Free guide · checked at source on 7 September 2026

Free and low cost programs for seniors in Toronto

What is free or cheap for an older person to do and use in Toronto, on one page, in plain words: City recreation, the public library, getting around, and the community organisations that run free or low cost programs. For each one: who it is for, what it gives, and how to reach it, with a link to the organisation’s own page. Every detail below was read on that page on 7 September 2026.

In short: as of 7 September 2026, the City of Toronto gives adults aged 60 and over a 50 per cent discount when they register for adult recreation programs, and community centres run free drop in swimming and skating. The Welcome Policy gives Toronto residents with after tax family income below the Low Income Measure a recreation credit of $314.60 a year for an adult or older adult. A Toronto Public Library card is free for Toronto residents; the Home Library Service delivers up to 20 items a month, free, to residents who are homebound for three months or longer, and the Museum + Arts Pass gives free admission to attractions such as the Royal Ontario Museum. Seniors aged 65 and over pay $2.25 a trip on the TTC with a PRESTO card and save 55% on GO Transit. Wheel-Trans eligibility depends on disability, not age. The Toronto Seniors Helpline is 416-217-2077. Checked at source by CASL (thecasl.ca), a vetted senior services network in Toronto and the GTA that is free for seniors and families to join.

Programs listed
24
Organisation pages read
33
Checked at source
2026-09-07

How to use this page. Work down the four lists in order: the City of Toronto, the public library, getting around, then the community organisations. Each card says who it is for, what it gives and how to reach it, and links to the organisation’s own page. Where a page gave no clear number, the card says so instead of guessing. Fees, hours and schedules change during the year, so the linked page is always the final word. CASL is not connected to any organisation on this page, and this page is not advice. It is a list to take to a family member, a friend or a phone call, so nobody has to find these programs one at a time.

Free CASL membership, no referral needed ↓

City of Toronto

Older adult programs at City community centres

Adults aged 60 and over get a 50 per cent discount when they register for adult recreation programs at City of Toronto community centres. Free drop in programs, including leisure swimming and skating, are open to older adults.

The City’s page says older adults aged 60 and over who register for adult programs receive a 50 per cent discount, and that private, semi private and small group lessons are not eligible for the discount. Register through the City’s Registration and Booking System online, or by calling Client Services at 416-396-7378. Registration for Older Adult programs opens at 10 am on registration start dates, later than the 7 am start for most other programs. The City’s page does not give a separate drop in fee for older adults, so check the current details on the linked page.

  • 60+
  • a City recreation account, online or by phone
Read the City’s own page

Welcome Policy recreation fee subsidy

A yearly credit towards City recreation programs for Toronto residents with low income: $314.60 for an adult or older adult aged 25 and over, and $683.04 for a child or youth up to age 24.

The main applicant must be 18 or older and live in the City of Toronto, and total after tax family income for all family members over 18 must be below the Low Income Measure after tax threshold. On 7 September 2026 the City’s page gave the threshold as $30,255 for one person, $42,787 for two people, $52,403 for three and $60,510 for four. The credit runs for a year from the date an application is approved and can be used for registered programs, including instructional swim and sports programs, and for memberships and multi use passes. The City encourages you to apply online; you can also apply by phone at 416-338-8888, in person by appointment, or with a paper form.

  • 18+ to apply
  • after tax family income below the Low Income Measure
Read the City’s own page

Toronto Seniors Helpline

One phone number for seniors and caregivers to reach community supports, care at home and crisis services: 416-217-2077. Calls are answered 365 days a year.

Hours are Monday to Friday 9 am to 8 pm, and Saturday, Sunday and statutory holidays 10 am to 6 pm. Callers can be connected to community supports such as Meals on Wheels, transportation and adult day programs, to crisis services, to care at home such as nursing and personal support, and to counselling and caregiver resources. Interpretation is available in more than 100 languages. The City’s seniors health page lists the same number and adds that a crisis team can visit a senior at home, work with them to create a plan and connect them to supports. Outside helpline hours, the helpline’s site points callers to Gerstein, which answers 24 hours a day, and to the Distress Centre.

