5 Great Outdoor Activities To Experience in Toronto

Toronto, Ontario has an abundance of outdoor activities. Toronto residents love sports, and there are many ways to get active in the city — often for a very small amount of money. Hiring a car makes it easier to get to some of the best activity spots, such as rock climbing walls. Airport car rental Toronto is a convenient option for out-of-town visitors.

 

1. Cycling

Toronto has excellent cycling routes inside and outside the city limits. Hire a bicycle and cycle along a trail by Lake Ontario, or enjoy the woodlands in High Park. Cycling is a great way to go sightseeing in Toronto or to spend a whole a day out. There are popular trails along the beaches, and more serious cyclists can find long bicycle trails in the Durham Forest. The city itself is mostly flat, and the tourist office has good cycling maps you can also download online. Toronto also has a public bike system with dozens of bike hire locations around downtown.

 

2. Kayaking and Canoeing

Toronto has excellent opportunities for kayaking. It has a picturesque network of river routes, and the beaches along Lake Ontario are ideal for paddling on a sunny day. Toronto Islands are located in the middle of a network of kayaking routes. Paddle along the river or along the beaches for a couple of hours or a whole day, and admire wildlife from birds to turtles. There are several good kayak rental places in the city and near the major paddling areas.

 

3. Walking Tours

If you are looking for more relaxed outdoor activities, the Harbourfront and the Lakefront in downtown Toronto have nice easy walking paths. You can even design your own independent walking tour. Sightseeing by foot is easy on the Harbourfront, where you can also stop by the Harbourfront Centre for free events, concerts and other cultural offerings.

 

Toronto
Taxiarchos228 at the German language Wikipedia [FAL, GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

4. Visit the Toronto Islands

A ferry ride away from downtown, the Toronto Islands are a perfect place for a day out. This is an ideal destination for families, and there is a small kid-friendly amusement park for the young ones. There are walking routes, cycling trails, kayaking opportunities and beaches for sunbathing or for picnics. If you are looking for outdoor activities that are suitable for all ages, visit the islands.

 

5. Rock Climbing

A short drive from downtown Toronto, the Niagara Escarpment is a perfect place for rock climbing. The limestone edge is one of the best places for climbing in the area. There are opportunities for experienced rock climbing enthusiasts, but Toronto also has rock climbing schools that can teach you the basics. The Southern Escarpment has several climbing points, some just a 45 minute drive from downtown.

Toronto is easy to get around. If you are planning to visit areas outside the city limits, airport car rental Toronto is a good option. With a car you can easily access the beautiful natural areas and the beaches all around Toronto.

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