Although the air conditioning's fabulous on a hot summer day, spending time tucked away inside a movie theatre loses some of its appeal on a pleasantly warm summer night. Instead, try heading to one of Toronto's outdoor movie screenings for a best-of-both worlds scenario that also happens to (usually) be free.
Of course no matter what the weather's doing, you can also head to Toronto's in-town drive-in for semi-outdoors movie-watching fun.
Lakeview Drive-In Movies at Polson Pier
$13 for adults, $4 for children, $25 for a car-load of people on Sundays
Located in the Portlands, Polson Pier is a large entertainment complex with everything from rock climbing to live music - and Toronto's only drive-in movie theatre, offering regularly scheduled double bills of new releases.
For more info visit PolsonPier.com or call 416-465-4653. Also visit the website to sign up for the Drive-In newsletter.
Toronto Outdoor Movies: Free Summer Screenings
Free Flicks at Harbourfront Centre
Harbourfront Centre screens their free summer films on the SIRIUS Satellite Radio Stage. The screen is right down by the lake on the west side of the Natrel Pond, so keep in mind that it's likely to get a little cool once the sun goes down. In 2009 the outdoor movies are on Wednesday nights from July 8 - August 12, beginning at 9pm. The theme for 2009 is Retro Reels, which means the line-up consists of "classic" 80's films.
Visit www.harbourfrontcentre.com/freeflicks for more info or call Harbourfront Centre at 416-973-4000. Never been to Harbourfront? Get the info you need here.
Movies Under the Stars at Downsview Park
Downsview Park in North York offers free outdoor family movies on Friday nights during the summer. Families are invited to bring their own blankets, folding chairs, snacks - even the family dog, as long as he or she stays on the leash. It can get cool so bring a few layers and also note, while there is an indoor rain location they'll only it use if they really must, so don't hesitate to bring an umbrella, too.
In 2009 the series runs until August 28th. Visit www.pdp.ca/en/events/movies.cfm for details.
City Cinema Outdoor Film Screenings at Yonge-Dundas Square
The 2009 theme at Yonge-Dundas Square is "Adrenalin Rush", with an action and/or adventure film screening Tuesday nights to September 1st. These free film screenings are easily reached by transit, since the Square sits above the Dundas subway station and right where the 505 Dundas streetcar crosses Yonge Street.
Visit www.ydsquare.ca.
