Enjoy more space for safer adventures around the city.
Find time to be active outdoors this summer. Launched by the City of Toronto, ActiveTO gives people more space to enjoy the outdoors through quiet streets, major road closures and the expansion of the city’s cycling network.
Enjoy ActiveTO on weekends and holidays
ActiveTO takes place on certain weekends and holidays when there are more people taking advantage of outdoor public spaces and trails. Major road closures typically begin at 7 a.m. on Saturday and last until 7 p.m. on Sunday. The closures also occur during holiday Mondays.
The program is expected to run throughout the summer and into early fall. In previous years, there were approximately 25 consecutive weekend closures between May and October. Make sure to check out the City of Toronto's ActiveTO page for up-to-date information.
Major roadways closed for ActiveTO
A few major roadways may be closed to vehicular traffic to allow people to spread out and get active. Along the waterfront, sections of the eastbound lanes of Lake Shore Boulevard are typically closed including Lake Shore Boulevard West from Windermere Avenue to Stadium Road.
High Park is always closed to vehicle traffic on weekends and public holidays. Additional closures across the city take place during ActiveTO days. See which roadways are closed this weekend on the City of Toronto website.
Take part in ActiveTO however you choose
Whether you prefer to cycle, run, walk, rollerblade, or even skateboard, taking advantage of ActiveTO is easy, fun and free! Roadways that are usually reserved for vehicles are instead occupied by families, couples and friends of all ages looking to spend time outdoors.
How to plan a full day outdoors
There’s also more to enjoy than just the additional space. Plan a full day outdoors with stops along the way at the many beaches, green spaces, public pools, splash pads and cafes dotting the waterfront. You can also pop into Ontario Place, explore the grounds and make use of the basketball and volleyball courts. Cyclists can secure their bikes and access free public washrooms along Lake Shore Boulevard.
Pack a picnic or enjoy a Waterfront restaurant
Packing a picnic is a popular way to relax and recharge between activities but there are also food spots along Lake Shore Boulevard. Check out the Sunnyside Pavilion Café for a bite to eat and a refreshing cocktail.
If you’re near Woodbine Beach, food options include GG’s, Booster Juice and Tim Hortons. Grab your food to-go and find a shady spot along the waterfront to enjoy.
Rent bicycles through Bike Share Toronto
If you want to cycle but don’t have a bike, you can rent one through the Bike Share Toronto program. There are over 625 kiosks located throughout Toronto and they’re an easy and affordable way to get around the city. Various pricing options are available depending on your needs, including $1 plus time (12 cents a minute) for a single trip, $15 for a day pass, or $105 for an annual 30 membership.
Quiet Streets
ActiveTO also extends into neighbourhoods through the creation of quiet streets. Originally designed to enable local residents to maintain physical distancing within their communities, quiet streets calm traffic and increase safety. Temporary barricades are placed on select neighbourhood streets to provide more space for people who walk, run, use wheelchairs and bikes around the community.
Toronto’s cycling network
Since ActiveTO began, the city has prioritized giving its cycling network a major boost. In 2020, the city approved the installation of an additional 25 km of dedicated bike lanes throughout Toronto’s busy streets. This network brings the city’s total bike lanes to 40 km.
In addition to this, the City of Toronto has adopted an ambitious multi-year Cycling Network Plan, to grow and renew the city's network even further.