What better way to chill out on a scorcher day (check out that temperature gage in the left menu here) than in close proximity to the water. Kayaking or canoeing can be the relaxing getaway you've been yearning for. There's no lessons required and there are a number of rivers you can enjoy right here in the city (not to mention a huge lake at your disposal). The lake is nice and all, but can be rough and choppy at times. If you venture on it close to the downtown core, the boat traffic can be aggravating at times. I prefer the rivers, as they are calmer waters, more scenic, and in some spots completely surrounded by nature. In fact you'll have a better chance at spotting wildlife on the Humber river, than if you go to Algonquin park. Even in high park you won't get the same feeling of wilderness as you get floating down this river.

There are dozens of kayak and canoe tours operating in the GTA. You can also rent on your own, which is cheaper. Harbourfront downtown has a fleet running for the lake. If you want to go on the rivers call Dave at (416) 536 2067. You can haggle the price but generally you can get the same price as Harbourfront or the others but for double the time. I got triple the time at almost 3 hours for the price of 1. And 1hr is never enough.

Cost: $30-40hr or even 2-3 hours.