Ontario is a beautiful place to be in the spring. As the winter snow melts and the flowers begin to bloom, it is a time of great hope for many people after the darkness of winter.
The mild weather means the Ontarians can spend more time outdoors.
There are many ways to enjoy the nice weather, including festivals, hiking trails, outdoor tours, and other unique activities.
Read on to discover 55+ fun things you can do across Ontario this spring.
50+ Things to Do This Spring in Ontario
Solar Eclipse | Southwest to SouthEast Ontario
During the afternoon of April 8, 2024, a total Solar Eclipse will move diagonally across North America from the southwest to the northeast. If you are in the path of totality (like Niagara Falls) or near totality (like Toronto), get solar eclipse glasses and look up starting at 2 p.m.
If you are planning to travel, we recommend visiting scenic locations and places with activities in the path of totality, like Point Pelee National Park, Niagara Falls, Hamilton, Burlington, or Kingston, so that you will have something to do, even if the eclipse gets washed out due to cloud cover.
Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises & Trolleys is offering an eclipse cruise on April 8th.
Sugar Bush | Across Ontario
Many cities and regions in Ontario celebrate the making of maple syrup with tours of sugar bush facilities where sap is harvested and maple syrup celebration festivals where hundreds of pancakes are consumed. Hurry though! Most sugar shacks close down by mid April, but it’s the perfect way to kick off a lovely springtime. See here for a list of Ontario’s sugar shacks and maple syrup festivals.
The Ontario Maple Syrup Producers’ Association will be hosting the Annual Maple Weekend on April 6 & 7 from 10 AM to 4 PM. Participants in Maple Weekend can be found across the province in a number of maple syrup-producing areas.
Orchid Show | Niagara Falls
Niagara Parks’s Floral Showhouse will feature an impressive collection of over 1,500 delicate orchids until April 29, 2024. The show seamlessly integrates the magic of the upcoming eclipse through its design elements, including an orchid moon gate, arches, and pillars that add a mystical touch to the North and Centre House displays.
I Heart Beer & Taco Festival
The annual I Heart Beer Festival promises to be an evening of pure fun and entertainment for attendees. The Spring edition — I Heart Beer & Taco Festival — is a celebration of everything beer, cider, and tacos. From foosball and pong to board games, 1UP arcades, and classic consoles, there’s something for everyone. DJs will be providing the soundtrack for the evening, keeping the energy levels high and attendees on their feet dancing.
- Peterborough – Saturday, April 13th, 2024 @ Memorial Centre
- Kingston – Saturday, April 20th, 2024 @ Leon’s Centre
- Guelph – Saturday, April 27th, 2024 @ Sleeman Centre
- Barrie – Saturday, May 25th, 2024 @ East Bayfield Community Centre
Easter Bunny Train Rides
Ontario’s heritage train tour locations offer Easter bunny train rides during the long weekend. Head to Port Stanley, Tottenham, Waterloo, Uxbridge, or Smith Falls to enjoy a spring season train ride.
Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny | Port Hope
Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny is a 10km river race along the Ganaraska River in honour of the 1980 flood that destroyed Port Hopes downtown. Participants race in canoes, kayaks, and a variety of homemade rafts and boats.
This year’s event takes place on April 13, 2024
Eat & Drink Norfolk
Check out Norfolk County’s best restaurants, wineries, breweries and food producers all under one roof for 3 days! The event happens from April 4 to 6, 2024 @ AUD, 172 South Drive, Simcoe Fairgrounds
Swan Release | Stratford
Visit Stratford, when swans are released on the first Sunday in April with a grand parade.
Be part of the tradition and see swans appear on the river after the winter months. Watch the gorgeous and graceful swans stroll toward the Avon River. It is not considered spring if the swans are not released from their winter quarters which are located behind the William Allman Arena.
- Head to Stratford For a Colourful Spring Getaway – Top Things to See & Do
- 15+ Things to Do Outdoors During Winter in Stratford and Perth County
ScrapFest in Kitchener
Come to the Ultimate Papercrafting Destination at ScrapFest in Kitchener! It is the chance to see the newest products on the market, learn a new technique, and purchase needed crafting supplies. April 12 to 14, 2024
Cherry Blossoms in High Park | Toronto
See Spring Colouring Ontario
See how the spring changes Ontario’s landscape by hiking to a lookout near you or from these: 25 Fabulous Scenic Lookouts to Visit in Ontario.