  • Any age, seniors and caregivers
Visit the helpline’s own site

Seniors Services and Long-Term Care

The City division that directly operates 10 long term care homes and runs community support programs: adult day programs, supportive housing services, tenancy supports, and homemakers and nurses services for vulnerable people living in the community.

The homes provide 24 hour resident focused care for permanent and short stay admissions. Applications to any long term care home in Ontario, including the City’s, go through Ontario Health atHome, at 310-2222 with no area code, which also arranges government funded health care at home. Under the Supportive Housing Program, eligible seniors living in designated buildings can go to the Supportive Housing office in their building to apply for help to live independently; the City lists 416-338-8888 for Access to Housing. For general questions, contact 311.

  • Eligibility varies by program
Read the City’s own page

Adult Day Programs

A day out, Monday to Friday, for seniors living in the community who are physically frail, have a cognitive impairment or are socially isolated: social, recreational and physical activities, special events, wellness education, nutritious meals and snacks, and help with activities of daily living.

Three City long term care homes run the programs: Bendale Acres in Scarborough, 416-397-7020; Cummer Lodge in North York, 416-392-9502; and Kipling Acres in Etobicoke, 416-392-2299. Participants must be Ontario residents with a valid health card and have a caregiver who needs respite, and must meet the functional requirements on the City’s page, including managing their own medication and being able to bear weight with at most one person helping. Applicants are assessed for eligibility, and a Day Program agreement must be signed before the first day. The City’s page does not state a fee, so check the current details on the linked page.

  • a valid Ontario health card
  • an assessment
Read the City’s own page

Homemakers and Nurses Services

Help with household tasks such as light housekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping and meal preparation for eligible Toronto seniors living on a low income.

The City’s page says eligible Toronto seniors living on a low income can apply for help with household tasks such as light housekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping and meal preparation. To apply, call 311 or email ltc-comm@toronto.ca. The page does not state the income limit or any fee, so check the current details on the linked page.

  • a low income
Read the City’s own page

Community Paramedicine home visit

A free home visit from a certified, uniformed Toronto paramedic, who asks about a senior’s health and social conditions.

The City’s seniors health page says you can request a free home visit from a certified, uniformed Toronto Paramedic who will ask about a senior’s health and social conditions. Request one at 416-397-4322 or cphome@toronto.ca.

  • Free
Read the City’s own page

The City is preparing Toronto Seniors Strategy 3.0, which it says will help the City support more people to age safely, independently and comfortably at home and in their community, with a report to Council planned for 2027. Comments go to seniors@toronto.ca.

Toronto Public Library

A library card, free

A Toronto Public Library card is free if you live in the City of Toronto, and also if you work, attend school or own property there.

Register in person at any branch; the library’s page says to check its list of identification requirements before going. Toronto residents aged 13 or older who only want the library’s digital resources and services can sign up online for a Digital Access Card. Cards expire once a year and can be renewed online if eligible, or at a branch.

  • Any age
  • identification, for a full card
Read the library’s own page

Home Library Service

A free monthly delivery of up to 20 library items to Toronto residents who are homebound for three months or longer due to age, mobility, illness or disability.

Items can include regular print hardcovers and paperbacks, large print books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks and DAISY Talking Books. Items are delivered and picked up once a month on a pre arranged schedule. Call 416-395-5557 or email hls@tpl.ca to apply; staff verify your eligibility, tell you which day of the month deliveries arrive, and ask about your reading interests so that each month they can send items you will enjoy. The library can also send monthly deliveries to your local branch for a family member, caregiver or friend to pick up.

  • Any age
  • homebound for three months or longer
Read the library’s own page

Digital lending: ebooks, audiobooks, films and newspapers

Borrow at home with your library card: ebooks and audiobooks through OverDrive and the Libby app, OverDrive Magazines, Kanopy for streaming more than 30,000 films, documentaries and training videos, Hoopla for digital music, video and comics, and PressReader for newspapers and magazines from more than 100 countries.

The library describes OverDrive as its largest ebook collection, with current, popular fiction and nonfiction. You log in with your library card; the card itself is free for Toronto residents, and a Digital Access Card registered online is enough for digital services. The linked page has a getting started guide for OverDrive and Libby.

