Mix it up for your next virtual hangout with these group activities you can do from anywhere, anytime.
While nothing can replace sharing these experiences in person, if you’re feeling antsy in isolation or bummed about postponing recent plans to visit Toronto, we’ve got you covered in the meantime. Zoom happy hours are fine but these activities are sure to be a welcome upgrade for your next virtual date or “meeting” with loved ones.
Have dinner “together”.
Food is meant to be a shared experience, just like this free online open-source cookbook. What started as a project between friends is now a widely shared collection of 100+ recipes from Toronto chefs, food personalities and amateur cooks. Choose a dish to cook together. Or if you’re feeling competitive, challenge a friend to see who can make the better-looking Jamaican peppa shrimp (courtesy of Patois Chef/Owner, Craig Wong).
If you’re in Toronto, support a local restaurant and consider ordering takeout or delivery. If you’re looking for something fancier than your usual pizza, there are plenty of restaurants offering celebration-worthy takeout at home. If you’re feeling extra generous, you might consider surprising your friends or family by picking up the tab from afar. We’ll even supply the Spotify playlists for a fully Toronto-themed night in.
Turn your living room into the main stage.
Many Toronto artists, musicians and dancers have taken to wooing audiences from their living rooms to empty venues for concerts and performances you can stream from home.
Make art with the AGO and keep calm.
Studies show that art can help us through happy and challenging times. Engage your right brain and get creative with the Art Gallery of Ontario. The AGO Makes From Home series offers a range of activities to suit different audiences. Follow along with AGO art instructors and try to make your own 3D landscape. Then compare your creation with friends before sharing with the masses online using #AGOMakes.
Take a (virtual) tour around Toronto with the kids.
If you’re looking for creative ways to keep the young ones (and yourself) from going a little stir crazy while at home, Toronto’s museums, amusement parks and other attractions have pulled out all the virtual stops to keep the family entertained—virtual roller coaster rides and shark cams included.
We’ve got lots of ideas on how to keep the kids entertained at home.
Have a watch party with some very binge-able shows set in Toronto.
If you haven’t seen set-in-Toronto Workin’ Moms or The Baroness Von Sketch Show yet, what are you waiting for? There’s also Degrassi: The Next Generation featuring a very young Drake, Orphan Black and more. Peek sights around the city in these series—whether they’re supposed to be Toronto scenes or not (ahem, Suits).
Here’s what to watch and where to watch them.
Settle into a filmed-in-Toronto movie marathon.
The Shape of Water, Chicago (yes, Chicago) and Suicide Squad are only a few of the blockbuster hits filmed in the city (even if they aren’t necessarily set here). Get your Toronto fix by spotting some of the city’s most iconic places in these movies.
Start a virtual lit club and curl up with a book based in Toronto.
While Toronto may play stand-in for American cities on TV and the big screen, it takes a starring role in literature. There’s no better time to dive into the compelling coming-of-age novel Cat’s Eye by renowned Canadian author Margaret Atwood. Or immerse yourself in the beautiful, national best-selling story of a lesbian avant-guard artist living in Toronto in What We All Long For. Follow up with a Zoom wine party to discuss notes—complete with Toronto Zoom backgrounds.
Go clubbing at an LGBTQ+ party.
A queer dance party every night of the week? Heck. Yes. Tune into Torontonian-founded Club Quarantine via Zoom at 9 pm to dance to the beats of Toronto and international DJs. Check out the etiquette before heading to the club.
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