10 Things to Do in Toronto in April

From the Easter Bunny parade to a fun-filled hidden egg hunt around the city, the best things to do in Toronto in April have something for everyone at home.

At night, the Distillery District comes alive with special activities and tempting discounts. Plus, Toronto' s Met Gala adds a touch of elegance to the social scene, while TIFF Next Wave showcases the latest film trends. With so much to discover, get ready for unforgettable family moments.

Spring brings with it its undisputed friend, the Easter Bunny, and to celebrate his arrival, Kensington Market becomes the perfect setting for a special treasure hunt. Adults and children immerse themselves in this eclectic Toronto neighbourhood to help the mischievous bunny solve clues and explore the colourful stores for an Easter egg hunt.

This all-ages event offers a unique multicultural experience. As you stroll through the boutiques and vintage stores, the cultural diversity is evident in the treasures you find along the way. You also enjoy gastronomic delights and children have the chance to decorate goodie bags as part of this fun and chocolaty challenge.

In addition to the pleasure of finding the eggs, participants are rewarded with prizes and surprises that often include the chance to win gift baskets from local Kensington stores. A traditional favorite activity for the little ones, this is a great one to jot down among the things to do in Toronto with kids in April.

Details of interest

• Date: Second weekend in April.
• Address: Kensington Market, 160 Baldwin St, Ontario.

Just as this month celebrates the arrival of Easter, there are also closing events, such is the case with extended nights in the Distillery District. On the last weekend of April, the area's art galleries and studios extend their hours until 9 p.m., during which they often offer free drinks to visitors.

Among the participants are such notable venues as Thompson Landry Gallery, Les Galeries d'art Beauchamp, Corkin Gallery and Arta Gallery. Here, visitors can admire exhibitions featuring paintings, sculptures, ceramics and installations, as specialists and aficionados connect in the heart of Toronto's bohemian art scene.

This trendy neighborhood becomes a meeting point for designers and artists from around the world, offering a culturally enriching evening experience in Toronto. Whether you prefer to appreciate contemporary art or simply enjoy a cocktail in an inspiring atmosphere, Toronto's Distillery District promises a memorable evening.

Details of interest

• Date: Last weekend in April
• Address: Distillery District, 55 Mill Street.

Art and nature enthusiasts have the opportunity to enjoy Lumière: The Art of Light at Trillium Park, a captivating light experience that transforms the park into a stage for contemporary illuminated creations.

This free exhibit, which celebrates the innovation and creativity of local Ontario artists, invites visitors to explore Trillium Park at dusk to appreciate in detail the artists combined with the effects of lights. To complete the experience, take the opportunity to ride a bike on the trails of this park, popular among other things for this activity.

This is one of the things to do in Toronto at night that is available from Monday to Sunday, from dusk until 11:00 pm. In addition, on Fridays and Saturdays attendees can enjoy an even cozier atmosphere by relaxing by a bonfire. Lumière offers a magical evening in the heart of Toronto.

Details of interest

• Date: Second weekend in March through May.
• Address: Trillium Park, Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Blvd West.

Toronto becomes the epicenter of exciting manga, comic book and superhero adventures at the Toronto Comic Arts Festival (TCAF) between April and May. During this three-day event, comic book lovers have the opportunity to participate in conversations with illustrators, voice artists, authors and creators of iconic comics both long-standing and new generation.

Panelists include the talents behind the most exciting creations in the world of comics. In addition to the talks, visitors can purchase the latest manga and comics, participate in exclusive photo shoots, talks, new releases, autographed figurine sales, and much more.

TCAF fuses the digital with the in-person, offering unique virtual events and in-person programming, creating an inclusive and informative experience for local fans and visitors from around the world. If you are passionate about this universe and visit Toronto in 2 days or more, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy this festival.

Details of interest

• Date: last weekend of April. The date may vary between April and May.
• Address: Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street,

TIFF or Toronto International Film Festival is a fixture in September, however, its version for emerging young filmmakers and all that is trending in the seventh art, hits the big screen in April, with TIFF Next Wave.

This innovative festival challenges cinematic stereotypes by presenting a selection of films that explore the complexity of youth and break down traditional narrative barriers. Set in a cosmopolitan city, the event also explores other branches of art, such as music. Its opening night often includes the presentation of new bands competing for a grand prize.

YoungCreators, a fixed section of the event highlights the work of new Canadian talent, while, in keeping with the premise of continuous renewal, other sections of the event offer workshops and talks to encourage creativity and the exchange of ideas.

Book a day to attend this festival, I even recommend setting aside an afternoon to take an art tour, including film, museums and galleries, the TIFF venue is surrounded by some of Toronto' s best museums such as the Royal Ontario Museum.

Details of interest

• Date: Second weekend in April.
• Address: 350 King Street W., Toronto.

