With Labour Day fast approaching, the inner child in many of us may return with ambitions to start something new. There are so many great workshops around Toronto and we’ve done a little research to give you a list of activities we think are definitely worth trying out. So what are you waiting for? Gather some friends, organize a weekly outing, or better yet,  sign up alone and meet new like-minded people!

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1. Canada’s National Ballet School

Channel your inner 5-year old prima ballerina. Canada’s National Ballet School offers a wide range of courses from beginner to advanced that make a great workout substitute, conditioning muscles and improving flexibility. Their Intro To Ballet runs from the week of September 8th to the week of December 15th and costs $345, or click here to see what other levels are offered. Grab those ballet shoes, a leotard and reignite that inner superstar!

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2. The Devil’s Workshop

The Devil’s Workshop is a Toronto-based jewellery studio offering a variety of workshops to the public including: wire-working,  bead-working, wedding band workshops and our top pick, silversmith for beginners. In this course ($300), students have 6 sessions to learn a series of skills while using professional tools and materials. The best part? Everything you create is yours to keep (and show off to your jealous friends).

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3. Toronto Botanical Gardens

There’s something about a beautifully arranged bouquet of flowers that demonstrates class and sophistication. The Toronto Botanical Gardens offers floral design classes that teach the fundamentals of flower arrangements, as well as material-specific classes. While it may sound a little frou-frou or outdated, we think that it’s a skill that is sure to impress! Courses range from $140 – $170, and just think of the gorgeous arrangements you’ll bring home!

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4. The Calligraphy Arts Guild of Toronto

So many of us have moved away from the art of pen to paper and rely solely on our computers, phones and tablets. The Calligraphic Arts Guild of Toronto is offering a six week course on Thursday evenings from 7:00 – 9:30 pm that will introduce beginners to The Italian Script. This course, for $170, will be a relaxing and interesting opportunity to try something truly different. Just think how beautiful your greeting cards will be!

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5. Lettuce Knit

There’s something inexplicably special about a hand-knit scarf, or better yet, that blanket Grandma knit you 10 years ago.  Lettuce Knit offers a variety of classes from beginner to project-based varying on time commitments and price (from $30 to $100).

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6. Gardiner Museum

The Gardiner Museum offers drop-in clay classes on Wednesday and Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Unwind from a busy day at the office by getting your hands dirty! What a great way to make your own ceramics for a reasonable price ($12-$15 per session)!

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7. Ladies Learning Code

While this is a bit more technical than the other suggestions, it’s definitely useful. On September 13th, Ladies Learning Code is offering a crash course on WordPress for Beginners in Toronto from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. With a high student-to-mentor ratio (4:1 or better), a fun venue and a catered lunch, this course will not only be valuable for work and home, but informative and  lots of fun. Grab your laptops and lets start blogging!

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8. OCAD Continuing Studies

Always wanted to develop those Adobe Photoshop skills? What better place to learn than with the best of the best! OCAD U is offering an Introduction to Adobe Photoshop (starting September 7th) over four classes. The cost of the course is $225 (+HST) and will cover topics including: image resolution, using layers, modifying and transforming selections and much more.

Have more class suggestions to share? Leave them in the comments below!

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

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Paddle boarding is an amazing way to get out on the water while strengthening your core. Explore Toronto’s waterfront by visiting one of these paddle board rental locations: West | Downtown | East

Watch a Show

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Check out Soulpepper Theatre for a memorable evening out on the town. On stage this month are The Crucible, Glenn, A Tender Thing and the classic Tartuffe (Moliere). Click to view their Calendar.

Have a Picnic

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We are blessed with so many beautiful green spaces in Toronto! Pack up a bag with sandwiches, salads, cookies and chips (and maybe a stealth bottle of wine). Bring along a book, a ball and some speakers to ensure you’ll be the most popular picnicker around! Some great spots to check out include High Park, Trinity Bellwoods and Bluffers Park.

Indoor Rock Climbing

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Don’t let a little rain stop you from being active. Indoor rock climbing is a great way to channel your inner spiderman and get a killer workout at the same time. Joe Rockhead’s on King West is the perfect place to go for a lesson!

