With so many attractions in Toronto, it can be tough to narrow down what to do on a weekend adventure in the city! When you’re organizing your city outing with an older adult – be it an aging parent, grandparent, or friend – considerations of accessibility, environment, comfort, and overall enjoyment undoubtedly spring to mind. To help out, I’ve rounded up a diverse collection of spots where I’ve either personally had great experiences taking my senior clients, or have had recommended by friends and colleagues.
It should be noted that all older adults have varying abilities and energy levels, and this article does not speculate that your loved one can’t keep up with an outing geared towards younger folks! But for those who could benefit from the above-mentioned considerations, there are certainly attractions in Toronto that are more suitable to the needs of an older demographic.
*Note: this list features attractions predominantly in Toronto’s downtown core.
WATERFRONT
Toronto Island
Toronto Island is one of my favourite locations in the city; it offers a gorgeous view of the downtown core as well as activity options for people of all ages. The island consists of three distinct landing points – Ward’s Island, Centre Island, and Hanlan’s Point. My point of choice is always Ward’s Island, as it’s less crowded than Centre Island, has a lovely beach, and includes two fantastic dining options (The Island Café and The Riviera). Ward’s is also the residential section, so taking a walk along the boardwalk and perusing the unique island homes is highly recommended. You get to the Island by ferry, which makes for a memorable addition to your journey.
Accessibility info: click here
Toronto Waterfront and the Harbourfront Centre
Toronto’s mainland waterfront boasts a beautiful walking and cycling path with lots to see and do along the way. My favourite section is the stretch between Dan Leckie Way and Lower Spadina; it’s fairly quiet, has lots of seating, includes the tranquil Toronto Music Garden, and allows for great duck and swan watching! East of Spadina, you’ll find the Harbourfront Centre (an arts and culture hub), where spots like Natrel Pond offer paddle boating in the summer months and skating in the winter (for the more mobile travel companion), and Lavazza Expression nearby offers a relaxing café experience. If cruising the waters is up your alley, there are plenty of tours and charter boats that range from the historically educational to the romantic. Towards the west end, you can enjoy more lakefront walking paths behind Ontario Place or have brunch at the Sunnyside Pavilion, where I always feel like I’m off on vacation.
Accessibility info: click here
PARKS AND TRAILS
High Park
High Park is Toronto’s largest public park, and features a number of beautiful walking/hiking trails, a small zoo open year-round, large ponds, eateries, and free parking! An exciting time to visit is during late April to early May, when the Sakura cherry trees are in bloom. This is also the busiest time of year for the park, but worth a visit if springtime cherry blossoms make your heart flutter. In the winter, I’ve taken my older clients to the zoo and seen the bison put on a rambunctious display with some soccer balls! It’s safe to say that there’s always something to see at the park, regardless of the season.
Accessibility info: OntarioTrails.on.ca rates High Park’s trails as having “Complete Wheelchair Access”, though washrooms and eateries are not rated online
Allan Gardens Conservatory
I was recently thrilled to learn that a trip to the Allan Gardens Conservatory – a large indoor botanical garden located right downtown – is completely free! Six greenhouses make up the Conservatory, which includes a collection of diverse plant and flower varieties. Allan Gardens also hosts seasonal flower shows, notably during the spring, autumn and Christmas seasons. There is a small, free on-site parking lot accessible via Horticultural Ave. where I’ve had luck finding a spot, as well as plenty of street parking nearby.
Accessibility info: click here
Riverdale Farm
Riverdale Farm is truly a rare Toronto gem. It’s a working farm in the heart of the city, where animals, fruit and vegetable gardens, ponds, and lush wooded areas make up a magical escape from city life. Attractions include the 19th century historic buildings, animal viewing, pottery and weaving classes, farm demonstrations, and more. Admission is free, the farm is wheelchair accessible, and it’s open 365 days a year – I told you this place was a gem!
Accessibility info: the farm is self-described as wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly
MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
The Royal Ontario Museum is a fascinating place where you’re bound to find something that piques your loved one’s interest. Notable pieces on display include: massive dinosaur skeletons, Egyptian mummies, preserved mammals, ancient fossils, historic fashion textiles, and much more. New exhibitions are showcased often, and they’re just as diverse and exciting as the permanent collections. The museum itself is located in the Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood of Toronto, where a number of art galleries, posh shops and renowned restaurants find their home and can provide a delightful addition to your museum adventure. Accessibility at the ROM is impressive, with tours for visitors with dementia, ASL interpreted events, and sensory friendly guides available.
Accessibility info: click here
BATA Shoe Museum
An almost immediate neighbour to the ROM, the BATA Shoe Museum makes for another worthwhile visit in the Bloor-Yorkville area of Toronto. An interest in shoes and fashion is a helpful prerequisite, but it’s certainly not necessary! The All About Shoes permanent exhibit displays historical footwear artefacts ranging from a pair of ancient French spiked clogs used for crushing chestnuts to a recent pair of extravagant Manolo Blahniks. Older clients of mine with a penchant for history have enjoyed it as much as my more fashion-conscious seniors! The museum also hosts Pay What You Can Thursdays from 5-8pm every week.
