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 shops for an Easter egg hunt.

This all-ages event offers a unique multicultural experience. As you stroll through the boutiques and vintage shops, 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 goody bags as part of this fun and chocolaty challenge.

As well as the pleasure of finding the eggs, participants are rewarded with prizes and surprises which often include the chance to win gift hampers from local Kensington shops. A traditional favourite with the little ones, it's a great activity to jot down as one of 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.

As well as celebrating the arrival of Easter this month, there are also closing events, such as extended nights in the Distillery District. On the last weekend in April, the area's art galleries and studios extend their hours until 9pm, during which time they often offer free drinks to visitors.

Participants include prominent venues such as Thompson Landry Gallery, Les Galeries d'art Beauchamp, Corkin Gallery and Arta Gallery. Here, visitors can admire exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, ceramics and installations, as specialists and amateurs connect in the heart of Toronto's bohemian art scene.

This trendy neighbourhood 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 night out.

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 in Trillium Park, a captivating light experience that transforms the park into a stage for contemporary illuminated creations.

This free exhibition, which celebrates the innovation and creativity of local Ontario artists, invites visitors to explore Trillium Park at dusk to appreciate the detail of the artists combined with the effects of lights. To complete the experience, take a bike ride along 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 23:00 hours. In addition, on Fridays and Saturdays attendees can enjoy an even cosier atmosphere by relaxing by the campfire. Lumière offers a magical evening in the heart of Toronto.

Interesting details

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

Toronto becomes the epicentre of exciting manga, comic book and superhero adventures at the Toronto Comic Arts Festival (TCAF) between April and May. During this three-day event, comics fans 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 in April. Dates may vary between April and May.
• Address: Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street,

TIFF, or Toronto International Film Festival, is a regular September event, but its version for emerging young filmmakers and all that's 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. Opening night often includes the presentation of new bands competing for a grand prize.

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

Book a day to attend this festival, I'd 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 including 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 was so well received that it became the largest parade in the city. Organised 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 colour, 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 recognised 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 Water Ambassadors Canada, an association focused on clean water.

More than 500 well-known 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 as the Water Ambassadors organisation shares valuable information about water. 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 home opener for top 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. Here 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 chance 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, here's 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 over half a million Canadian Sikhs, Toronto becomes the epicentre of the festival. Organised by the Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwaras Council (OSGC), the Khalsa Day parade unfolds along Lakeshore Blvd, attracting 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 the Town Hall, fusing food, culture and tradition in a convivial atmosphere.

Details of interest

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

The maple tree is a Canadian icon and in April, maple tree enthusiasts can participate in the Maple Syrup Festival. This annual 2-day event takes place in Sunderland, located about 97 km 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 maple syrup is present. You can also shop at the event's flea market or enjoy interactive activities.

If you're spending 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 as low as 7°C.

On the other hand, although the likelihood of snowfall decreases considerably, it is still possible, especially at the beginning of the month. Mild showers are common for about 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 display all seasons in a single day, from snowfall to bright sunshine. I recommend layering clothing, such as jumpers and light jackets, along with waterproof clothing, a scarf and gloves.

Another thing to consider is the exact date of your trip. If you have planned for the first few days of the month, your jacket, winter boots and warmer clothes are a must in your suitcase. If you've booked for later in the month, spring is just beginning to appear and the temperature is milder. A flexible wardrobe is ideal for adjusting to the changeable weather in April.