Doors Open Ontario
Doors Open Ontario lets you explore many tourist attractions across Ontario for free.
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- Guelph: April 27, 2024
- Hamilton: May 4 to 5, 2024
- Oshawa: May 4, 2024
- Richmond Hill: May 11, 2024
- Toronto: May 25 to 26, 2024
- Whitchurch-Stouffville: June 1, 2024
- Ottawa: June 1 and 2, 2024
Hot Docs Documentary Film Festival | Toronto
The Hot Docs Documentary Film Festival is the largest documentary film festival in North America! This year, it will take place from April 25-May 5, The festival will show documentary films along with interdisciplinary projects from all over the world.
Aberfoyle Antique Market | Guelph
A visit to Canada’s oldest and largest outdoor antique market, Aberfoyle Antique Market is not just a shopping trip; it’s an immersive journey into the past, set within a family-friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The market returns for 2024 season on April 28th.
Unique Exhibitions | Toronto
Two unique exhibitions will open in Toronto this spring:
- Formula 1 Exhibition features an extensive collection of iconic race cars, unique artifacts, and video materials from the history of Formula 1. For the first time, visitors will have the opportunity to experience driving an F1 car through advanced simulators equipped with official gaming gear.
- The Art of Banksy: The Art of Banksy features 120-plus original and authenticated Banksy works. These include prints, canvases, screenprints, sculptures, hand-drawn sketches, and limited-edition pieces, as well as video testimonials by a close associate of Banksy who worked on prints of iconic images with the artist.
Victoria Day Speedfest | Oshawa
Head to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on Victoria Day weekend for the Victoria Day SpeedFest, featuring the NASCAR Pinty’s Series and the Pirelli World Challenge Series. The schedule includes races in the Sports Car Championship Canada presented by Michelin, Emzone Radical Cup Canada presented by Michelin, and the Super Production Challenge.
K1 Speed Cambridge
Staying on the topic of racing, Ontario has a new go-kart track at Cambridge Centre Mall. The K1 Speed Cambridge boasts an innovative bridge section that elevates the racing experience to new heights. Racers must navigate both horizontal and vertical elements, adding an extra layer of excitement and challenge to every lap.
Orillia Perch Festival | Orillia
The Orillia Perch Festival is one of Canada’s largest registered fishing derbies. Participants have a chance to win cash and product prizes in both the adult and children’s categories. This year is the 40th anniversary and the festival will take place from April 26 to 28, 2024.
Kiwanis Walleye World Fishing Derby | Trenton/Quinte West
Head to the Bay of Quinte to compete and participate in Ontario’s largest amateur Walleye and Pike tournament.
The Kiwanis Walleye World is a massive fundraising effort by the Trenton Kiwanis Club to help raise money for the community in support of the goals of Kiwanis International.
With over $260,000 in prizes to be won, it is the largest Walleye Fishing Derby in the world.- May 4 to 5, 2023
Poutine Feast | Ontario
Poutine Feast Ontario Inc is bringing travelling poutineries with their own unique variations to various locations in Ontario from April to October. The festival promises vegetarian, vegan, keto and gluten free options – thus putting a spin on the classic Canadian dish. You can also find all time favourites like ice cream, donuts and fresh lemonade.
Spring Dates:
- April 11 to 14 @ Petawawa Civic Centre – Petawawa
- April 25 to 28 @ Visitor Centre, Renfrew
- May 2 to 5 @ Morrow Street – Peterborough
- May 9 to 12 — Riverside Park, Carleton Place
- May 16 to 19 — TBA
- May 23 to 26 @ Victoria Park – London
- May 30 to June 2 @ Centennial Park – Sarnia
- June 6 to 9 @ Riverfront Festival Plaza – Windsor
- June 13 to 16 @ Lee Park – North Bay
Festival of Birds | Point Pelee National Park
The Festival of Birds is a way to witness the migration of many different species of birds and is the perfect spring activity for the avid bird watcher. The festival is located in Point Pelee National Park against the backdrop of lush forests, blooming wildflowers, and marshes teeming with wildlife. This year’s festival runs from May 1 to 20, 2024.
