Budget-friendly travel tips | Destination Ontario

Free attractions and events

Take advantage of savings on admission at popular museums and attractions. Check out zero-cost things to do in Toronto, more free (and nearly free) things to do in Ottawa and beyond in Ontario.

Festivals and events in Toronto

From Luminato to Nuit Blanche, Toronto hosts numerous cultural, culinary and art festivals, several of which are free to attend.

Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), Toronto

One of the top art museums in North America, the AGO hosts First Wednesday Night Free on the first Wednesday night of each month from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

For frequent visitors, the AGO offers two versions of an annual pass: a free annual pass for those 24 years and under and a $40 annual pass for guests who are 25 years and older. Both passes allow unlimited visits to the gallery for a year.

Location: 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto

Harbourfront Centre, Toronto

A vibrant arts and culture hub on Toronto’s waterfront, Harbourfront Centre offers free admission for exhibitions, festivals and public events year-round. Enjoy everything from art installations to live music, dance performances and family-friendly programs.

Inside the centre, The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery is devoted exclusively to contemporary visual art. It hosts different exhibitions throughout the year, and admission is free.

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Toronto parks and islands

Spend a day exploring the Toronto Islands, just 15 minutes from downtown by ferry. There is a modest cost to ride the ferry, but the island trails and beaches are free.

Enjoy themed gardens, walking paths, a zoo and picnic areas for free at High Park. Head to Riverdale Park East for skyline views and sunsets and visit the horses, pigs and chickens at Riverdale Farm in Riverdale Park West.

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Ottawa’s national museums

Select galleries and museums in Ottawa are open for free on Thursday evenings from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., including the National Gallery of Canada.

In addition, the Ottawa Museums Passes allow you to save on admission to 10 museums and galleries in the city, including the Bytown Museum, Royal Canadian Mint and Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum. Passes are priced for a one-day or three-day time frame.

Guided tours at Parliament Hill, Ottawa

No trip to Ottawa is complete without visiting Parliament Hill. Free guided tours are offered daily in both English and French. Tours are available for the Senate of Canada Building, the House of Commons at West Block, the East Block and for Parliament: The Immersive Experience.

Location: 111 Wellington Street, Ottawa

Trails at Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG), Hamilton

Canada’s most extensive botanical garden contains over 850 hectares of gardens, trails and nature sanctuaries between Hamilton and Burlington.

Admission fees apply to the main gardens; however, several nature trails showcasing the region’s natural beauty are open to the public year-round at no cost.

Location: 680 Plains Road West, Burlington

Gardens at Dundurn National Historic Site, Hamilton

While guided tours of the historic Dundurn Castle grounds require paid admission, the surrounding grounds and gardens are open to the public at no charge. Stroll through the scenic parkland, explore the Kitchen Garden and take in views of Hamilton Harbour from the castle’s elevated setting.

Location: 610 York Boulevard, Hamilton

Hamilton Waterfalls

Coined the “City of Waterfalls,” there are over 100 waterfalls along scenic trails and wooded ravines in and around Hamilton. Popular spots like Webster’s Falls and Tiffany Falls are easily accessible and perfect for a day of hiking, photography and forest bathing.

Museums in Niagara Falls

For a unique perspective into the history of Niagara Falls, visit the Battle Ground Hotel Museum and Willoughby Historical Museum. The Niagara region was a key battleground during the War of 1812. View artifacts and exhibits that highlight this conflict. Admission for both museums is by donation.

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Niagara Botanical Gardens

Located along the Niagara Parkway, the Niagara Botanical Gardens cover 40 hectares and feature award-winning landscapes and vibrant seasonal blooms. Admission to the gardens is free; guided tours are available for a fee.

Location: 2565 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls

Summer Fireworks Series and Niagara’s Winter Festival of Lights

Catch Canada’s longest-running fireworks series set against the backdrop of the majestic Niagara Falls. This stunning free display is held throughout the summer and during Niagara’s Winter Festival of Lights.

Location: Niagara Falls

Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Preserve

This privately owned wilderness features over 70 kilometres of maintained hiking, skiing and snowshoeing trails through mixed forest and along unspoiled lakes. It is open year-round and admission is free.

Location: 1002 Buck Lake Landing Road, Huntsville