CNE

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“Lets go to the EX!”

For anyone who grew up in the city, the CNE was a highlight of the summer (even if it meant back to school). Gather some friends and let your inner kid run wild – eat a fried mars bar, spin around until you’re about to be sick, or win a (over-priced and hideous) stuffed animal for your sweetie. The CNE is filled with clichés, but that’s why we love it.

VIP Movie Night

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If you haven’t checked out the VIP theatre at Cineplex Odeon, a rainy summer night is the perfect time to go. With big comfy chairs, beer and wine list and in-seat service you will never go back to watching a movie the pedestrian-style again!

Take a Road Trip

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It doesn’t have to be far, but getting out of the city for a few days or even a few hours is a great way to make the most of summer. Head out to the Niagara Region for wine and yummy local produce, see a Shakespearean play in Stratford, drive through Mennonite country in St. Jacobs or hike the Bruce trail. With so much around our great city, it’s so easy to get away and rejuvenate without making a long and costly trip.

Taste Of The Danforth

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Nothing screams summer quite like a Toronto street festival. Be sure to head out to the Taste of the Danforth from August 8th to 10th! Located in greek town, Taste Of The Danforth will be showcasing the best Hellenic food, culture and performances this city has to offer. With this year being the 2oth anniversary, it’s surely one you won’t want to miss.

 The Second City

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Forget that summer is coming to an end with a good laugh at The Second City. After the show, hit up a swanky bar for a delicious cocktail on a patio.

Pool Party

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This summer is all about the swanky pool party; between Musik, Cabana Pool Bar and The Thompson Hotel there are plenty of opportunities to throw on a bathing suit and sunbathe like a Hollywood celeb. Grab a sun hat and some tanning oil and schmooze like a model – you’ll thank us mid-January when the thought of laying pool side seems like a mythological fantasy.

Have other ideas to add to this list? Share them in the comments below!

1. Toronto Island

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Toronto Island is not just for the kiddies! Take the island fairy over and enjoy a leisurely bike ride, a day on the beach, or a game of frisbee. No matter what you choose to do, this day out is sure to be a welcome change of scenery.

2. Take In Some Good Eats

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Known for its multicultural population, Toronto residents have access to food from all over the world, right in their own backyard. Summer is the best time to take advantage of this; whether you visit The Taste of The Danforth, try some fried food at the The Ex, hit up TO Food Fest, or dine at one of the city’s many international restaurants. Toronto provides ample opportunity for its residents to eat their way around the world.

3. Check Out A Show

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Toronto has endless options when it comes to experiencing some amazing performances. Visit the Princess of Wales and relive the magic of Flashdance, or experience an outdoor concert at the Molson Amphitheatre. You can groove to your favourite DJ at Sugar Beach or enjoy a show at your local watering hole. There’s something for everyone!

4. Go for a Hike (or just a walk)

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Being one of Canada’s largest cities, Toronto has a large amount of green space. Head to the outdoors and spend the day in High Park, walking the Don River Valley Trail or traveling along the belt line.

5. Discover a New Neighbourhood

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As you may know, Toronto is comprised of many different and delightful ethnic pockets. Take this summer to explore the many neighbourhoods at your fingertips! Walk the streets of Little Italy, Greek Town, Kensington Market or China Town. You never know what you might discover.

Now what are you waiting for? Get out and enjoy this marvellous city while it’s hot!

The CNE

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August 16 to September 22, 2013

A ritual for many, the CNE continues to be a destination for Torontonians as they prepare for the end of the summer. Go for the campy rides, dirty (in a good way) food and ample amounts of entertainment. Don’t forget to try out the Sky Ride, we hear it’s worth lining up for!

Toronto International Film Festival

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September 5 to September 15, 2013

A no-brainer, really. See and be seen at our nation’s top film festival, highlighting some of the best films from around the world! Whether you go to catch a flick, or just to star-seek – the city will be filled with all sorts of glamour!

