Rainy days in Toronto can sap your desire to leave the house. While we don't suffer the same number of wet days as cities like Vancouver or Halifax, we see our fair share of showers here in Toronto, so it's useful to find some inspiration for some rainy-day fun.
Here are some things to do on a rainy day in Toronto.
Take in some culture at the AGO
The architecture alone at the Art Gallery of Ontario is worth a rainy day visit, with the pitter-patter of droplets hitting Frank Gehry's arch of windows in the Galleria Italia. If that's not enough there's more than 90,000 works of art in the gallery's collection.
See what's new at the Design Exchange
Housing many articles of Canada's unique design history in its permanent collection, as well as some impressive exhibitions, there's always something sure to delight at the Design Exchange.
Visit the Aga Khan Museum
Toronto's newest museum celebrates the artistic accomplishments of Muslim civilizations from the Iberian Peninsula to China. Some of the world's most exciting Islamic art is on display, including paper works, ceramics, metalwork, ivory, stone, textiles, and other objects.
Scope out the Ryerson Image Centre
Dedicated to photography and related disciplines, the Ryerson Image Centre is a great place to spend a rainy afternoon. Some of this year's most notable exhibits include work from Canadian artist Suzy Lake.
Explore exhibits at the ROM
Toronto is home to some amazing museums and the Royal Ontario Museum shouldn't be overlooked. A must visit exhibit this year is their Out of the Depths: The Blue Whale Story. It's a chance to get up close to one of the world’s most mysterious and largest animals.
Photo by Andrew Williamson at Ripley's Aquarium.
Go under the sea at the aquarium
If the weather wasn't wet enough, you can get fully aquatic at Ripley's Aquarium. There's underwater tunnels and observation rooms surrounded by water and sea life. They've got thousands of different types of creatures, including many varieties of sharks.
See a play
Fans already know of the abundance of great theatre in Toronto, but those unfamiliar with the many productions around should take some time on a grey-skied day and explore the local options. Check out the listings at theatres like Crowsnest, Mirvish, Tarragon and more.
Watch a flick
Toronto is a well-respected movie town — we are Hollywood North, after all. With that in mind, the best place to watch a film in this city is not your couch.
Visit the TIFF film library
TIFF's Film Reference Library carries thousands of cinema related books and magazines, scripts, and importantly for those rainy-day wanderers, viewing stations with 11,000 film and TV programs to plug into.
Have a laugh at a comedy bar
Moody weather can be directly combatted with a steady stream of laughs, so why not seek out some comedy the next time the clouds roll in? Major sites for comedy in Toronto include Yuk Yuk's, Second City and Absolute Comedy.
Photo by Hector Vasquez at Real Sports.
Cheer on your favourite sports team
Most of Toronto's best sports stadiums are covered, making them perfectly enjoyable no matter what the weather. Don't have enough dough for tickets? Hit up your neighbourhood sports bar instead.
Bowl a strike
Bowling is a wonderful pastime, and a great nostalgic trip when the weather is less than pleasant. The Ballroom may be the only downtown spot to bowl, though Bowlerama is always classic choice.
Bump, set and spike at beach volleyball
Even on a sunny day, you may not consider Toronto a location for beach volleyball, so it seems like a stretch that such a sport could be enjoyed on a grim, wet day. Not so. Both Beach Blast and North Beach Volleyball offer year-round indoor beach volleyball with actual sand.
Serve aces playing tennis
Indoor tennis is another thought for a rainy day. Both North York Winter Tennis Club and Eglinton Flats Winter Tennis Club have rates everyone can afford.
Go for a swim
Sometimes the way to best deal with a rainy day is to dive right in. Many neighbourhoods have their own indoor community pool like the Regent Park Aquatic Centre. There are university pools like U of T's, or the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre too.
Photo by Hector Vasquez at Smash Ping Pong.
Test your skills at ping pong
There are lots of outdoor table tennis locations around the GTA, but what happens when the sky rains on your ping-pong parade? The next best option is a ping pong bar. There's SPiN Toronto and Smash Ping Pong Lounge where you can eat, drink and hit the court.
Work on your golf swing
Who said hitting the green was a sunny, summertime pursuit? You can also belt out some irons when the weather is rotten. Try Tee Times Indoor Golf or Metro Golf Dome.
Try a new sport like curling
If there is one thing that's more Canadian than skating, it's curling. I have yet to understand all the rules, and think the next time the weather turns I'll head to one of the many clubs in Toronto and get a better grip on one of the nation's favourite sports.
Sharpen your skates and hit the ice
Many community centres and parks have rinks, and what's more Canadian than taking a spin on the rink? Thanks to the city's indoor rinks this is an all-season, all-weather option.
Hit the slopes
Thanks to Axis Freestyle Academy you can now hit the slopes indoors. Yes, really! Whether you're a skier or snowboarder this facility offers hills and ramps for you hit the slopes no matter the season or weather.
Photo by Jesse Milns at Ride.
Get your spin on at a local studio
Want to combine exercise, cycling and nightclub energy? Find a spinning class. The city is bustling with options including Ride Cycle Club, SoulCycle, Torq and SPINCO.
Reach new heights rock climbing
An indoor gym is a fantastic way to enter into the world of rock climbing, with qualified instructors, safe climbs and mats and rentable gear. Boulderz Climbing, Basecamp Climbing and Toronto Climbing Academy are all available for amazing climbing experiences.
Embrace your inner ninja doing parkour
Wet weather makes some sluggish, so to keep the blood moving, it's best to move. The Monkey Vault training centre is a huge indoor space set up for parkour. There's room for free running, tricking, gymnastics, breakdancing, even a place to work on your circus acts.
Visit a DIY spot
We could all learn a new skill or two, and there is often a shop with highly skills persons there to help lead the way. You can learn to fire a mug at All Fired Up, or fashion some outfit The Workroom. You can even make jewellery at Devil's Workshop.
Unleash your inner artist
Painting isn't everyone's cup of tea, but drop into a Paintlounge some rainy day and the hesitancy will subside. They provide the supplies, right down to the canvas, and there are knowledgeable instructors to help you get the hang of being a real-life artiste.
Photo by Jesse Milns at Snakes and Lattes.
Get competitive at a board game cafe
An overcast sky can be a welcome indication of a cozy afternoon, tucked away with a book or a board game. Board game cafes have sprung up all over the GTA to offer just such a respite on a rainy day.
Get lucky at a bingo hall
Bingo seems a little sacrilegious on a sunny day so it makes it the ultimate rainy day activity. So next time the the clouds roll in grab your stampers and strips and head on down to the hall for some games, and when you win a round, raise up those arms and scream BINGO!
Sing your heart out at karaoke
Sing your heart out in one of those private karaoke rooms the next time the weather turns sour. They usually have no windows anyway and are illuminated by the background videos of cheesy beach walkers and eye-gazing lovers while you read the accompanying lyrics.
Get stuck in an escape room
Next time the showers start, why not grab a couple of your wisest friends and book yourselves in at escape room? The principle sounds terrifying, lock yourself in a room and race against the clock to figure your way out but it sure is fun.
Race a car
Did you know Toronto has a simulating racing centre? RaceSim1 is the first of its kind in the city and it allows Torontonians to race luxury cars without the the cost, danger, and anger management issues incurred from driving on the real streets.
by Jaclyn Skrobacky via blogTO
No comments:
Post a Comment