More Birding Festivals: Birding Festivals to Celebrate Spring Migration in Ontario
Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge Run | Campbellford/Trent Hills
Join for scenic 10.55K and 5K the annual Ranney Gorge Run held in May that will take you through the roads of Ferris Provincial Park and over the breathtaking and picturesque Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge. It is all for a good cause – funds raised will support patient care and the purchase of new high priority medical equipment for Campbellford Memorial Hospital. — Sunday, May 5, 2024. Register
Mother’s Day Brunch
Boat cruises around Ontario usually kick off during Mother’s Day Weekend. Head to Grand River, Lake Ontario (Kingston, Toronto) and treat mom to ascenic cruise and a delicious brunch onboard.
- Guide to Planning a Summer Boating Trip on Trent-Severn Waterway
- 3 Places to Go For a High-Speed Jet Boat Cruise in Ontario
Pick Your Own Asparagus
The tender shoots of the asparagus poke their head every spring during the month of May. Some farms allow you to pick the May crop that starts as little purple specks and grows into delicious spears in Ontario.
Tulip Festival | Ottawa
Canada’s most colourful festival celebrates the tulip, Ottawa’s official flower and an international symbol of friendship and peace, through art and culture. This outdoor festival has been drawing thousands of visitors since its founding in 1953 and symbolizes the lasting relationship Ottawa shares with the Netherlands. From May 10 through 20, 2024 @ Ottawa – Tulip festival Itinerary.
Cycling | Creemore
Join Creemore Springs Turas Mór for a truly unique bike tour. Inspired by the vintage rides of Europe, Turas Mór – meaning ‘Great Journey’ in Gaelic – is a cycling journey on gravel and non-gravel roads through the rolling hills of Creemore. May 11th, 2024.
Victoria Day Fireworks | Ontario
We are looking forward to the traditional Victoria Day weekend fireworks across Ontario this year. The cities and towns have not yet announced Victoria Day weekend Fireworks except for Ottawa Tulip Festival Fireworks, but check here near the long weekend for the list of fireworks.
Muskoka 2/4 Craft Beer Festival
The Muskoka 2/4 Craft Beer Festival is back on Victoria Day weekend. Spend a Saturday hanging out on the beautiful Muskoka River in downtown Huntsville.
Lilac Festivals | Warkworth/Franktown
Warkworth Lilac Festival: This unique month-long festival brings together gardeners and flower enthusiasts from many parts of the country. Held in the rural town of Warkworth, this is an event that will leave you feeling good for the rest of the year. Warkworth is a quiet and serene town located just ninety minutes east of Toronto.
The quaint hamlet of Franktown in Beckwith Township is known as the Lilac Capital of Ontario, as many homes and fields in the village include these beautiful, fragrant bushes. Visit Franktown which was established in 1818-19 as the site of a supply store between Richmond and Perth and explore its famous Lilac Lane.
Marsh Mash | Holland Marsh
Join in or cheer the participants of Marsh Mash Canoe and Kayak Race, the 4th oldest Marathon Canoe Race in Ontario. The race attracts Canoeists, Kayakers, Stand Up Paddleboarders, and Outrigger Paddlers from all over the province to Bradford /West Gwillimbury. Saturday, May 11, 2024
The Big Sound Comedy Festival | Parry Sound
Join for big belly laughs on the shores of the Big Sound on May 25th and June 1st.
Stratford Festival | Stratford
Stratford Festival is an internationally recognized theatre festival, which runs annually from April to October in Stratford, Ontario. The main goal of the festival is to put on plays based on William Shakespeare’s works, but you’ll also catch broadway-style musicals and other types of theatre productions.
Kinsmen Duck Races | Stayner
Head to Stayner with the whole family to participate in the Duck races. Featuring 2000 rubber ducks (of the small kind) and 200 corporate decorated ducks, the Kinsmen Duck Races will be sure to entertain the whole family! Live music, food and more!
Food Truck Frenzy | Whitby
Get ready for a taste bud extravaganza at Food Truck Frenzy – Durham’s biggest culinary bash! With 30+ mouthwatering food trucks, a vibrant Makers Market, and an epic Kids Zone, this two-day festival (May 24-25, 2024) is a feast for the senses.
Ottawa Chinatown Night Market
This year’s night market promises to be a spectacular celebration of culture, community, and culinary delights. Get ready to immerse yourself in the heart of Ottawa’s Chinatown, where the streets come alive with an array of stalls, performances, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Big Cheese Days | Oxford
Oxford County synonymous with high-quality cheese flaunts its pride in its gourmet creations by showcasing cheese factories, bakeries, and restaurants through its Cheese Trail. The Cheese Trail is open around the year, but offerings and experiences vary depending on the date and the season.
