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 events and activities on Toronto’s waterfront that will keep you busy all season long:
Spring Activities on Toronto's Harbourfront:
Boating Season
The 2026 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.
Ride the Martin Goodman Trail with views of Lake Ontario and pass iconic landmarks like the CN Tower, Harbourfront Centre, and the Music Garden.
This year we'll welcome back Toronto's Bike Share Program ,which will return to the islands starting May 1, making it even easier to explore the waterfront and island trails by bike this season
The waterfront offers several convenient and affordable bike rental options, including:
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 weekends only starting May 2nd.
Patios
As temperatures rise, many patios across Toronto begin reopening for the season, with most waterfront patios typically opening in early May.
Enjoy great views of Lake Ontario and a great mix of food and drink options.Visitors are encouraged to check directly with restaurants for the most up-to-date opening status.
Here are some waterfront patios with lakeside views to look out for this season:
Simona – 59 Merchants Warf
Amsterdam Brewhouse – 245 Queens Quay W
Joe Bird – 207 Queens Quay W
Irene – 25 Dockside Dr
Boxcar Social – 235 Queens Quay W
Cherry Blossom Season
Date: Peak bloom is first week of May
Location: Centre Island
A hidden gem on the Toronto Islands is a row of over 30 Cherry Blossom Trees, lining the pathways and landscape. This destination offers a quieter, less crowded cherry blossom experience.
Centre Island also offers incredible visuals of the city’s skyline and Lake Ontario.
The Cherry Blossoms are located beside the William Meany Maze located on the southern end of the island.
Full Summer Ferry Service Returns
Starting May 13, ferries to the Toronto Islands move back to full summer frequency, making it easier than ever to access the waterfront and islands throughout the season.
As part of the experience, weekend buskers will also be animating the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal from May 9 to September 7, adding a bit of live entertainment while visitors wait to board.
Location: Jack Layton Ferry Terminals, 9 Queens Quay W
Bealtaine Theatre Festival
Date: May 21- June 7
Location: The Corleck - 3 Eireann Quay
The Bealtaine Festival features some of Ireland's most captivating and award-winning contemporary theatre productions over a two-week period!
Check out the incredible lineup of performances and grab your tickets before they sell out!
Bealtaine is an ancient Celtic festival, celebrating the arrival of summer.
Doors Open
Date: May 23 - May 24
Location: Waterfront Wide
Explore some of the city’s most iconic buildings and get a rare behind-the-scenes look at sites that are usually closed to the public.
This year’s lineup includes the brand-new Irish arts and culture centre, the Corleck Building, along with returning favourites like Redpath Sugar, Billy Bishop Airport, The Second City and more.
Festival of Flavours
Date: May 15 - May 18
Location: Sugar Beach, 11 Dockside Dr
Festival of Flavours is a high-energy outdoor food celebration packed with bold bites, sweet treats, and can’t-miss eats all in one place.
Throughout the event, guests can enjoy $5 tasting features, offering an easy and affordable way to sample standout dishes and uncover new favourites. Festival of Flavours is where flavour - and fun - take centre stage.
Janes Walk
Date: May 1 - May 3
Location: Waterfront Wide
Learn about the history and future of Toronto’s waterfront during Jane’s Walk this year.
Jane’s Walk is an annual event that honours the legacy of urbanist and activist Jane Jacobs. It celebrates the diversity and vibrancy of cities and encourages people to walk, observe, and engage with their communities.
This year’s waterfront walks highlight everything from the PATH and Toronto Islands to the evolving Port Lands and Biidaasige Park.
Stay in the know
Always be in the know of what's happening on Toronto's waterfront!