10 Things to Do in Toronto in March

In March, Toronto becomes a vibrant scene of events, festivals and parties that invite you to explore, enjoy and participate. What are they? Here they are.

Carla Yaquer

Carla Yaquer

9 min read

10 Things to Do in Toronto in March

View from Toronto Island Park |©Gabi Trevisan

The third month of the year marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring in Toronto, and with two seasons the mix of events and activities is quite diverse. From celebrating St. Patrick's Day with a Torontonian flair to enjoying a culturally enriching evening at the Royal Museum, the city has something special for everyone.

You can also take part in the Festival of Lights, sip a craft beer at festivals in the bustling Distillery District, have an almost surreal experience at the Lumière exhibition, or even hunt for Easter eggs! To keep your eye on the top experiences, here are the best things to see and do in Toronto during the month of March. Here we go!

1. Celebrate the Festival of Lights in the Distillery District

Lights at Distillery Historic District|©Arnaud&Emilie
Lights at Distillery Historic District|©Arnaud&Emilie

From January through March, Toronto's Distillery District. becomes a multicolored outdoor art gallery, enlivened by live performances with thousands of light displays, where visitors decide to sample drinks from the neighborhood's best distilleries. What's the name of the event, The Festival of Lights, one of the things to do in Toronto in winter that you should not miss.

Despite its short history, the reception of the event has been apotheosis, earning a special place in the heart of the city, which is why it is not surprising that the tours of the distillery district in Toronto during this time, are the most fun.

This festival offers a variety of activities, from admiring samples of Toronto's multicultural diversity through works created by emerging local designers and artists from all over the world, to tinkering with your drink for the most discerning palates, to listening to live bands. It's worth braving the harsh Toronto winter to experience this unique event, whether it's enjoying a hot toddy, a cocktail or just partying with friends.

Details of interest

  • Date: January to March.
  • Address: Distillery District, 55 Mill Street.

Book a tour of the Distillery District

2. Skate on Toronto's largest ice rink

People watching the ice rink|©wyliepoon
People watching the ice rink|©wyliepoon

Toronto continues to sparkle with winter magic at Celebration Square in March. At Mississauga's Celebration Square you'll have the opportunity to glide your skates around **Toronto'**s largest outdoor ice rink as the last snowflakes of the season blanket the surrounding buildings.

Take a stroll through Passage, a huge immersive tunnel of light and sound that responds to your movements, giving you an enchanting experience. Also, explore the fascinating luminous public art installations, such as Asli Alin's Diaphanous Enchantments, Nate Nettleton's Echoes, and Weppler and Mahovsky's Sugar Mountain, which adorn the entire plaza.

The skating rink and skate rentals are available until the close of the season, depending on the year's weather. The best thing about this activity is that it is perfect to include in one of the Toronto tours, as you are surrounded by points of interest such as the eclectic MiMuseum Mississauga, the Living Arts Centre and one of the children's favorite spots, the Jurassic World: The Exhibition - Mississauga.

Details of interest

  • Date: November 26 to March.
  • Address: Mississauga Celebration Square - 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga, Ontario.

Sign up for a private tour of Toronto

3. Participate in the Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Festival

Beer on the table|©Roaming Team
Beer on the table|©Roaming Team

In bustling Toronto, the Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Festival is a must-attend event. Known as the "best après-brew-ski party in town" according to local media, this epic event marks the end of winter with an explosion of fun.

This festival started a few years ago with a shy amount of breweries, however, the reception was overwhelming so, it has expanded to include a wide variety of brew houses. Specifically, if you're interested in doing a Toronto beer tour in one place, this experience has your name on it.

On the other hand, in addition to beers, wineries, distilleries and non-alcoholic beverage vendors are also present! But don't be confused by this last fact, the event is for those 19 and over. In addition to the drinks, there will be live DJ entertainment and a lively Après Ski dance party.