During the month of May, the factories and restaurants part of the Cheese Trail offers specialty flavours, special discounts, experiences like goat yoga, alpaca picnics and more. 2024 Dates TBA.
Cirque Du Soleil | Toronto
Cirque Du Soleil is bringing one of its iconic productions, Echo, to Toronto.
The show delves into the delicate balance between humans, animals, and the shared world they inhabit. The protagonist, Future, embarks on a fantastical journey where she encounters a cast of animal and human characters. Together, they collaborate to rebuild their world, emphasizing themes of inventiveness, youth’s hope, and the importance of empathy.
Barrie Waterfront Festival
Barrie Waterfront Festival is back in Centennial Park for live music, food trucks, vendors, a midway, and more! May 24 – 26, 2024.
Best Butter Tart Festival | Midland
Mark you calendars, because on Saturday, June 11th Midland, Ontario is hosting their annual Ontario’s Best Butter Tart Festival The event is a free street festival where over 60 businesses sell butter tarts and butter tart inspired foods and products and the Contest crowns the best butter tarts in the province.
Flower Picking | Ontario
Ontario is full of sprawling farmland and lush landscapes where fresh flowers, plants, and produce are grown and harvested. This spring and summer, escape the city limits and find yourself on a beautiful farm amidst wild and colourful petals. If you enjoy picking flowers directly off a farm, visit one of these U-Pick flower farms in Ontario. From Late May.
Peony Festival | Oshawa
Downtown Milton SummerFest
Celebrate summer’s arrival at Downtown Milton’s SummerFest on June 1st, supported by the town and local sponsors. Enjoy live bands at Main & Martin, explore the Vendor Marketplace for food and unique items, and immerse in family activities and photo ops. Local restaurants will entice with food and drinks on their patios.
SING! The Toronto Vocal Arts Festival | Toronto
SING! The Toronto Vocal Arts Festival is dedicated to celebrating the best in worldwide acappella music. This event is relatively new, as this will be the 9th year it has been held. From May 25 through June 2, you can attend performances, workshops, and various free events for the vocal music enthusiast.
Retrofest | Chatham
RetroFest in Chatham-Kent marks the start of the classic car season. Kicking off with a car party and activities at Tecumseh Park on May 24, the festival continues on May 25 with a classic car show downtown. The weekend features vendors, rides, and live entertainment for all.
See Thousands of Wild Orchids | Lanark County
There is something extra special about native, wild Orchids, growing free in the wild. Have you ever dreamed of surrounding yourself with thousands of wild stunning Orchids? Now you can, with an exciting day at Purdon Conservation Area! Each Spring some 16,000- 18,000 Orchids blossom, inviting guests to explore this unique wetland, native particular to the large showy Lady Slipper Orchids. ~ 3 weeks in June. @ Purdon Conservation Area, Lanark County.
Explore Ontario’s Parks
From climbing on a “sleeping giant” to walking the world’s longest freshwater beach and enjoying spring’s new growth, there is plenty to do in Ontario’s Parks.
Brampton KiteFest
The Brampton KiteFest on June 8 & 9, 2024 offers a weekend of outdoor fun, where families bond over the joy of kite flying. Children discover the craft and science behind kites, while adults rekindle their youth. Attendees either showcase their kites or admire professionals’ aerial artistry, all within a vibrant community setting filled with food and festivities.
See Thousands of Wild Orchids | Lanark County
There is something extra special about native, wild Orchids, growing free in the wild. Have you ever dreamed of surrounding yourself with thousands of wild stunning Orchids? Now you can, with an exciting day at Purdon Conservation Area! Each Spring some 16,000- 18,000 Orchids blossom, inviting guests to explore this unique wetland, native particular to the large showy Lady Slipper Orchids. ~ 3 weeks in June. @ Purdon Conservation Area, Lanark County.
Re-enacment of The Battle of Stoney Creek | Hamilton
Visit the encampment and mingle with early 19th century settlers and soldiers as they go about their daily life. Shop among one-of-a-kind merchants. Witness historical demonstrations of cooking, dancing, blacksmithing and more. Enjoy food, games and musical entertainment. Wander through the original 200 year old Gage homestead. First weekend of June.
