Here are Toronto’s top 5 places to enjoy the water this summer

Sharks are a popular topic this time of the year with a widespread focus on educating and celebrating the ocean animals. Whether you’re just tuning into the festivities on TV or getting more proactive in your shark pursuits, we’ve put together this list of the top water-themed events and attractions in Toronto to help get you in the spirit this year. 

Ripley’s, Canada’s biggest aquarium is located, in the heart of Toronto. Their exhibits, which house over 16000 species, afford you the opportunity to catch a glance at some of the most vibrant and incredible sea creatures on the planet. For some shark themed fun, we’d be remiss if we didn’t recommend you go check out their Sharks After Dark gallery. Discounts on tickets are available for a limited time offer on the Ripley’s website.  

When: 9am-11pm

Where: 288 Bremner Boulevard

Immerse yourself in Canada’s largest natural history museum. The Royal Ontario Museum designs its displays to educate the public about culture from all corners of the world. The Royal Ontario Museum is Canada’s biggest natural history museum. Featured galleries include, among others, the James and Louise Temerty Galleries of the Age of Dinosaurs, the Franklin Exploration exhibit, and Out of the Depths: The Blue Whale Story.

When: 10am-5:30pm, except Fridays (10am-8:30pm)

Where: 100 Queens Park

With its 710 acres of sprawling, lush grounds, the Toronto Zoo is Canada’s biggest zoo and home to over 5000 animals and over 400 species. The displays are divided into numerous indoor and outdoor regions and pavilions that reflect the geographical diversity of each corner of the world. Start your day learning more about the Canadian Domain before visiting the Waterside Theatre and the breathtaking creatures you’ll find in the other exhibitions.

When: 9am-7pm

Where: 2000 Meadowvale Road

Have you ever wanted to explore the hidden depths of the ocean by scuba diving? No time like the present to get your certification. The Toronto Scuba Center offers comprehensive classes that will teach you the basics and, later, should you want to strengthen your knowledge, they have more advanced courses as well. Each course involves a classroom component, completed in person or via virtual channels, and in-pool experience, which in the months of July and August will take place on one Sunday each month at the Cawthra Pool.  

When: 11am-3pm

Where: 101 Spadina Ave #213

Sunnyside Gus Ryder Pool is a treasured beacon for people who cherish the outdoors, nature, and a swimming location in close proximity to the lakeshore. Swimming lessons are available every morning for individuals of all ages. Sunnyside is the biggest outdoor pool in Toronto and, as an added bonus, is just walking distance from the Waterfront Trail, a prime hiking trail.

When: 10am-8pm

Where: 1755 Lake Shore Boulevard W

If you’re in the mood to experience and learn new things or even just relax, Toronto has no shortage of aquatic adventures in store for you.