Accessibility info: click here
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
At the Art Gallery of Ontario, classic masterpieces, abstract contemporary art, and almost everything in between make up the enormous collection of artworks. There’s a window-filled, airy espresso bar that runs the entire length of the Gallery’s second floor, and a bistro and shop on the first floor to satisfy any dining or shopping needs. Accessibility here is clearly a priority, with tour groups geared towards individuals with dementia, low vision, hearing loss, and mental health challenges available.
Accessibility info: click here
Casa Loma
A medieval-style castle with over 100 years of history, Casa Loma is a treasured heritage attraction in the heart of Toronto. Beautifully manicured grounds, elaborate Edwardian-era rooms, and acclaimed special events (garden jazz sessions, symphony performances, comedy shows) make for an enchanting experience. I’ve heard particularly wonderful things from my senior friends about the Afternoon Tea at the Castle!
Accessibility info: click here
Spadina Museum & Gardens
Spadina Museum showcases life in Toronto between 1900-1930 for the Austin family, highlighting the transformative effects of the First World War, Great Depression and more. History enthusiasts will appreciate seeing the influence of new technologies such as gas lighting, central heating, electricity and the telephone, and art lovers will be fond of the Victorian, Colonial, and Art Deco aesthetics found throughout the property. Guided tours, workshops and special events take place at the museum throughout the year, as well.
Accessibility info: mentioned online as fully wheelchair accessible, but call ahead for specifics
PERFORMANCE
Mirvish Theatres
Toronto is home to many wonderful theatres that feature high-calibre stage productions. Mirvish Productions happens to own the city’s main stages, including the Princess of Wales Theatre, Ed Mirvish Theatre, Royal Alexandra Theatre, CAA Theatre, and the Elgin Theatre & Winter Garden. Accessibility varies across locations, so make sure to take a look online or call before you go. There are also a number of smaller theatres in the city offering high-quality productions, so if your loved one is open to it, be sure to check those out too (Alumnae Theatre is a personal favourite).
Accessibility info: click here
Toronto Symphony Orchestra
Seeing a Toronto Symphony Orchestra performance is magical; Torontonians are incredibly lucky to have such a phenomenal orchestra in the city. The TSO performs at Roy Thomson Hall, which is a stunning venue in itself and well worth a visit. For loved ones less inclined to attend a Beethoven or Mozart show, their TSO Pops concerts are very approachable and truly some of my favourites (Music of ABBA or Spoonful of Broadway, anyone?)
Accessibility info: click here
National Ballet of Canada & Canadian Opera Company
The Four Seasons Centre is the permanent home of the Canadian Opera Company and the performance venue for The National Ballet of Canada. The National Ballet is renowned for its diverse repertoire and development of Canadian choreographers, and the COC is one of the largest producers of opera in North America and has international acclaim for its artistic excellence and innovation. Seeing a performance of either is sure to impress!
Accessibility info: click here
OTHER
Fairmont Royal York afternoon tea
The Fairmont Royal York hotel oozes elegance and old-school glamour, and is home to a traditional Afternoon Tea service on Saturdays and Sundays. Seating times are 12:30pm and 2:30pm in the hotel’s on-site restaurant called REIGN. Scones, pastries, savoury treats, curated teas and an incomparable atmosphere make for a glamorous afternoon in the city.
Accessibility info: it’s recommended to contact the hotel for specific questions
St. Lawrence Market
Every large city has a great market, and Toronto is no different. Behold, the St. Lawrence Market, where over 100 merchants, artisans, and farmers share their craft. The market space itself is vibrant and warm, and you’re bound to find a delicious treat or stumble upon a unique item from one of the many local vendors. If learning a new skill in the kitchen is on your loved one’s mind, then the regular cooking and baking classes are sure to please. The area surrounding St. Lawrence Market is one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Toronto; be sure to explore the historic architecture, quaint shops, and charming restaurants it has to offer.
Accessibility info: click here
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Sharks, sea turtles, jellyfish, oh my! Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is certainly a feast for the eyes; the exhibits hold more than 16,000 exotic sea and freshwater specimens from more over 450 species. If walking for longer periods of time is an issue for your loved one, the aquarium has a conveyor-belt-style track that goes through the tunnel portions. I’ve seen older adults rest/sit on their walkers and enjoy the relaxing ride throughout the exhibit. I’d be remiss not to mention the aquarium’s Friday Night Jazz events, which I’ve attended and adored – just know that these evening events tend to be fairly busy. Lastly, I recently learned of Toronto CityPASS, which includes bundled admission to the following for a reduced rate – check it out if you’re planning to visit multiple sites: Ripley’s Aquarium, the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Casa Loma, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the Toronto Zoo or Ontario Science Centre.
Accessibility info: click here
I hope this guide has helped you narrow down an activity to do with an older adult you love, in a city that I love! Though I could make additions to this list indefinitely, my expertise truly lies in helping individuals on a 1:1 basis do the things that bring them joy. That could mean almost anything for anyone, and so my job is to find what “lights someone’s fire” and help them achieve it despite any limitations. If you have an aging loved one who is experiencing barriers to fulsome participation in leisure, and you need support getting them involved in meaningful activity, I’m here to help. If you have any questions about Life in Full Recreation Therapy or want to schedule a free consultation, connect with me here, I’d love to hear from you.
– Kim
*All images included in this blog post were listed as “Free to Share and Use Commercially” via Bing.com