19 bucket list worthy activities to enjoy in Toronto this spring

Well Toronto, spring has finally arrived.

And while the cherry blossoms still have a way to go before they reach ‘peak bloom’, there’s plenty of spring activities to look forward to.

From great food and drink festivals to where to find the most picturesque floral displays, we’ve rounded up 19 bucket list spring activities and events that will have you falling in love with our city all over again.

Celebrate Your Love of Waffles

National Waffle Day takes place on March 25 and in honour of the delicious occasion, Foodora and Cluck Clucks Chicken & Waffles are hosting a one-day-only pop-up celebration in Kensington Market. On March 24, the pop-up waffle bar promises DIY waffle-making stations featuring an array of over-the-top toppings spanning the gamut of sweet to savoury.

 Catch a Blue Jays Game

The Toronto Blue Jays will start their new season with a bang as they host the New York Yankees Thursday, March 29.

Attend the Beaches Cherry Blossom Festival

This spring, the already beautiful east-end destination will be hosting its own cherry blossom festival. Although full details are still being worked out, Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon said the festival will take place sometime in May.

Stop by a Spring Market

From Farmers’ Markets with a focus on local, sustainable food and produce to one of a kind markets featuring stunning handmade goods from local artisans and craftsmen, there are countless markets popping up throughout the city this season that are worthy of a visit.

Catch a Flick at a Film Fest

The Oscars have come and gone, which means it’s time to find a new cinematic favourite. This spring, there are a number of film festivals taking place throughout the city including Lakeshorts International Short Film Festival, running April 20 & 21. It brings a diverse offering of Canadian and international films to Toronto’s Lake Shore. Also on the agenda is Hot Docs, North America’s largest documentary festival, running April 26 to May 6.

Check Out a New Exhibit

If you’re looking for a fun way to spend a rainy spring day, you might want to check out one of the many exhibits happening in the city. From Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrors at the AGO to the Manolo Blahnik exhibit at the Bata Shoe Museum, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Snap a Picture of the High Park Cherry Blossoms

No spring is complete without paying the picturesque High Park cherry blossoms a visit. According to Sakura in High Park, the blossoms are predicted to reach peak bloom sometime between mid-April and May.

Discover a New Caffeinated Beverage

This spring, Toronto is celebrating the city’s buzzing café culture by bringing together the city’s best baristas, roasters, tea sommeliers, blenders, distributors, coffee shops, and café gear all under one roof. The Coffee & Tea Expo is taking over Evergreen Brick Works April 14 & 15.

Celebrate 420

As we get closer to officially legalizing weed in Canada, you better believe that Canadians are going to be lighting up from coast to coast on April 20.

Hit the Trails

The days of hibernating indoors binge-watching countless hours of Netflix will soon come to an end as it’s almost time to head outdoors, stretch your legs and conquer the trails. From family-friendly paths to challenging climbs, Toronto is home to a wide-range of hiking trails that are waiting to be explored this spring.

Attend a Fashion Show

This spring, get wardrobe inspiration from a local fashion show. From May 31 to June 3, the first annual Indigenous Fashion Week will be taking place, featuring runway showcases, a curated exhibition, panels and lectures, hands-on workshops, and a marketplace.

Check Out a New Restaurant

With warmer weather on the way, it’s time to leave your condo and check out of some of the city’s hottest restaurants. From upscale luncheonette Aloette to island-inspired Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen, there are plenty of mouth-watering spots to check out this spring.

Try a Yoga Class with an Adorable Animal

Okay seriously, what could be cuter than perfecting your downward dog next to an adorable puppy or baby goat? This spring, a number of animal-themed yoga classes will be taking place in and around Toronto including puppy and goat classes.

Dine on Delicious Sammies

If you like big buns and you cannot lie, you need to check out Sandwich Fest this spring. Taking place in April at Artscape Wychwood Barns, this festival bills itself as “a day of sandwich tasting” from “incredible sandwich vendors.”

Let off Some Steam

On April 7, International Pillow Fight Day will be taking place around the world. Here in Toronto, a massive pillow fight will be taking place at Nathan Phillips Square, giving you the perfect excuse to feel like a little kid again.

Shoot Back Some Sake

If you’re looking for a fun way to spend an evening, Canada’s largest sake festival returns for its seventh year in Toronto this spring. The Kampai Toronto Festival of Sake promises to showcase more than 150 sakes from 50+ sake breweries along with nibbles from top chefs and restaurants, music, crafts, and an outdoor market stretched along Gristmill Lane in the historic Distillery District.

Eat Like a True Canadian

A caravan of poutine purveyors will land in Toronto this spring for a four-day festival devoted to fries, curds, and gravy. Running May 24 to 27, Toronto Poutine Fest will feature a mouth-watering roster of food trucks from across Canada dishing out over 50 varieties of gourmet poutine.

Indulge in Some Butterbeer

Calling all witches, wizards, and muggles! An epic Butterbeer-fueled bar crawl will be taking place in Toronto on June 2. Starting at The Fifth, the tour will hit up four Toronto bars each hosting Tri-Wizard themed challenges and entitles wristband-wearers to exclusive themed drink specials, a commemorative Butterbeer Bar Crawl beer mug filled with goodies, a themed photo booth, and access to the Yule Ball after party.

Go on a Road Trip

Almost out of things to do in the city this spring? Then you might want to consider heading to the nation’s capital to check out the largest tulip festival in the world. Running May 11 to 21, the Canadian Tulip Festival will be celebrating its 66th anniversary this season.

See also

• 20 beautiful photos to get you excited for spring in Toronto
• 19 incredible hiking trails to check out in and around Toronto this spring
• The Beaches is planning a new cherry blossom festival for this spring