Toronto Fashion Week

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Rumoured to be October 21 – October 25, 2013

Our beautiful city continues to ramp up its fashion influence with a chock-full week of Canadian design. We’re looking forward to attending this fall (as of writing, the dates are still not confirmed), and can’t wait to see what some of our favourite designers will have in store for the upcoming season!

Scotiabank’s Nuit Blanche

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October 5, 2013

Mark your calendars and make sure to roam the streets on the evening of October 5th! The festival’s website says it best, “Experience Toronto transformed by more than 110 contemporary art projects created by hundreds of artists. This year’s event will feature a variety of independent projects, three curated exhibitions, and a centrepiece installation by world-renowned artist Ai Weiwei of China.”

That rounds up our four must-do activities this autumn, do you have any to add to our list?

Yoga

Grab your yoga mat and indulge in the relaxation of your body and soul. Turn down the lights, light the candles and let the sound of the rain be your background accompaniment. Whether you choose to do yoga at home or in a studio, you will find yourself in a peaceful bliss. There are yoga studios all over the city, but here are a few to get you started!

The Yoga Lounge

Image Source: The Yoga Lounge
Location:
103 Church St., 3^rd Floor
Website: http://theyogalounge.net/

889 Yoga and Wellness Spa

Image Source: Elle Canada
Locations:
Thompson Hotel, 3^rd Floor
889 Yonge St.
Website: http://889yoga.com/

Max out the mall photo booths

Photo booths are classics. Go to the mall with a few friends and go crazy with the duck faces! (We won’t tell.) Don’t forget that stores like Aritzia or Urban Outfitters have their own photo booths as well!

Image Source: Emilythepemily

Yorkdale Mall
Location: 3401 Dufferin St.

Unleash your inner book worm

Snuggle up and immerse yourself in a good novel. If you don’t want to stay home, pay a visit to the World’s Biggest Bookstore, right here in Toronto! With 64 000 square feet, you’ll never run out of books to get into.

Chapters – World’s Biggest Bookstore

Image Source: Toronto Mike
Location: 20 Edward St.
Website: http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/home/storelocator/storedetails/200/

Drink and play

Can’t decide between nuzzling in a café and challenging your friends to a friendly tournament? Drinks and entertainment fusion cafes are popping up all over the city and we couldn’t be happier. Snuggle up with a hot chocolate or beer and laugh the day away!

Snakes and Lattes

Image Source: Blog TO
Location: 600 Bloor St. West
Website: http://www.snakesandlattes.com/

SPiN Toronto

Image Source: Jessica Nakanishi
Location: 461 King St. West
Website: https://toronto.spingalactic.com/

Get on a boat

Even if the rain is coming down, take a tour out on the waters! If it’s not too much rain, the precipitation will only add to the experience. Look out at the Toronto skyline, waterfront and Toronto Islands under the soothing rain. Romantic much?

Toronto Harbour Tours Inc.

Image Source: Matthew G.
Location: 145 Queens Quay West
Website: http://www.harbourtourstoronto.ca

Root for your favourite team

Watching a sports game is rain-proof. Whichever day you go, you will always be surrounded with devoted sports fans!

Rogers Centre

Image Source: Images by the Hamiltons
Location: 1 Blue Jays Way
Website: http://www.rogerscentre.com/

Get the best of food + entertainment

Dinner theatres are an experience in and of themselves. Enjoy a delicious dinner while watching a live performance in front of your table!

Mysteriously Yours… Mystery Dinner Theatre

Image Source: Food Junkie Chronicles
Location: 2026 Yonge St.
Website: http://www.mysteriouslyyours.com/

Shoot your friends

If you are going to put yourself in front of marble sized paint bullets, what’s a little rain? Relieve some of your stress by paintballing and taking it out on your friends! (That’s what they’re here for right?) With both indoor and outdoor arenas, you can do this rain or shine!

Defcon Paintball

Image Source: Deal of the Day
Location: 3550 Victoria Park Ave.
Website: http://www.defconpaintball.com/

Last but not least…

Image Source: Fox News

FRIENDS MARATHON! Enough said.