Spring has officially (and finally) landed in Toronto! With the new season comes warmer weather, beautiful flowers, and an incredible lineup of events, activities, festivals and more.
In particular, Toronto’s waterfront completely transforms. Parks turn green, flowers bloom, and the harbour is busy with boats, ferries, and cruises.
Here is a lineup of spring activities on Toronto’s waterfront that will keep you busy all season long:
Can’t-Miss Spring Events on Toronto's Waterfront
Earth Day Community Clean Up | Tuesday, April 22 | 96 Queens Quay W
Join us this Earth Day, April 22, to help clean up our vibrant waterfront neighbourhood! Come meet us in Love Park from 10 AM - 1 PM to grab free cleaning supplies (gloves and garbage bags).
Cherry Blossom Season | End of April - Beginning of May | Centre Island
In Toronto, High Park and Trinity Bellwoods are the go-to spots to see the Cherry Blossoms in bloom. These locations are beautiful but often crowded.
If you want a beautiful but quieter experience to admire the blooms, check out the Toronto Islands. Centre Island has over 30 Cherry Blossom trees lining the pathways and landscape. Centre Island also offers incredible visuals of the city’s skyline and Lake Ontario.
The Cherry Blossoms are located beside the William Meany Maze.
Janes Walk | May 2 - May 4 | Across Toronto's Waterfront
In hundreds of cities around the world, communities come together and share stories during walks around their neighbourhoods. It’s an opportunity to learn more about your neighbourhood and to connect with others.
Dates and activities to be announced
International Food + Drink Festival | May 17 - May 19 | 235 Queens Quay W
Try something new at the International Food and Drink Festival this May. With an incredible food package, you can access a range of tasty international delights all day!
Doors Open | May 24 - May 25 | Waterfront Wide
Explore the city’s most loved buildings and get a rare behind-the-scenes look at sites normally closed to the public.
Harbourfront Farmers Market | May 31 - September 14 | 235 Queens Quay W
A new farmers market is debuting on Toronto’s harbourfront! This new market offers fresh produce, artisanal goods, delicious treats and unique finds.
The Farmers Market features over 75 vendors. The market is every Saturday from 9 AM - 1 PM at 235 Queens Quay West.
UNDR GRND NGHT MRKT | May 31 - July 26 | 235 Queens Quay W
Stop by Toronto’s Harbourfront every Saturday from 5 PM - 11 PM and experience new emerging foods, unique drinks, and new concepts on the dining experience.
Luminato at Harbourfront Centre | June 4 - June 22 | 235 Queens Quay W
Luminato is taking over Toronto’s Harbourfront. Explore immersive light installations, performances from Grammy Award-winning artists, a production of Hamlet reimagined, a circus show, and more!
Dragon Boat Festival | June 14 - June 15 | Centre Island
Mark your calendars for an action-packed weekend on the Toronto Islands! Over a hundred teams from around the world will race across the water. Along with a thrilling display of speed, there will be live performances, delicious food, and family-friendly activities all weekend long.
Spring Activities on Toronto's Harbourfront:
Boating Season
The 2025 spring season is forecasted to be warm and beautiful! And with the warm arrival of spring comes the official start of boating season on May 1st.
Toronto’s waterfront offers plenty of excitement and water activities to choose from:
Biking
Explore Toronto’s waterfront and the islands comfortably and adventurously by renting a bike!
Enjoy a ride along the Martin Goodman Trail with gorgeous views of Lake Ontario and visit Toronto’s iconic landmarks including the CN Tower, Harbourfront Centre, and Toronto’s Music Garden.
With the wind in your hair and the sun on your face, you can explore the waterfront at your own pace. Indulge in ice cream or enjoy a snack at one of the many waterfront restaurants or patios.
The waterfront offers many bike rental spots that are conveniently located and offer affordable options. This includes:
Wheel Excitement: bike or e-bike rentals
Dream Cyclery: rent or buy bikes and bike parts.
Toronto Island Bicycle Rental Shop: The Toronto Island Bicycle Rental shop officially opens on May 1st - so you can rent a bike while you explore the islands!
Toronto Islands
Start planning your return to the Toronto Islands this spring! In May, the Toronto Islands become a lively destination again. The parks turn green, flowers bloom, and ferry services pick up. Cyclists, kayakers, and picnickers return, while Centreville Amusement Park reopens.
Patios
Toronto is notorious for its patio enthusiasm. And patios on the waterfront are on a whole other level with their epic views of Lake Ontario and incredible food.
Most patios will not be open until May and it’s best to double-check with the restaurants to make sure the patios are open before visiting.
Here’s a list of some of the patios on the waterfront that you can enjoy:
Simona – 59 Merchants Warf
Amsterdam Brewhouse – 245 Queens Quay W
Joe Bird – 207 Queens Quay W
Irene – 25 Dockside Dr
The Slip – 235 Queens Quay W
Boxcar Social – 235 Queens Quay W
Stay in the know
Always be in the know of what's happening on Toronto's waterfront!
Art and Experiences on Toronto's Harbourfront:
KidSpark
A piece of Ontario's iconic Science Centre is now on Toronto's Harbourfront! KidSpark features hands-on exhibits that are perfect for kids 10 and younger.
The Power Plant
Immerse yourself in art exhibits that explore different themes and societal commentaries from artists Emmanuel Osahor and Shelagh Keeley.
Visitors can enjoy the art exhibits for free.
Second City Comedy Shows
Catch some laughs with The Second City! The Second City offers the best comedy in all of Toronto. The shows are non-stop hilarity and have the perfect atmosphere for you and your friends.