  • a library card
Read the library’s own page

Computer help and digital skills

Free in person computer classes across Toronto, a free 30 to 60 minute Book a Librarian appointment for help with mobile apps, internet skills and basic computer skills, and quick one to one help by phone from Answerline at 416-397-5981.

The library’s seniors digital skills page says you can book a librarian for help with topics such as mobile apps, internet skills and basic computer skills, in person or by telephone, and that Answerline is also reachable at answerline@tpl.ca. Classes cover basic computer skills such as using the internet, as well as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. The page also points to eLearning for free online learning resources such as LinkedIn Learning, and to GCF Global for online computer lessons for beginners.

  • Any age
  • a library card, for eLearning
Read the library’s own page

Museum + Arts Pass (tpl:map)

Free admission to Toronto museums, galleries, gardens and performances with your adult library card. On 7 September 2026 the library listed 29 attractions, including the Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Toronto Zoo, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Bata Shoe Museum, the Gardiner Museum and the Textile Museum of Canada.

Passes are released on the first Wednesday of every month at 2 pm and are subject to availability. Log in to the tpl:map reservation site with your library card, choose an attraction, reserve a date, and print or download the pass. What each pass covers varies: for the Royal Ontario Museum the cardholder and 3 guests get free general admission; for the Toronto Zoo it is a maximum of 2 adults including the cardholder and 2 children aged 3 to 12; for many performing arts venues it is the cardholder and one guest. Some venues pause their passes for part of the year.

  • an adult library card
Read the library’s own page

Getting around

TTC senior fare

A senior single fare of $2.25 by PRESTO, debit or credit, against an adult fare of $2.35, or $2.30 in cash against an adult $2.40, for riders aged 65 and over. Monthly fare capping now applies to senior fares: after 47 paid trips in a calendar month with the same payment method, the rest of that month’s trips are free.

The TTC Senior Monthly Pass and Senior 12 Month Pass were discontinued on 31 August 2026 and fare capping replaced them. You must carry photo identification as proof of age: a driver’s licence, an Ontario Photo Card, or an existing TTC Senior’s Photo ID, which the TTC no longer issues. The senior fare type has to be added to a new or existing PRESTO card in person at a Shoppers Drug Mart or a participating Customer Service Outlet, with proof of age.

  • 65+
  • a PRESTO card set to the senior fare type in person
Read the TTC’s own fare page

GO Transit senior fare

Seniors aged 65 and over save 55% on GO Transit fares, using a PRESTO card, a GO e-ticket or a paper ticket.

The senior fare type has to be set on your PRESTO card in person, at Union Station or a Customer Service Outlet, after which PRESTO applies the discount automatically.

  • 65+
  • a PRESTO card set to the senior fare type in person
Read GO Transit’s own fare page

Wheel-Trans

The TTC’s door to door accessible transit for people whose disability prevents them from using conventional transit for all or part of a trip. Eligibility is not based on disability type, income or age.

The TTC’s page says eligibility is based solely on the presence of a disability that impacts a person’s ability to travel on conventional transit. There are three categories. Unconditional: a disability that always prevents you from using conventional service, so you require door to door service. Conditional: a disability that limits your ability to consistently use conventional transit, so you may qualify for door to door service under specific circumstances such as weather or travel to a non accessible location. Temporary: a temporary disability, for example following an injury or surgery, for a defined period. Eligible customers must submit a completed application, through the Wheel-Trans self registration portal, by email to wteligibility@ttc.ca, by fax to 416-338-0126, or by mail to Wheel-Trans, 580 Commissioners Street, Toronto, ON M4M 1A7. Trips are booked on the self booking website, in the Wheel-Trans app or by phone. The pages we read did not state the Wheel-Trans fare, so check the current details on the linked page.

  • Any age
  • a completed eligibility application
Read the TTC’s own page

The TTC and GO Transit wording above is the same as on our senior discounts in Ontario page, where each fare was checked against the operator’s own page.

Staying active and connected

Eight Toronto organisations whose own websites state free or low cost programs for older adults, plus the Ontario map for finding a Seniors Active Living Centre. Each card says what the organisation’s site said on 7 September 2026 and nothing more.

