore West Humber Parkland through its amazing trails or relax with their many picnic areas. Or if you’re looking somewhere to play your favourite sports, hop to Summerlea Park, across the street, which features a baseball diamond, pool, playground and so much more!

 447 Albion Rd

8. Centennial Park

One of Toronto’s busiest parks which features various sports facilities, playgrounds, baseball diamonds, picnic areas and a wading pool. In the winter, you could also go skiing and snowboarding here.

 256 Centennial Park Rd

9. Centennial Park Conservatory

Centennial Park Conservatory has an area of over 12,000 square feet, offering various plant collections and displays. It is a great place to learn more about different plants and flowers in the summer or the winter. It is recommended for its variety of plants as well as its beauty.

 151 Elmcrest Rd

10. James Gardens

Head over to these public botanical gardens to get in touch with nature. You could also try lawn bowling, skiing or just enjoy the scenic views!

 61 Edgehill Rd

II.  Activities

1. Centennial Park Golf Centre

Check out this affordable, accessible golf facility which features a 27-hole golf course. It is considered to be one of the best golf courses in Etobicoke, with great facilities for golfers of all levels and great rates and packages.

 550 Centennial Park Blvd

2. Wading Pools & Splash Pads

Take your toddler to cool off at one of the various shallow children’s pools all summer long like Mimico Memorial Park!  or to water play areas located all over the city!

3. Stonegate Farmers Market

Enjoy local, organic produce including a variety of bread, cheese, meats, preserves and so much more! There will also be local entertainers and special events throughout the season.

 Parking Lot, 194 Park Lawn Rd.

4. Dr. Flea’s Flea Market

Rummage through  Toronto’s largest flea market with  over 400 vendors, a large farmers market and everything you are looking for!

 8 Westmore Dr.

5. Eighth Street Skate Park

Show off your skills at Eighth Street Skate Park,  which features various hand rails, ledges, stairs and so much more!

 160 Eighth St,, 160 Eighth St

6. Village of Murals

This coordinated collection of murals along with descriptions gives you an opportunity to learn more about the community. If you love art and culture, this is definitely a place worth checking out. There are various murals along Dundas Street West including “Fishing in Mimico Creek” which was painted by John Kuna at 5096  Dundas Street West.

 5126 Dundas St W

7. Disc Golf at Centennial Park

Play some disc golf, which is similar to traditional golf but played with a Frisbee, at this popular park with your family and friends. It’s a great way to try something new or play a sport you already love.

 256 Centennial Park Rd, Centennial Park

8. Etobicoke Civic Centre Farmers Market

Enjoy local, organic produce at this farmers market featuring various vendors offering the “freshest” produce around. Don’t forget to try the apple fritters dunked in maple syrup!

 399 The West Mall

9. Swimming pools

Check of one of the many pools around the city, both indoor and outdoor depending on season, to stay active while having fun at the same time! There are so many programs and events to enjoy for all ages.

10. Colonel Smith Park Skating Trail

Enjoy  ice skating with friends and family on this stretched shoreline, the very first outdoor skating trail in Toronto.

 3145 Lake Shore Boulevard West

11. Centennial Park Ski and Snowboard Centre

Experience all that fun that comes with snow, like skiing and snowboarding, at this convenient location with various programs from beginners to advanced. You can get active and have fun at the same time with exciting snow adventures.

256 Centennial Park Rd

12. Snowshoeing

Take your snowshoes over to one of the awesome parks around Etobicoke, like Humber Bay Park West, for an afternoon of snowshoeing with your family and friends. There are so many beautiful scenic trails, it’s sure to be a day to remember.

100 Humber Bay Park W

III. Festivals/Events

1. Woodbine Entertainment Racetrack & Concert Hall

This venue features a real Canadian race course for thoroughbred and standard bred racing which has various ongoing races as well as OLG Slots. There is also live racing and great dining as well as a concert hall featuring award-winning talent, including Jully Black, Andy Kim and so much more. It’s a great place to have a lovely evening out!

555 Rexdale Blvd

2. Jerk Festival

Come celebrate 17 years of delicious authentic food from the Caribbean as well as reggae music and so much more! There will also be live entertainment featuring Brian McKnight, The Pinchers, Freddie Jackson and Maxi Priest.

 256 Centennial Park Rd, Centennial Park

3. Lakeshore Mardi Gras

Head over to the beautiful Colonel Samuel Smith park for an enjoyable day with family and friends to sample a wide variety of cuisines and listen to various styles of music.  There will also be interactive games, a kid’s zone, awesome food vendors and so much more!

August long weekend

 Colonel Samuel Smith Park

4. Taste of the Kingsway

Explore international cultures and cuisines along with live entertainment at this annual festival featuring well-known culinary and entertainment experiences. Some highlights of the festival include an ice cream eating contest, steel drum band and Latin fusion trio.

