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 twist 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 lively 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 in the Distillery Historic District|©Arnaud&Emilie
Lights in the Distillery Historic District|©Arnaud&Emilie

From January to March, Toronto's Distillery District becomes a multi-coloured outdoor art gallery, enlivened by live performances with thousands of light displays, where visitors choose to sample drinks from the neighbourhood'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 shouldn't miss.

Despite its short history, the event's reception has been overwhelming, earning it a special place in the heart of the city, which is why it's no wonder that tours of Toronto's Distillery District during this time of year 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 belling 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 you're 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 at the ice rink|©wyliepoon
People watching at 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 chance to glide your skates around **Toronto'**s largest outdoor ice rink as the last of the season's snowflakes 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 light 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 square.

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

Details of interest

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

Sign up for a private tour of Toronto

3. Take part 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 a one-stop Toronto beer tour, this experience has your name on it.

On the other hand, in addition to beers, wineries, distilleries and non-alcoholic beverage vendors are also making their presence known. But don't get this last fact wrong, 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, food trucks and bonfires create a cosy atmosphere for socialising. Attendees can also take part 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!

Interesting details

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

Venture on a beer tour

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

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

After sunset, one of Toronto' s best museums opens its doors for those 19 and over looking for an exciting cultural event. Attendees have access to all exhibits, immersing themselves in the richness 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 stage. 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.

Interesting details

  • Date: March, exact date varies each year depending on 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

Join the opening of Lumière: The Art of Light in Trillium Park in the third month of the year. This free exhibition enriches 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 to 11pm. In addition, on Friday and Saturday evenings, attendees can relax by the bonfire, or cycle along one of Trillium Park's famous trails, adding a cosy touch to this evening of art and nature in the heart of Toronto. Definitely one of the best things to do in Toronto at night.

Interesting details

  • Date: Second weekend in March through 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 17th and Toronto shows its multicultural roots by keeping this tradition alive. To celebrate the patron saint of tipping, a huge parade is held each year. Often, the streets chosen include St. George and Bloor St West, near the St. George underground station. From this point, the parade winds its way through the streets, heading west along Queen Street to its final destination at Nathan Phillips Square.

This parade itself provides a tour of Toronto in the midst of a lively celebration of Irish history, culture and heritage. Popular establishments often join the event with special promotions starting in the early morning hours, live music from 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 colourful local celebration.

Details of interest

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

Book a guided tour of Toronto

7. Attend a hockey game

Hockey game|©marmarci.
Hockey game|©marmarci.

When you visit Toronto you arrive in the birthplace of hockey so this sport deserves attention even as a cultural curiosity. Once you get in contact with the fans, the interest grows and the question will behow can I buy tickets for a 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.

Organised 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, providing an exciting and accessible sporting experience for all fans who wish to witness this exciting tournament while contributing to the cause.

Interesting details

  • 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, New York.

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

Want an epic culinary experience? The T.O. Food and Drink Fest is the place to be. This is Toronto's largest food festival and once you see what's on offer, you'll understand why thousands of people over the age of 19 have been booking tickets to this 3-day event since 1983.

Participants immerse themselves in a feast of flavours 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 with live cooking.

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 stalls and even popular food trucks with delicious dishes.

Interesting details

  • 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 is there room for a sweet tooth? Yes! At Sugar Shack, an event celebrating the richness of maple syrup with a variety of dishes spread across the event's sugar shacks. Best of all, it's all fresh, local produce made from Ontario maple trees.

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 a flavour 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 all 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, as this is a "rolling date celebration" and can take place between March 22 and April 25, so it officially begins the third month of the year here.

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

Interesting details

  • 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 increase to about 7°C, while lows hover around -0°C. Although winter fades, nights can be cold, often dipping below freezing.

Hats, scarves and gloves are essential. However, as we have seen in recent years, weather conditions are becoming less and less predictable, so the recommendation is to keep a close eye on the official weather report page.