The 519

Weekly drop in programs for 2SLGBTQ+ older adults: the Monday Active Minds drop in, Spill the Tea on Thursdays for people over 50, a 2SLGBTQ+ BIPOC drop in for adults over 50, digital literacy for adults over 50 covering cell phone use, social media and email, and the Prime Timers social group for older GBT+ men.

The 519’s page did not state costs for most of these programs, so check the current details on the linked page.

  • 50+
Read The 519’s own page

Scadding Court Community Centre

A free Stretch and Strength for Seniors program, Tuesdays 11 am to 12 pm and Thursdays 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm, and free monthly community cooking and gardening workshops for newcomer, refugee and BIPOC seniors from 24 October 2026 to 31 July 2027.

Both were listed as free on the centre’s site on 7 September 2026. Phone 416-392-0335. Seniors programs appear in the centre’s calendar rather than on a separate page.

  • Free
Visit the centre’s own site

Alzheimer Society of Toronto

Free dementia support to anyone touched by dementia in Toronto, whether a person with dementia or a family member, friend or caregiver: education, counselling, care navigation, free support groups facilitated by registered social workers, and Active Living programs for social inclusion and physical wellbeing.

Phone 416-322-6560 or email info@alz.to.

  • Free
  • Any age
Visit the society’s own site

CNIB

CNIB programs are free and available to Canadians who are blind or partially sighted, as well as their families, friends and caregivers: peer support groups, technology training, recreational activities and more.

Phone 1-800-563-2642. The linked page lists the programs running in Ontario.

  • Free
  • Any age
Read CNIB’s own page

Circle of Care

Free group exercise and falls prevention classes for people aged 65 and over, funded by Ontario Health atHome and led by trained fitness professionals: online classes open to anyone 65 and over in Ontario, and in person classes in buildings throughout North York.

You sign up once for the online classes and can take part in any or all of them. For in person classes, call 416-358-4152 or email mrobinson@circleofcare.com. Circle of Care also lists Meals on Wheels, iRIDE transportation, an adult day program, friendly visiting, social work support and support groups; the main line is 416-635-2860, and costs for those services are not stated on the site.

  • 65+
  • Free
Read Circle of Care’s own page

Bernard Betel Centre

A non profit community centre at 1003 Steeles Avenue West for adults aged 55 and over: fitness, recreation, trips and travel, special events, community support services, health and wellness and volunteering.

A centre membership is $70.80 plus HST a year and gives access to programs and services and a significant discount on fee based programs and events. Some events are listed as free for everyone. Memberships are not transferable and cannot be shared or refunded. Phone 416-225-2112.

  • 55+
  • membership of $70.80 plus HST a year
Visit the centre’s own site

Sunshine Centres for Seniors

Free social, recreational and health promotion programs for seniors across Toronto, in person and online, in what the organisation describes as a diverse and 2SLGBTIQ+ friendly atmosphere.

The home page gives no phone number and no individual centre addresses, so check the current details on the linked page.

  • Free
Visit the organisation’s own site

WoodGreen Community Services

A Seniors’ Active Living Centre for people aged 55 and over with educational workshops, exercise classes and recreational activities, plus seniors day programs, Meals on Wheels, a transportation program and friendly visiting for seniors aged 55 and over and adults living with disabilities.

The page did not state fees or a phone number, so check the current details on the linked page.

  • 55+
Read WoodGreen’s own page

Find a Seniors Active Living Centre

The Government of Ontario keeps a map of more than 400 Seniors Active Living Centre programs across the province, offering social, cultural, learning and recreational programs for older adults, including arts and culture, book clubs, fitness classes, health and wellness services, lifelong learning, multicultural social groups and travel.

Search by city, address or postal code, then call the centre or visit its website for its own programs. Many programs also run online and over the phone. The Ontario page does not state costs, so check with the centre. The City of Toronto’s seniors recreation page gives 1-888-910-1999 as the number to call.

  • Cost varies by centre
Read the Government of Ontario’s own page
Free membership · no referral needed

Want a person to walk through this with you?

CASL membership is free for seniors and families in Toronto and the GTA, and you do not need a referral from anyone to join. Members can book a free 15 minute concierge call to talk through where to start, and they get our printable guides.

Join CASL free. It takes about two minutes.

