16 Toronto attractions you can visit for free with your library card in 2024
The CN Tower just made the list!
The CN Tower on a sunny day. Right: A person standing in a tunnel with a shark.
You can enjoy more than just books with your library card. The Toronto Public Library has a program called tpl:map which allows you to explore some incredible Toronto attractions for free.
You can use your adult library card to book a free pass to a range of participating landmarks, museums and more across the city on the tpl:map website. All you need to do is reserve your date from available venues, download or print your pass before visiting and enjoy the amazing experiences Toronto has to offer.
Passes become available online the first day of each month for the following month. You can book one pass per attraction per calendar year and cardholders can only have one active reservation at a time.
The CN Tower will soon be added to the list of participating spots, with passes available starting May 16.
Here are 16 incredible Toronto attractions you can explore with your library card.
Art Gallery of Ontario
Price: Free
Address: 317 Dundas St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Fancy seeing some art? You can head to the AGO for free with your tpl:map pass.
The gallery features a large collection of works by the Group of Seven as well as an African art gallery and contemporary pieces.
The pass allows two people admission during regular hours. Ontario residents who are 24 and younger can enjoy free admission year-round without a pass.
The gallery also offers free admission on Wednesday nights.
Toronto Zoo
Price: Free
Address: 2000 Meadowvale Rd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can see adorable animals for free with tpl:map. The Zoo is open year-round and is home to over 3,000 animals.
The cardholder and group of a maximum of two adults and two children ages 3 to 12 can get free general admission during regular public hours.
Toronto Railway Museum
Price: Free
Address: 255 Bremner Blvd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can learn all about Toronto's railway heritage at this spot. Located in the heart of downtown, the museum is home to exhibits, educational programs, publications and more.
The pass allows a total of two adults and three children ages 13 and under to enjoy free general admission during regular public hours.
Black Creek Pioneer Village
Price: Free
Address: 1000 Murray Ross Pkwy., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Take a trip back in time at this historic village which features 40 heritage buildings, 50,000 artifacts and more.
From costumed educators to animals and workshops, you can get a little taste of what life was like in the region during the 1860s.
The pass grants free admission for the cardholder and three others and is not valid for special events.
Textile Museum of Canada
Price: Free
Address: 55 Centre Ave., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can check out the only museum in Canada with programs and exhibits entirely dedicated to textiles.
The cardholder and group of maximum four visitors, including the cardholder, can get free general admission during regular public hours.
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Price: Free
Address: 288 Bremner Blvd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can see this popular attraction for free by booking a reservation with your library card. The aquarium is home to 10 galleries featuring 20,000 aquatic animals from all around the world.
The cardholder and group of maximum four visitors can enjoy free general admission during regular public hours. The pass is not valid for special events or exhibitions.
Gardiner Museum
Price: Free
Address: 111 Queens Park, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can spend a day exploring an "internationally-renowned collection of ceramics, including pottery from the Ancient Americas, Chinese and Japanese Porcelain, and contemporary Canadian ceramics," according to the museum's website.
The pass allows the cardholder and group of maximum two adults and three children ages 13 and under to explore the museum for free during regular public hours.
Museum of Contemporary Art
Price: Free
Address: 158 Sterling Rd., #100, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: According to the Toronto Public Library, you can head to this museum to check out "rotating exhibitions by Canadian and international artists and engaging programming for art lovers of all ages."
The museum is situated on the first three floors of the historic Auto BLDG. and is known for its stunning architecture.
The cardholder and group of maximum two adults and four youth 18 and under can enjoy free admission during regular hours.
CN Tower
Price: Free
When: Passes being released May 16, 2024
Address: 290 Bremner Blvd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can soon visit this iconic Toronto landmark for free! The CN Tower will be available to access with tpl:map soon, with passes being released on May 16, 2024 at 2 p.m.
The 553.33 metre tower is an "award-winning entertainment experience and a must see in Toronto," according to the Toronto Public Library.
You can enjoy 360-degree views from the Main Observation Level or take a look at the city below on the glass floor.
The cardholder and group of maximum four visitors are entitled to free general admission during regular public hours.
Aga Khan Museum
Price: Free
Address: 77 Wynford Dr., North York, ON
Why You Need To Go: According to the Toronto Public Library, the Aga Khan Museum is "North America's first and only museum dedicated to the arts and culture of the Muslim world."
You can enjoy the collection of manuscripts, paintings, ceramics and more as well as film screenings, lectures and other events.
The cardholder and group (maximum 2 adults and 4 children ages 17 and under) are entitled to free general admission during regular public hours.
Ontario Science Centre
Price: Free
Address: 770 Don Mills Rd., North York, ON
Why You Need To Go: With immersive exhibits and unique attractions based on science and technology, this museum always makes for a fun day trip.
It's also home to Ontario's only IMAX Dome theatre.
The pass grants free admission to the cardholder and group of maximum two adults and two children ages 17 and under during regular hours.
Royal Conservatory of Music
Price: Free
Address: 273 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: The cardholder and one guest can enjoy free admission to a musical performance at the Royal Conservatory.
The building is home to "one of the world’s finest concert halls, Koerner Hall," according to the Toronto Public Library website.
Bata Shoe Museum
Price: Free
Address: 327 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can "step" into some fun at this museum which is totally dedicated to footwear. The attraction features an international collection of 15,000 shoes and related artefacts spanning 4,500 years of history.
You can explore the four rotating galleries and see all sorts of heels, sneakers, boots and more.
The pass allows a maximum of two adults and four children under 18 to enter the museum during regular public hours.
Royal Ontario Museum
Price: Free
Address: 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can explore Canada's largest museum for free. From dinosaur bones to shimmering gemstones, this museum has so many unique exhibits to check out.
The cardholder and group including a maximum of four visitors are entitled to free general admission during regular public hours.
Tafelmusik
Price: Free
Address: 427 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can enjoy a unique performance of 17th- to 19th-century instrumental and choral music at this spot.
The cardholder and one guest (an adult or a child aged eight and older) can get free admission to a performance of their choice, depending on availability.
Toronto Symphony Orchestra
Price: Free
Address: 60 Simcoe St, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can enjoy an incredible free performance at the Toronto Symphony Orchestra with your library card.
The cardholder and one guest can get free admission to one performance of their on offer, depending on availability.