10+ Team Building Activities for Bonding with Your Team in Toronto

13 mins read
10+ Team Building Activities for Bonding with Your Team in Toronto
Written by: Jaya Ramchurn
April 22, 2024
13 mins read

Discover Toronto, a city boasting numerous green spaces and recognised as one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse urban landscapes! Rest assured, Toronto is the perfect location if you’re hunting for exceptional team building activities. Whether you fancy a culinary adventure in the towering skyline, crave sports excitement, or aspire to groove at a music festival with your group, the options are limitless. Toronto is a playground waiting to be explored. Don’t hesitate to dive into our curated list of top team building activities in Toronto and embark on an unforgettable journey with your crew today!

Outdoor Team Building Activities in Toronto

Toronto boasts one of the largest green spaces in North America, with over 15% of the city dedicated to parks. You can be sure to find something or many to do during weekends or after work with your colleagues. 

Whether it’s a quick walk in the park at Riverdale Park East or attending the live music concerts at Toronto Music Garden, there are many outdoor possibilities to explore with your group. Hosting an outdoor activity will boost your team’s morale and get them out in the fresh air! Let’s look at some ideas to help your team bond!

Find your perfect team building space

Before diving into our unique outdoor team building ideas, find the perfect event space in Toronto!

1. Scavenger Hunt

If your colleagues are feeling overwhelmed by a post-holiday funk, and are struggling to send emails without sounding like they’d rather be on the  beach, we present the solution: the classic scavenger hunt! It’s the perfect way to start off the year.

Gather your squad, split them into teams, and send them on a quest for glory in a local park or an outdoor venue like the Queen Garden Centre (because nothing screams ‘epic adventure’ like plants, right?).

 The first team to complete the list wins! Scavenger hunts aren’t just a break from the routine – they’re a journey into teamwork, problem-solving, and bragging rights.

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Find your team building oasis in the midst of the city’s hustle and bustle right here at the outdoor cafe at Queen Garden Centre.

2. Organise a Picnic

You can never go wrong with a picnic for your team! Eat, drink, and get to know each other better through lively conversations!

Pack your baguettes and croissants because it’s picnic season with the crew. Picnics are a breeze to organise and a foolproof way for your team to connect over tasty food in the great outdoors. Ideal for warmer months between June and September, choose a picturesque spot like Toronto Island Park or the iconic High Park

Opt for a classic BBQ or spice it up with an Around the World-themed picnic, where everyone shares their favourite regional dish. Fly kites, play cards, and indulge with your crew. By the picnic’s end, you’ll discover more about each other, enhancing team dynamics! 

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You can never go wrong with a picnic for your team. Eat, drink and get to know each other better through lively conversations!

If you’re planning a colleague’s picnic party or simply need some interesting picnic ideas for your team, read our 10 easy birthday picnic ideas for adults!



3. Go Go-Karting 

Craving speed? We get it! Is your team itching for some friendly competition? Why not try challenging each other or even another department to a go-kart race?  Did you check your watch? It’s go-karting o’clock! Not only does it get you breaking a sweat, but it’s also an excellent stress-buster.

The rush of driving around the track is bound to bring a smile to your team’s faces. Beyond the stress-relieving perks, go-karting is a fantastic way to enjoy quality time with colleagues. Book your go-karting adventure at Go-Karting Toronto!

And remember to spice it up with prizes and post-event activities, like a satisfying lunch at a restaurant cause speed surely builds up an appetite!

4. Tug of War  

The ancient tradition of tug of war can be traced back to Greece, India, Egypt, and China, where military commanders purportedly trained warriors with tug-of-war ropes hundreds of years ago. Your friendly bunch, far from a military unit but no less fierce, battles competitors to make your company successful, so why not host such an activity for your team?

Tug of war remains a timeless team building favourite, fostering genuine teamwork as individuals unite in a strength-driven showdown regardless of age or size. Divide your group into smaller teams, let them harness their collective strength on the rope, and see which team emerges victorious in this fun battle!

Wondering where you can host a tug of war?

Don’t think twice! From sandy beaches to charming garden cafes, a world of options awaits your team. Explore and book your ideal venue today!