1000 Islands Kayaking | Gananoque
Choose between full-day guided tours and self-guided rentals at 1000 Islands Kayaking. This is the perfect way to reconnect with nature and celebrate spring with family and friends in a distraction-free, peaceful environment. No experience is necessary, as their are professional guides on staff to help you learn.
Ishpatina Ridge Tower Summit | Lady Evelyn Smoothwater Provincial Park
The Ishpatina Ridge is the highest point in Ontario! It can be climbed over the course of a day by following logging roads, bush roads, hiking trails, and bushwhacks. Peaking the summit will offer a gorgeous view of the Ontario wilderness like you’ve never seen it before. Visit if you want to ring in the spring on Ontario’s highest peak.
Spring Wildlife Workshops | Algonquin Provincial Park
Take in the natural beauty of spring in Algonquin Provincial Park, where you could have a chance encounter with a moose or a beaver. See a half dozen or more of these magnificent animals during a leisurely drive along Highway 60 on a May morning or evening. Algonquin Park is famous for its diversity of birds and wildlife. Friends of Algonquin Park offers a variety of workshops that helps you to develop a deeper understanding of the wildlife in the park.
Royal Botanical Garden Burlington
Enjoy the best of spring flowers that 100,000 spring bulbs to the world’s largest lilac collection and Peonies and the Rose garden at this 2,700 acres of breathtaking gardens and spectacular nature sanctuaries that includes 32 kilometres of trails.
Luminato | Toronto
Luminato is Toronto’s international arts festival dedicated to performance, media and visual arts, and programming that cuts across traditional artform boundaries.
Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival
The Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival returns to historic downtown Orangeville this June. This award winning festival boasts over 90 acts on multiple stages over 3 days. With amazing concerts, special events, the ever-popular Blues Cruise on Broadway and a broad selection of food and craft vendors, there is sure to be something for everyone.
Barrie Automotive Flea Market | Oro-Medonte
Visit Burl’s Creek Event Grounds and explore Canada’s Finest Automotive Flea Market. There is everything from collectibles & classic cars to those hard-to-find car parts. “If you can’t find it here, you can’t find it anywhere”.
RBC Canadian Open | Hamilton
Played annually continuously since 1904, except during World War I and World War II, the Canadian Open is the third oldest continuously running tournament on the PGA TOUR, after The Open Championship and the U.S. Open. RBC Canadian Open takes place from May 28 – June 2, 2024.
CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend | Mississauga
Head to Mississauga for a live and loud celebration in honour of the CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend‘s 11th anniversary. The Awards, presented by Slaight Music, will cap off a weekend of live events scheduled throughout the city from May 31, with a rousing celebration on Sunday, June 2nd.
Free Fishing | Ontario Waters
Ontario’s Government has two family fishing weekends to coincide with Father’s day and Mother’s Day Weekends. So head to the nearest body of water (where fishing is allowed) and reel-in!
Art in the Park | Windsor
Attend one of Ontario’s largest outdoor arts and crafts shows, with exhibitors from all over Ontario and Quebec. Explore wares in booths set up around the 15.5 acres of gated grounds surrounding the beautiful and historic Willistead Manor in Walkerville from June 1 & 2, 2024
Lasalle Strawberry Festival
During southwest Ontario’s Strawberry Festival, you can enjoy strawberries and ice cream, a grand parade, midway rides, and more.
Sound of Music Festival | Burlington
Kickoff a summer of music festivals with the Sound of Music Festival in Burlington. Activities include the Grande Festival Parade, free concerts for four days on Father’s Day Weekend, Downtown Streetfest, Silver Series, Children’s Village, carnival and vendors. Bring the whole family, you’ll find something for everyone.
Borden Airshow | Borden
Take Dad to see Canadian Forces Snowbirds, CF-18 Demonstration Team, Canada’s military parachute demonstration team, the SkyHawks and many of the best aerobatic performers during the Borden Airshow taking place on June 15 & 16, 2024.
Caledon Day
Caledon Day, set for June 15, 2024, at the Caledon East Community Complex, is a celebration that unites the community with free activities, local vendors, and music. Highlighted by a performance from the Sam Roberts Band, this award-winning event promises a day filled with family fun, culminating in fireworks, underlining the community spirit of Caledon.