Summer in the GTA hits different.
Those long evenings when you don’t want to go inside. The impromptu dinners that stretch until 10 PM. The way your backyard becomes your favorite room in the house – until the sun disappears and everything fades to black.
That’s where smart outdoor lighting changes everything.
We’ve been lighting up backyards across Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan, and the surrounding areas for years now. And what we’ve learned is this: the right lighting doesn’t just brighten your space, it transforms how you live in it.
Here are 7 lighting ideas that work beautifully in our Canadian climate and make every summer evening feel a little more special.
1. Smart Pathway Lighting (That Actually Stays On)
Everyone’s tried those cheap solar path lights. They work great… until they don’t. By August, half are dead. By October, you’re walking in the dark again.
Here’s what works: low voltage LED path lights with consistent power and weather-resistant construction. Space them about 6-8 feet apart, and you get a gentle guide that works every single night.
The difference? You can actually see where you’re going. Your guests aren’t stumbling around your garden. And you’re not replacing batteries every few months.
Bonus: When properly installed, these lights handle everything from July thunderstorms to February ice storms without missing a beat.
Tired of replacing dead solar lights every season? Let’s show you what reliable path lighting looks like.
2. Deck Lighting That Creates the Perfect Vibe
Your deck is probably where you spend most of your summer evenings. But when the sun sets after 8:30 PM, you’re stuck with either harsh porch lights or sitting in the dark.
Neither feels right.
What works better: Layered lighting that creates zones. Recessed lights under railings for subtle perimeter glow. Maybe some downlights over your dining table. Step lights for safety without glare.
The goal isn’t to light up everything, it’s to create atmosphere that makes people want to stay outside longer.
Why it works in the GTA: Multi-level decks are common in our area, and perimeter lighting helps define different zones while adding safety for steps and transitions.
The difference: Instead of one harsh overhead light, you get layered lighting that feels natural and lets you control the mood.
Want to turn your deck into the neighborhood’s favorite gathering spot? Let’s talk about lighting that sets the mood.
3. Tree Lighting for Natural Drama
Many Toronto and GTA properties feature stunning mature trees – from the iconic maples that give Canada its symbol to the towering oaks found throughout Oakville and Burlington. Uplighting these natural giants creates dramatic silhouettes and adds height to your outdoor space.
Local Consideration: Our Canadian trees are especially beautiful when lit from below, creating stunning shadow patterns that change with the seasons. This technique works year-round, from summer’s full foliage to winter’s bare branches.
Got a tree that deserves to be the star of your yard? Contact us for ideas that bring it to life.
4. Permanent String Light Installation
String lights are having a moment. But hanging them every summer and taking them down every fall? That gets old fast.
Here’s the upgrade: professionally installed café-style string lights with commercial-grade bulbs and weatherproof connections. Create a canopy over your patio, run them along fence lines, or design custom patterns that fit your space.
The result looks intentional, not temporary. And you get that perfect bistro atmosphere at the flip of a switch.
Ready for string lights that look as good as they feel? Let’s design something permanent.
5. Water Feature Lighting for Instant Zen
If you have any kind of water feature – pond, fountain, even a small bubbler – lighting transforms it from nice-to-have to absolutely mesmerizing.
Underwater lights create that blue glow you see at high-end resorts. Spotlights can highlight waterfalls or streams. The combination of moving water and light creates a focal point that’s impossible to ignore.
Bonus effect: The sound of water plus gentle lighting creates a surprisingly effective stress reliever. It’s like having a spa in your backyard.
Have a water feature that’s invisible after dark? Let’s light it up.
6. Outdoor Kitchen Lighting That Actually Functions
Outdoor cooking is huge in the GTA. But trying to grill or prep food with just ambient patio lighting? Frustrating and potentially dangerous.
Task lighting solves this: under-cabinet LEDs for prep areas, pendant lights over cooking zones, adjustable spots for the grill. Don’t forget about your outdoor bar area – proper lighting makes all the difference for evening entertaining.
The upgrade: You can cook safely and entertain confidently, making the most of every warm evening.
Planning an outdoor kitchen or upgrading your current setup? Contact BD Lights for lighting that works as hard as you do.
7. Pool and Hot Tub Lighting for Resort Vibes
Nothing transforms a backyard like beautifully lit water features. Underwater LEDs create that signature blue glow. Poolside lighting ensures safe movement. Ambient lighting around seating areas completes the resort feeling.
The magic: Light reflecting off water creates effects that change throughout the evening. It’s genuinely stunning and turns your pool area into a destination.
Ready to turn your pool into a nighttime showstopper? Contact us for lighting that transforms your space.
Making Your Summer Lighting Dreams a Reality
Summer evenings in the GTA are too precious to spend indoors. With the right lighting design, your backyard can become your favorite destination – a place where memories are made, where you can relax after busy days, and where the beauty of your outdoor space can be enjoyed from sunrise to well past sunset.
At BD Lights, we understand that every Toronto and GTA property is unique. From the compact backyards of downtown condos to the expansive gardens of Mississauga estates, we’ve designed lighting solutions that work with your space, your lifestyle, and your budget.
Our team knows the local building codes, understands the challenges of Toronto’s weather patterns, and has the expertise to create lighting that enhances your property value while providing years of enjoyment.
Professional installation gets you:
- Proper electrical work that meets Ontario codes
- Strategic placement for maximum impact
- Weather-resistant components that handle our climate
- Clean installation with hidden wiring
- Warranty protection and ongoing support
At BD Lights we provide:
- Free consultations across the GTA
- Custom design for your specific space
- High-quality, weather-resistant components
- Ongoing support for adjustments or additions
Contact BD Lights today to discuss your summer lighting project. We serve all of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area, bringing expertise, quality, and local knowledge to every installation.
Book a free consultation today or call us at (647) 893-6582 . Let’s light up your GTA home together!
Common Questions We Hear (And Honest Answers)
Q: What type of outdoor lighting works best in Toronto?
Outdoor lighting that’s weather-resistant and low-voltage works best in Toronto’s changing climate. LED fixtures with proper insulation handle everything from hot, humid summers to freezing winters.
Q: Does BD Lights install lighting across the GTA?
Yes! BD Lights serves Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan, Markham, and the entire GTA. We offer free consultations and custom lighting designs tailored to your home and neighborhood.
Q: Are low-voltage lights better than solar for GTA backyards?
Yes, low-voltage LED lights are more reliable than solar in GTA backyards. They stay consistently bright through cloudy days, last longer, and withstand Toronto’s seasonal extremes. Learn more in our detailed comparison here. Low Voltage vs. Solar: What’s Better for Landscape Lighting in Toronto, Mississauga & the GTA