5. Dragon Boat Races 

Dive into Dragon Boat Races in Toronto! Hosted annually by the Toronto Chinese Business Association in partnership with GWN Dragon Boat, these races are a thrilling spectacle. 

Amp the excitement by teaming up with others for charity and ecology, supporting causes like Bosom Buddies of Nova Scotia or Chemo Savvy! Not into racing? No worries – relish a fantastic time by the food stalls. Set for June, secure your spots, and paddle to victory! 

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Sail away from stress on a fun dragon boat trip! Join the competition for a great cause right in the heart of Toronto!

Need some tips for successful team building event planning? Before you dive deeper into our team building activities, explore the most important things to consider before planning a team bonding activity in Toronto or anywhere else!


Indoor Team Building Activities in Toronto 

In the colder weather outdoor activities require some planning and ensuring that it’s not going to rain or snow during the event or that you have secured an indoor venue!

With indoor team building, your team can be super cosy and comfy and fully participate in the activity without worrying about the cold or heat! We’ve rounded up a couple of our indoor favourites for you to try out with your team!

6. Board Games On

Board games aren’t just about logic and reasoning; they’re a blast when enjoyed with friends or colleagues. Organising a game night is a breeze – either set up your office’s board games library or venture to Snakes and Lattes in Midtown for, you guessed it, board games and lattes. 

Teams strategise, collaborate, and brainstorm in a relaxed yet educational atmosphere. From classics like Monopoly and Scrabble to many others, these games will keep your team’s spirits soaring!

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Host a board game night full of lattes and victories for your team at Snakes and Lattes in Midtown!

7. Murder Mystery Party

In this era of hybrid teams, where colleagues often face a sense of detachment, bridging the gap and nurturing connections is essential. Enter the world of murder mysteries, where collaboration, brainstorming, and problem-solving are at their highest.

Don’t forget to carefully place hints and clues around the room and nearby areas when planning your murder mystery story. 

It’s not just about solving a crime; it’s about creating a memorable experience for your team. And if you need some help with planning your murder mystery event, simply hire a professional company to help you out!

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Take your murder mystery soirée to new heights by selecting an exclusive setting. Cafe Zuzu’s private dining room in Daniels Spectrum awaits you!

8. Cooking Class

Grow together in the kitchen with a cooking class! It’s not just about the food but the memories created while whipping up something delicious! Swap the usual team building for a cooking class – a treat almost as good as a raise. Toronto’s cultural richness offers a range of cuisines, from spicy Indian to flavorful Nigerian dishes. 

Your team will unveil hidden talents as they trade kitchen tips and share their home cooking secrets. Forget dull cubicle kitchens and try a spot like Kitchen Studio at Rily Kitchen, a lively space where recipes, stories, and creativity blend seamlessly. 

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Consider a space like Rily Kitchen in Junction Triangle for your cooking class! Not only will your team be glad to get out of the office, but they’ll also have all the equipment needed for a great team building activity!

9. Happy Hour 

Why limit happy hour to just one hour? Break free from the work grind and turn every hour into a celebration with a team that works hard and plays even harder! Improve your team building activities with a happy hour ritual, a perfect way to unwind and forge genuine connections beyond the office hustle. 

Let your colleagues reveal their quirks, from music tastes to favourite foods, fostering bonds that transcend the work routine. Richer than any work interaction, these connections pave the way for a happier, less grumpy Monday morning. And if some of your colleagues are joining for the first time, remember to have them try local drinks like Paper Plane, Penicillin, and Toronto Cocktail!

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Kickstart the weekend with a Friday evening at See Me in Little Italy. Catch a game, savour delicious bites, enjoy a drink, share hearty laughs, or groove to the beat when the DJ spins your favourite tune.

It’s time for a delightful happy hour with your favourite team in Toronto!

Discover many fantastic bar options, from charming nooks and historic gems to sleek, modern venues. Find your ideal team bonding spot now!

10. Axe-Throwing Battle

Revive your inner Viking with a legendary axe-throwing battle! Don your gear, aim for the bullseye, and rack up points for your team as you master the art of axe maneuvering. Are you looking to break the ice with your coworkers? Hand them an axe, and watch the camaraderie swing into action faster than you’d expect! 