Since 1967 the Easter Bunny has been waking up and animating the streets of Toronto. The bunny's welcome was so great that it became the largest parade in the city. Organized by the Toronto Beaches Lions Club, the parade is an annual local tradition.

Depending on the date of Easter, this event takes place between the last week of March and the first weeks of April. Queen Street is transformed into a spectacle of color, music and merriment as more than 90,000 people from around the world gather to enjoy the parade.

This celebration, which commemorates Easter and community spirit, has a rich history and is recognized as the world's oldest and largest Easter Bunny parade. For true fans, the sight of parading elephants has become a beach hallmark, marking this experience as a true Toronto treasure in April.

Details of interest

• Date: varies each year between the last week of March and the first week of April.
• Address: Queen Street at Munro Park and continue west on Queen Street to Woodbine Ave.

Before the arrival of the Met Gala in New York, every year Canada presents its edition in Toronto with the Wet Gala, in this case to benefit the Water Ambassadors Canada, an association focused on water cleanliness.

More than 500 recognized personalities parade down the blue carpet of this particular Met Gala. During the event, you can enjoy a fashion show, food tastings, live music, an auction and other rotating entertainment each year.

The evening, full of style and generosity, aims to raise funds while sharing valuable information about water with the Water Ambassadors organization. This charity gala not only provides a glamorous experience, but also represents a meaningful opportunity to make a difference, supporting a crucial cause while guests immerse themselves in the world of art, fashion and philanthropy.

Details of interest

• Date: last weekend in April.
• Address: El Mocambo, 464 Spadina Avenue.

Joining the baseball fever in Toronto is one of the best sports experiences in the city. During the month of April, fans can immerse themselves in the excitement of the opening game of the best teams like the Blue Jays.

Stadiums such as the Rogers Centre or the Air Canada Centre, better known as Scotiabank Arena, are often chosen to kick off the season. There, fans can enjoy innovative culinary concepts, behind-the-scenes tours, access to their halls of fame and more.

There's no better way to feel the true camaraderie of baseball than to witness the game live. Don't miss the opportunity to see an MLB team's first games. If you don't know how to buy tickets for a baseball game in Toronto, don't worry, I leave you all the information.

Details of interest

• Date: April.
• Address: 1 Blue Jays Way, Toronto.

Join the vibrant Vaisakhi Festival, a celebration that pays homage to the Sikh New Year and the establishment of the Sikh community in 1699 in April.

With more than half a million Canadian Sikhs, Toronto becomes the epicenter of the festivity. Organized by the Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwaras Council (OSGC), the Khalsa Day parade unfolds along Lakeshore Blvd, drawing crowds that have made this event the third largest parade in the country.

This inclusive event invites people of all ethnicities and cultures to participate and witness the rich Sikh heritage. Attendees can enjoy hors d'oeuvres at both the fairgrounds and City Hall, fusing food, culture and tradition in a pleasant atmosphere.

Details of interest

• Date: April 30.
• Address: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St W, Toronto

The maple tree is a Canadian icon and in April, enthusiasts of these sweet trees can participate in the Maple Syrup Festival. This annual 2-day event takes place in Sunderland, located about 97 km away from Toronto in Durham Region, where thousands of visitors gather.

This family-friendly celebration offers an opportunity to explore modern maple syrup production, visit local farms, enjoy art exhibits, exciting games, competitions, live music and tastings of delicious food where syrup is present. You can also shop at the event's flea market or enjoy interactive activities.

If you spend 3 days in Toronto or more in early April, make a note of this activity. Check out the annual itinerary on the festival's official website or visit their Facebook page for real-time updates.

Details of interest

• Date: First weekend in April.
• Address: Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival, 1 River St, Sunderland, Ontario.

April is the month of transition between winter and spring in Toronto, so the weather tends to be somewhat unpredictable. As the month progresses, maximum temperatures reach around 14°C, although the first few days can be cool, reaching just 7°C.

On the other hand, although the likelihood of snowfall decreases considerably, it cannot be ruled out, especially at the beginning of the month. Mild showers are common for approximately 11 days in April, making it essential to be prepared for any weather eventuality when visiting Toronto during this period. I recommend you visit the official weather report page to prepare your bags before you travel.

When packing for Toronto in April, versatility is key. The city can showcase all seasons in a single day, from snowfall to bright sunshine. I recommend packing layered clothing, such as sweaters and light jackets, along with water-resistant clothing, a scarf and gloves.

Another thing to consider is the exact date of your trip. If you have planned it for the first days of the month, your jacket, winter boots and warmer clothes are a must in your suitcase. In case you have booked dates at the end of the month, spring begins to appear and the temperature is more pleasant. A flexible closet is ideal to adjust to the variability of the weather in April.