 3029 Bloor St. W

Weekend after Labour day

5. Culture Days

This community festival during Canada wide Culture days weekend, features free, interactive activities in arts and culture programs including stunning scratchboards, beautiful paper gardens and activities hosted by local artists.

6. Santa Claus Parade

Enjoy various Christmas floats, music, treats and celebrations along with family and friends at the annual Santa Claus parade. There will be events happening all weekend long to get you in the holiday spirit!

IV. Indoor Activities

1. eZone

eZone is an  indoor amusement centre , with whirly ball, laser tag, sports court, cosmic arcade, virtual golf, live music, great food and so much more!

 120 N Queen St

2. Boulderz Climbing Centre

Check out this climbing centre to enjoy fun for the whole family, with various programs being offered for different age groups and skill levels. It’s great way to enjoy the benefits of fitness while having fun.

80 The East Mall Suite 9

3. Paintball City

Have a night of paintball fun at Paintball City, an indoor paintball field, considered to be one the best in the Toronto area. It’s a great place for team-building events, birthday parties or just a night out.

 35 Stoffel Drive, Suite B

4. Planet Bowl

Planet Bowl was the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games bowling venue.  Have a fun night out with family and friends at this bowling centre.

  5555 Eglinton Ave W

5. 401 Mini-Indy

Head to 401 Mini-Indy for a fun afternoon of go-karting. There are also other great activities like glow in the dark mini-golf and cannonball war games. You could never be bored at a place like this!

  575 Centennial Park Blvd

6. Fantasy Fair

Visit Ontario’s largest indoor amusement park for a day full of fun with great rides and attractions, a food court nearby and all your friends and family. The amusement park features a train, antique carousel, a play village, Ferris wheel, spinning cups, balloon rides and so much more!

500 Rexdale Blvd

7. Etobicoke Olympium

Etobicoke Olympium was an aquatics training venue for the 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games. Get active at multi-use recreation facility.

 590 Rathburn Rd

8. Old Mill Spa

Relax in luxury at this hotel and spa to rejuvenate and refresh your mind and body. Old Mill Space offers personalized facials, registered massage therapy, various body treatments, hair removal and customized packages. This is a great place for a relaxing weekend or even just a day at the spa.

 21 Old Mill Rd, Etobicoke

9. MasterCard Centre

Enjoy watching The Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Marlies practice sessions at this arena, which are open for public viewing.  Participate in public skate nights and drop in programs.

400 Kipling Ave

V. Music, Arts & Culture

1. Montgomery’s Inn

This historical landmark built in 1830, offers different art exhibition series, regular and special events including tea time and a heritage fair. There are also great programs for people of all ages to enjoy including Christmas events and summer concerts. This is overall a great place to learn about the local community, its history and diversity.

 4709 Dundas St W

2. Westmount Gallery

Westmount Gallery showcases Canadian artists for 40 years, to explore local talent and maybe even meet some of your new favourite artists.

88 Advance Rd

3. Neilson Park Creative Centre

Neilson Park Creative Centre holds various exhibitions including oil paintings and other various art techniques. There are also special events as well as courses and workshops for photography, painting and so much more!

56 Neilson Dr

4. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

See the ornate Mandir and one of a kind Hindu temple in Canada. Visit this traditional Hindu place of worship for a deeper understanding of the religion and its practices. The temple has visiting hours daily and is open to everyone.

61 Claireville Dr

5. Arts Etobicoke

Arts Etobicoke has been transforming lives through art for the last 40 years. There is something for everyone, with arts classes, gallery exhibitions and so much more, you have to check it out for yourself.

4893 Dundas St W

6. The Milkweed Collective

The Milkweed Collective has been dedicated to promoting personal growth through the arts inspiring people of all ages to share their creativity. They have several programs you can join, including ‘exploring nature and imagination.’

7. Franklin Carmichael Art Group

Franklin Carmichael Art Group is a non-profit organization hosting workshops, classes and camps for people of all ages, including watercolour workshops, summer art camps and art after school programs.

34 Riverdale Dr

8. Applewood/ The Shaver House

Explore this historic building, which is the birthplace of James Shaver Woodsworth, who was the founder of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation political party.

450 The West Mall

9. Cirillos Culinary Academy

Learn how to cook or test out all your cooking skills at Cirillos culinary academy. They offer various lessons and programs including couples cooking and camp for kids.

  4894 Dundas St. W

10. Lakeshore Arts & Smith Zone Gallery

Explore Smith Zone Gallery that showcases a range of work by emerging and established local artists, youth, and community organizations. Lakeshore Arts organization holds various workshops and classes for youth and adults.

2422 Lake Shore Blvd W

Artworld Fine Art

Check out this gallery for various exciting events and workshops like art and wine paint nights, one day art workshops and so much more!

365 Evans Ave