We’ve made it past the winter storms, and the sun is finally out to stay. Birds are coming home, flowers will soon be budding: spring has truly sprung. That means it’s time for us to come out of hibernation and enjoy everything this city has to offer. Here are 26 ways to make the most of spring in Toronto this year.
Run a marathon (or watch one)
Marathon season really kicks off in May in Toronto, and it all starts with the Toronto Marathon, happening on May 3. Sign up for a 5K, 10K, half marathon or full one, or find a spot along the route and cheer on the brave runners as they pass by!
Take an Instagram-worthy shot of the cherry blossoms peaking in High Park
High Park is a stunning area all year long, but you really don’t want to miss the brief time at the end of April to early May when the Sakura tree buds are at peak bloom. Showering you in a sky of pink, this spot is a photo opportunity you (and your Instagram followers) don’t want to miss out on.
Go birdwatching
From water fowl to preybirds and shorebirds, springtime means the return of some feathered friends. Head down to Tommy Thompson Park and keep your eyes and ears open for some new songs! Celebrate the return of 50 million migratory birds to Toronto each spring with the Spring Bird Festival on May 23.
Take part in a pillow fight
What better way to celebrate the season than acting like a kid again outdoors? The Annual Pillow Fight Toronto is taking over a new location on May 23 (Berczy Park), so bring your best non-feathered pillow and let the fun begin.
Explore the city’s most famous buildings
For just one weekend a year, the city of Toronto opens the doors of some of the city’s most popular and interesting buildings to the public. Whether you want to explore museums, churches, cultural centres or Old City Hall, Doors Open Toronto is your chance to do it!
Do some spring cleaning
You know that thrifted sweater you love? Someone donated it. Maybe one of your own forgotten sweaters will be someone else’s thrifted find, too. Do some spring cleaning, find one of Toronto’s many second-hand stores that accept donations, and pass along the joy of thrifting, or find a clothing swap in the city for a more sustainable option that avoids contributing to landfills!
Attend a fashion show
Every May, Toronto becomes even more of a fashion destination than it already is, thanks to fashion week! Fashion Art Toronto is hosting its Spring/Summer Show from May 25–31, while Rchive is taking over a historic church to host Toronto’s Own Fashion Week from May 15–17.
Sip an iced coffee
Warm weather means it’s time to replace those daily cups of joe with a daily cup ‘o joe on ice. Though, if you’ve had one of the highly acclaimed iced drinks from Fika, you may never have gone back to a hot one in the first place.
Get inspired to start a garden
Visit the four greenhouses at the Allan Gardens Conservatory (the fifth one is currently under construction) and view plants native to regions across the world as well as some seasonal flowers that are just beginning to bloom. All this might just inspire you to get an early start on your own garden.
Learn to garden
But before you’re ready to get your hands dirty, you’ll have to learn what you’re doing. Learn from horticulturalists and hobbyists at the Spring Plant Sale event at the Toronto Botanical Gardens. This weekend extravaganza happening May 22–24 provides personalized recommendations and gardening tips from knowledgeable staff for all gardeners — whether you’ve got a green thumb or just starting out — as well as a wealth of plants that you can bring home with you.
Browse a flower market
Now that you’ve learned expert advice from the experts themselves, you can begin your garden. Luckily, the Toronto Flower Market has got you covered! This outdoor market runs every month through spring, summer and into fall, with vendors coming from across the province to share everything they’ve got in bloom. Don’t miss the first one of the season on May 9!
Watch the Blue Jays
Let’s play ball! The Blue Jays are the hottest ticket in town for spring (at least until the FIFA World Cup rolls around) and you can still snag seats for as low as $30 in the Outfield District.
Picnic in the park
Pick up a basket of snacks (and maybe a bottle of wine) from Cheese Boutique and head out to Queen’s Park with some of the friends you’ve hidden from all winter. Remember, though, it’s not summer, so you’ll need two blankets: one to sit on and one to wrap around you to keep you warm. An umbrella might also be a good idea.
Cold water dip
Cold water swimming is all the rage these days, but if you’re looking to warm your way up to the cold water, maybe spring temperatures are the best place to start, after the ice has thawed. There are plenty of swimming holes not far outside the city, perfect for testing the waters — literally — and trying your hand at cold water swimming. Or visit Othership for a more guided cold plunge experience. Or try out Toronto’s first floating sauna and plunge pool!
Take a hike
The first weeks of spring are some of the freshest days of the year so you don’t want to stay locked up indoors. Toronto has plenty of trails to explore, perfect for watching the trees grow back their pines and watching the buds begin to bloom. From the Don Valley Trail to Humber West Trails, there’s plenty to see and explore!
Shop at a farmers’ market
Farmers’ markets are a great way to get fresh produce while finally getting outside again. Toronto’s outdoor markets are opening very soon! Evergreen Brick Works’s Saturday Market is moving outside again beginning in May, while Leslieville is set to open May 10 and Trinity Bellwoods on May 5.
Chase waterfalls
In order to get flowers to bloom, we need the snow to melt and lots of rain. All of this adds up to higher riverbanks and flowing waterfalls. Only a short drive form Toronto, Hamilton is home to over 100 waterfalls — the most of any city of its size — including the Devil’s Punchbowl, which might just be the best. When TLC said don’t go chasing waterfalls, they clearly hadn’t seen the Devil’s Punchbowl, because this is one you want to chase.
Attend a music festival
Music festival season begins earlier than you think in Toronto, thanks to the return of Electric Island! This summer music series, which kicks off May 16–17 in Woodbine Park, features some of the top electronic artists out there and is always a ton of fun.
Sip a mojito
It might not quite be consistently warm enough for a patio yet, but luckily some of Toronto’s favourites have heaters to keep it cozy all year round. And Hemingway’s, Toronto’s favourite rooftop patio, serves up a famous mojito — the perfect drink to bring in spring.
Go see a musical theatre classic
Kick off spring by discovering (or rediscovering) some of the most popular shows in the musical theatre world. Kinky Boots kicks off in May at CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre and Moulin Rouge! The Musical is on right now!
Hop on a roller coaster
Beat the summer holiday rush and check out Centreville Amusement Park right when it opens on May 2. Spring is the best time of year to go to avoid crowds. And lines!
Sing your heart out at a new (and improved) outdoor theatre
Budweiser Stage just got a major makeover — this spring, it’s being transformed into year-round music venue RBC Amphitheatre. To kick off the launch of the new stage, Imagine Dragons will be performing on May 21 for opening night!
Go for a bike ride
Sometimes a bike ride in the spring is better than a summer day because there’s no sun to distract you or wear you down. Take this chance to explore the concrete jungle on a bike for some of Toronto’s best trails like the Beltline.
Explore the city’s neighbourhoods
Have the cold winter months made you forget about all the reasons you love Toronto? While it’s nice to get out in nature after a while, sometimes it’s also necessary to just walk the streets again and see people. Take some time to stroll through Distillery District or meander down Ossington and just enjoy the scene…before it starts to rain.
Get festive
It’s festival season! Over the next few months, Toronto is hosting plenty of fun festivals to get you ready for summer. From the Wine Fest, May 15–17 to the Inside Out Film Festival, May 22–31 and Departure Festival (formerly Canadian Music Week) from May 4–10, the festivals offer Toronto’s best in everything from arts to culture, food and more.
Pick your own asparagus
Everyone thinks of fall as the month for pumpkin and apple picking, but do you know the season for asparagus? Spring! And about a two hour drive to Springwater, Barrie Hill Farm gives you the chance to pick your own asparagus! Keep an eye out for strawberry and blueberry picking later in the year.