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Team building doesn’t have to be a mundane obligation. By the end of a session at BATL Axe Throwing Portland, your team will be re-energised and happy to be part of their company!

Do you need tips and tricks to plan a successful team building activity? Head to our team building blog section for some inspiration!


11. Throw a Quarterly Party

Gear up for a quarterly soirée that turns virtual connections into real-life buddies! No more Zoom guesswork; it’s time to ditch the pixels and embrace genuine connections. At Tagvenue we know how important it is to meet regularly, so we spice up company gatherings by blending insightful quarterly meetings with great parties! 

Discuss lessons learned, celebrate successes, and plan the next quarter – all topped off with a lively celebration! Hire a private party space to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable! And don’t forget about the non-alcoholic options because respecting cultures and preferences is as important as achieving a connected team!

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Book a private spot like the elegant Founder Restaurant and Bar for your team building activity! Situated on Dundas Street in Toronto, right in the heart of the vibrant neighborhood known as Little Portugal, this party space is perfect for your party!

Host a memorable team bash this quarter!

Discover our exclusive party venues for year-round team building events. With hundreds of options in Toronto, your perfect party location awaits!

12. Host a Lunch and Learn

Ditch the usual pizza routine and spice up your lunch with something exciting – a lunch and learn event! It’s not just about a tasty meal; it’s a chance for your team to come together, share, and learn during work hours. These events can be regular or one-time gatherings.No boring lectures – just open chats, idea exchange, and finding solutions to make your workplace more inclusive. 

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How about turning it into a mini ‘around the world’ dinner party? You explore a new topic each time, enjoy different foods, and make your workplace more awesome together!

13. Pub Quiz 

Ah, the good old pub quiz! Nobody ever seems to get tired of them despite doing them repeatedly! Pub quizzes are a means to learn about each other’s interests, brainstorm answers, collaborate, and agree on something. It’s also a great way to learn many new facts about the world, different countries, cultures, food, and much more! Get your team ready to flex their trivia muscles at one of the bars in Toronto and win a prize and the associated bragging rights!

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A bright and colourful venue like Chotto Matte is all you need to revive team spirits and bring your team closer than ever!

Conclusion

Planning a team building activity is challenging, whether it’s a small or big group. You need to think and agree on an activity everyone is up for. Making sure everyone feels included is also crucial for good team vibes. Keep things like accessibility in mind – it can make or break the event! The main goal is for everyone to chill and have a good time, so choose a venue and activity with that in mind, and team build away!

Hire a private space in Toronto for your team

Looking for a space to host your team bonding activity without the distraction of a usual restaurant? Or maybe you’re looking for something unique and unusual? These and many more spaces await you in Toronto! Start browsing now!

FAQ

Why are team building activities important?

Team building activities are crucial as they allow colleagues to connect in a different setting outside of work. By creating a relaxed space for employees to come together, collaborate, and brainstorm ideas, team building contributes to an improved workplace. Discovering each other’s likes and dislikes and forming connections beyond regular tasks enhances employee morale and strengthens workplace relationships.

What are some budget-friendly activities for team building in Toronto?

Toronto has various budget-friendly team building activities, such as park potlucks, board games, hiking, and office trivia. Simple activities like show and tell or icebreakers can be organized at the office or in local spaces like parks for low-cost team bonding. Check out our indoor and outdoor team building activities list for more ideas.

What are the things to consider before planning a team building activity in Toronto?

Before planning a team building activity in Toronto, consider weather conditions for outdoor activities and ensure participants’ comfort. Confirm the availability of most participants on the selected date and time. Incentives like prizes, free meals, and drinks encourage employee participation. Additionally, consider the venue, budget, and group size to ensure a suitable and affordable choice.

What is the average budget per person for hosting a team building event in Toronto?

The average budget per person for a team building event in Toronto typically ranges from $50-150 CAD, covering venue, food, and activities. Extra amenities may increase costs. When choosing a venue and planning activities, consider your budget per person, including food and drinks provided.

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10+ Team Building Activities for Bonding with Your Team in Toronto