Covered warm-up areas ensure comfort, while food stalls, foodtrucks and bonfires create a cozy atmosphere for socializing. Attendees can also participate in exciting games, capture memories at the photo station and compete for prizes for best costume in their retro ski gear. This festival promises an unforgettable experience - cheers, and enjoy!

Details of interest

  • Date: First Saturday in March.
  • Address: Roundhouse Park, 255 Bremner Boulevard, Ontario.

Venture out on a beer tour

4. Spend a night of drinking at the Royal Ontario Museum.

Royal Ontario Museum|©Alejandro
Royal Ontario Museum|©Alejandro

After sundown, one of Toronto' s best museums opens its doors for those 19 and older looking for an exciting cultural event. Attendees have access to all exhibits, immersing themselves in the wealth of art amidst a vibrant atmosphere.

Culture and nightlife lovers have the opportunity to spend a night out at the Royal Ontario Museum in the last month of winter. This themed event is known as ROM After Dark, a fusion of art and adult entertainment.

But ROM After Dark offers much more than just art; it features experiential activities, select music, visual arts and pop-up performances that transform the museum into a lively and dynamic setting. When you purchase your ticket to the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto with the ROM included, exclusive food and drinks can be sampled, creating an experience that fuses a love of art, culture and fine dining into one unforgettable evening.

Details of interest

  • Date: In March, the exact date varies each year according to the theme of the night.
  • Address: 100 Queens Park, Toronto.

Buy your ticket for the Royal Ontario Museum

5. Attend the opening of Lumière: The Art of Light

The Art Of Light|©mooncall2012
The Art Of Light|©mooncall2012

Attend the opening of Lumière: The Art of Light at Trillium Park in the third month of the year. This free exhibition manages to enrich the park's spaces with dazzling illuminated works of art.

Encouraging Ontario artists and creators to participate, Lumière celebrates innovation and creativity, inviting visitors to explore the park and discover the region's artistic creations.

This nighttime experience can be enjoyed throughout the week from dusk until 11:00 pm. In addition, on Friday and Saturday evenings, attendees can relax by the bonfire, or ride their bikes along one of Trillium Park's famous trails, adding a cozy touch to this evening full of art and nature in the heart of Toronto. Undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Toronto at night.

Details of interest

  • Date: from the second weekend of March to May.
  • Address: Trillium Park, Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Blvd West.

Book a bike tour

6. Follow the St. Patrick's Day Parade route

St. Patrick's Day|©RDNE Stock project
St. Patrick's Day|©RDNE Stock project

St. Patrick' s Day is celebrated every March 17 and Toronto shows its multicultural roots by keeping this tradition alive. To celebrate the patron saint of tipping, a large parade is organized each year. Often, the streets chosen include St. George and Bloor St West, near the St. George subway station. From this point, the parade winds through the streets, heading west on Queen Street to its final destination at Nathan Phillips Square.

This parade itself allows for a tour of Toronto amidst a lively celebration of Ireland's history, culture and heritage. Popular establishments often join the event with special promotions starting in the early morning hours, live music by Irish fiddlers, DJs, discounts on local and international beers, photo booths, private parties, life-size beer pong, contests and more.

Follow the Toronto St. Patrick's Day Parade route to immerse yourself in the festive spirit and camaraderie of this colorful local celebration.

Details of interest

  • Date: Week of March 17.
  • Address: Downtown Ontario, at various locations.

Book a guided tour of Toronto

7. Attend a field hockey game

Field hockey game|©marmarci.
Field hockey game|©marmarci.

When you visit Toronto you arrive in the birthplace of field hockey so this sport deserves attention even out of cultural curiosity. Once you get in contact with the fans, the interest grows and the question will behow can I buy tickets to a field hockey game in Toronto? But if that's not reason enough, this month you can support a worthy cause by attending the Canadian National Blind Hockey Tournament.

Held at Ryerson University's Mattamy Athletic Centre, also known as Maple Leaf Gardens, the event features a variety of divisions, from junior to open, bringing together visually impaired athletes from across Canada.