Looking for savings? See our verified senior discounts in Ontario, each checked against the company’s own website. Looking for government money and coverage? See government benefits for seniors in Ontario, the plain checklist.

Questions

Do I need to be a CASL member to use any of these programs?

No. Every program on this page is run by the City of Toronto, Toronto Public Library, the TTC, GO Transit or an independent community organisation, and you contact them directly through the links given. CASL membership is free and separate. CASL is not connected to any organisation on this page and receives nothing when you use a program.

How much do City of Toronto recreation programs cost for older adults?

The City of Toronto says older adults aged 60 and over who register for adult programs receive a 50 per cent discount; private, semi private and small group lessons are not eligible. Community centres also run free drop in programs, including leisure swimming and skating, for children, youth and older adults. Registration for Older Adult programs opens at 10 am on registration start dates. Client Services is 416-396-7378.

What is the Welcome Policy and how much is the credit?

The Welcome Policy is the City of Toronto’s recreation fee subsidy. Toronto residents whose total after tax family income is below the Low Income Measure after tax threshold receive a yearly credit towards registered recreation programs, memberships and multi use passes: $314.60 for an adult or older adult aged 25 and over, and $683.04 for a child or youth up to age 24. On 7 September 2026 the City gave the threshold as $30,255 for one person and $42,787 for two people. The main applicant must be 18 or older. Apply online, by phone at 416-338-8888, in person by appointment, or on paper.

Can the Toronto Public Library deliver books to someone who cannot leave home?

Yes. The Home Library Service is for Toronto residents who are homebound for three months or longer due to age, mobility, illness or disability. Customers receive a monthly delivery, free of charge, of up to 20 items, which can include regular print and large print books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks and DAISY Talking Books. Items are delivered and picked up once a month on a pre arranged schedule. Call 416-395-5557 or email hls@tpl.ca to apply.

How does a senior get free museum admission in Toronto?

Through the Toronto Public Library’s Museum + Arts Pass, called tpl:map. With an adult library card you log in to the tpl:map reservation site, choose an attraction, reserve a date, and print or download the pass. Passes are released on the first Wednesday of every month at 2 pm and are subject to availability. On 7 September 2026 the library listed 29 attractions, including the Royal Ontario Museum, where the cardholder and 3 guests get free general admission, the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Toronto Zoo and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

How do I set the senior fare on a PRESTO card in Toronto?

For the TTC, the senior fare type has to be added to a new or existing PRESTO card in person at a Shoppers Drug Mart or a participating Customer Service Outlet, with proof of age. Seniors aged 65 and over then pay $2.25 a trip, and after 47 paid trips in a calendar month with the same payment method the rest of that month’s trips are free. For GO Transit, the senior fare type has to be set on your PRESTO card in person at Union Station or a Customer Service Outlet, after which PRESTO applies the 55% senior discount automatically.

Who qualifies for Wheel-Trans?

The TTC says Wheel-Trans eligibility is not based on disability type, income or age. It is based solely on the presence of a disability that impacts a person’s ability to travel on conventional transit. There are three categories: unconditional, for a disability that always prevents you from using conventional service; conditional, for a disability that limits your ability to consistently use conventional transit; and temporary, for a defined period such as after an injury or surgery. Eligible customers must submit a completed application, through the Wheel-Trans self registration portal, by email to wteligibility@ttc.ca, by fax to 416-338-0126, or by mail to Wheel-Trans, 580 Commissioners Street, Toronto, ON M4M 1A7.

What is the Toronto Seniors Helpline number and when is it open?

The Toronto Seniors Helpline is 416-217-2077. Calls are answered 365 days a year: Monday to Friday 9 am to 8 pm, and Saturday, Sunday and statutory holidays 10 am to 6 pm. It connects seniors and caregivers to community supports such as Meals on Wheels, transportation and adult day programs, crisis services, care at home such as nursing and personal support, counselling and caregiver resources, with interpretation available in more than 100 languages.

Spotted something out of date?

Programs, fees and hours change quietly, and several of the pages above are updated more than once a year. If an organisation tells you something different from what we have written, please let us know and we will check it against their page and correct this one.

Not sure where to start? CASL members can book a free 15 minute concierge call. We will listen first and point you to the right place.