Moving to a new city can be tricky. Toronto is a big, beautiful place — but once your first month is over and you’ve already crossed the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, the ROM, the AGO, and Casa Loma off your bucket list, you start to wonder: what else is there? And more importantly, how do you actually find a community to be part of?

You want to meet new people, but walking into a crowded bar and yelling over music isn’t exactly appealing. And let’s be honest — not many people go clubbing to make lifelong friends.

Maybe you’re simply craving something new. A hobby. An activity that lets you get your hands dirty instead of just standing around with a drink in hand.

The good news? Toronto is full of ways to roll up your sleeves, learn something new, and meet people without forcing awkward small talk.

Here are 5 ideas to get you started:

1. Throw some clay around at a pottery class

There’s something oddly satisfying about sinking your hands into a lump of clay and shaping it into something uniquely yours. Pottery studios around the city offer beginner-friendly classes where you can try wheel throwing or hand building. The best part? You’ll be surrounded by people just as covered in clay as you are — conversation flows naturally when you’re both trying to keep your bowls from collapsing.

2. Shake, stir, and sip at a cocktail-making workshop

Toronto has some fantastic mixologists who love sharing their craft. These workshops aren’t about memorizing recipes — they’re about experimenting, tasting, and laughing at the occasional too-sour mix. You’ll leave with a new skill (and maybe a signature drink) plus a few new friends who are equally proud of their creations.

3. Cook something you’ve never tried before

From sushi rolling to pasta from scratch, Toronto’s cooking classes are an easy way to explore new cuisines while meeting people who share your curiosity. And unlike a dinner out, you actually get to make the meal yourself — which somehow makes it taste better.

4. Learn a craft you didn’t think you’d be good at

Think candle-making, floral arranging, or woodworking. These workshops are designed for beginners, so there’s zero pressure to be perfect. You walk away with something you made, a story to tell, and a few “remember when…” moments with people you met there.

5. Pick up a paintbrush at a painting class

Whether it’s a relaxed sip-and-paint night or a focused art workshop, painting is one of the easiest ways to loosen up and get creative. You don’t need any experience — just the willingness to try. By the end, you’ll have your own canvas to take home and, if you’re lucky, a few new friends who bonded over the mutual “does this even look like what I imagined?” moments.

Your Favourite Digital Guide to Toronto’s Best Experiences

The bottom line? Toronto is bursting with ways to have fun, learn, and connect that don’t involve standing around in a dimly lit room clutching a drink. The hardest part is taking that first step out of your comfort zone — but once you do, you’ll be surprised how quickly this big city starts to feel a little smaller.

If you’re not sure where to begin, ClassEasily is here to guide you. Our platform makes it simple to discover unique classes, workshops, and activities across the city in just three easy steps:

1. Search for a class you’re interested in — or explore something totally new.
2. Book your spot in seconds and connect directly with passionate, vetted hosts.
3. Show up, meet new people, and enjoy a hands-on learning experience that will spark your creativity.