Organized by Canadian Blind Hockey, this tournament is pivotal to the sport, which has been on the rise for the past decade. Players use an adapted puck that emits noise, offering an exciting and accessible sporting experience for all fans who wish to witness this exciting tournament while contributing to the cause.

Details of interest

  • Date: The date varies from year to year, but always during the month of March.
  • Address: Maple Leaf Gardens, Mattamy Athletic Centre, Mattamy Athletic Centre, 50 Carlton St., Mattamy, NY.

Buy tickets to an NHL game

8. Attend Toronto's largest food and drink festival

Woman buying hamburger|©Kampus Production
Woman buying hamburger|©Kampus Production

Looking for an epic culinary experience? T.O. Food and Drink Fest is the place to be. This is Toronto's largest food festival and as soon as you see what they have to offer, you'll understand why since 1983 thousands of people over the age of 19 book their tickets so as not to miss this 3-day event.

Participants immerse themselves in a feast of flavors and sounds. This event brings together the best of local chefs, restaurants, wineries, liquor companies, breweries and cider houses, offering an incomparable culinary experience. If your trip is 3 days in Toronto or more, it's worth setting aside at least one for this event.

Once you arrive at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, two blocks from the CN Tower, you can delight your taste buds with wine tastings, participate in wine pairing classes, and enjoy live music in the Delicious Vibes Lounge area. One of the highlights is the chef's workshop, where Toronto's top chefs entice the audience by cooking live.

In addition, wine lovers can also share with local winemakers and learn about regional wines in a jovial atmosphere, making the event a delightfully educational experience. If you're in the mood for less gourmet cuisine, the T.O. Food and Drink Fest also hosts food booths and even popular food trucks with delicious dishes.

Details of interest

  • Date: Last weekend in March.
  • Address: Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

9. Sweeten up with maple syrup at the Sugar Shack

Toronto Events - Sugar Shack|©VIBE 105
Toronto Events - Sugar Shack|©VIBE 105

It's clear that March offers a variety of options for added stops on Toronto's best food tours, but are there spaces for those with a sweet tooth? Yes! At Sugar Shack, an event celebrating the richness of maple syrup with a variety of dishes spread throughout the event's sugar shacks. Best of all, it's all about fresh, local produce made from Ontario maple.

Just before the winter season, Toronto sweetens up with Sugar Shack TO on the waterfront with this 2-day event. Visitors can sample homemade treats infused with maple syrup, from baked beans, to donuts, to fudge, to candy, to the taste feast that includes maple buffalo "Toutine" and maple chicken bao buns.

Plus, there's an exciting winter lumberjack show, maple sugar tapping demonstrations, live music and to top it off,general admission is free!

Details of Interest

  • Date: Second weekend in March.
  • Address: Sugar Beach, 11 Dockside Drive at Lower Jarvis and Queens Quay.

10. Easter Egg Hunt

Girl holding Easter eggs.|©RDNE Stock project
Girl holding Easter eggs.|©RDNE Stock project

In Toronto, the Easter egg hunt begins in March, and that's because this is a "rolling date celebration" and can take place between March 22 and April 25, so here officially begins the third month of the year.

This early tradition allows families to enjoy the Easter spirit early. One of the most popular places for this quest is Cloverdale Mall, where the Easter Bunny makes an appearance.

Here, visitors can purchase chocolate eggs, take photos with the bunny in a charming photo room, participate in special activities or just enjoy the festive atmosphere. This is a free admission activity perfect to jot down among your things to do in Toronto with kids in March.

Details of interest

  • Date: mid-March, dates vary.
  • Address: Cloverdale Mall, 250 The East Mall, Etobicoke.

Temperatures in Toronto in March

Toronto Streets|©Daniel Skoog
Toronto Streets|©Daniel Skoog

Toronto usually experiences a slow but steady improvement in temperatures. Daily highs rise to around 7°C, while lows hover around -0°C. Although winter fades, nights can be cold, often dipping below freezing.

It is essential to keep hats, scarves and gloves. However, as we have seen in recent years, weather conditions are becoming less and less predictable, so the recommendation is to closely follow the official weather report page.