The Niagara Region is one of the top staycation destinations for Canadians, getting about 13 million tourists per year — and more than 90 per cent arrive by car. While it currently takes just under 2 hours to drive between Toronto and wine country, a hovercraft could cut that travel time to about 30 minutes!
Hoverlink Ontario is planning to launch a high-speed, biodiesel-powered hovercraft ferry service between Billy Bishop Airport in downtown Toronto and Niagara. It’ll be super convenient, landing at the Port Weller Terminal in St. Catharines, near tons of tourist attractions and public amenities. Each craft can carry up to 180 passengers each, serving up to 3 million passengers a year.
The company plans to start with around 24 return trips per day (48 lake crossings per day), with service running 365 days a year for up to 18 hours per day.
The service was initially supposed to launch in 2023, but was set back due to difficulty securing a Toronto port location. Thankfully, that’s recently been rectified as the company signed a deal with Ports Toronto that will allow Hoverlink vessels to be docked on a brand-new landing pad connected to Billy Bishop.
Right now, the service is still in its planning stages, so it’ll be about three years until launch, but it appears that people are looking forward to the faster service.
Apart from the fast service, the green benefits are expected to be substantial. According to the company, the hovercraft will emit 98% less carbon when compared to traveling by car or bus, there’ll be no harm to marine life/shorelines, and no noise pollution.
For those who hate bumper-to-bumper traffic, Hoverlink claims that the hovercraft can take 8,000+ vehicles off the QEW daily, which could potentially revitalize the Golden Horseshoe’s tourism industry.
As of publication, we don’t know the pricing, but Hoverlink says it’ll be comparable to existing public transit options operating between Toronto and Niagara (again, just with faster transit times).
For comparison, a roundtrip between Toronto and Niagara by car would cost about $85 ($35.00 gas + $50 parking), by train it would cost about $42+, and by tour bus it would be about $90+. With the hovercraft, passengers can expect single-use fares, multi-trip fares, student fares, peak and off-peak rates and more.
Click here for more information. If you can’t wait for the hovercraft to land and you’re looking for fun things to do in the Niagara region today, this hidden-gem restaurant in wine country was named the best in the country!
Lorde, the acclaimed New Zealand alt-pop icon, is set to return to Toronto this fall as part of her much-anticipated Ultrasound world tour. The Toronto date will be held at Scotiabank Arena on Sept. 24, marking her first headlining performance in the city since 2022.
This upcoming tour coincides with the release of her new album, Virgin, scheduled for release on June 27. The first single, “What Was That”, has already garnered attention for its energy and emotional depth, offering a glimpse into the sonic direction of the new record.
The Ultrasound tour will take Lorde through North America and Europe, with stops at iconic venues such as Madison Square Garden in New York and London’s O2 Arena. Toronto’s stop at Scotiabank Arena is part of the North American leg, which kicks off in Austin, Texas, and includes other major cities such as Chicago, Nashville, and Montreal.
The last time Lorde performed in Toronto was in 2022, at Meridian Hall (formerly known as the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts). This show was part of her Solar Power tour, supporting her third studio album of the same name.
Ticket sales will begin with a pre-sale on May 14 at 10 a.m., followed by general sales on May 16 at 10 a.m.
Cherry blossom season has been as amazing as ever this year, but we knew it had to end eventually — and resident cherry blossom bloom predictor Sakura Steve (also known as Steve Joniak) is predicting that this will be the last weekend to see the Sakura trees in peak bloom in Toronto.
Joniak visited the buds in High Park on Tuesday and noted that peak bloom continues in some areas, while in others, petals are already starting to fall. He said the warmer weather this week has helped the bloom last longer, potentially into Mother’s Day weekend.
His visit to the park found that popular cherry blossom spots, including the sports fields and Cherry Hill, are showing only 70-75 per cent of the flowers in bloom now. However, Grenadier Pond and the Dock, as well as areas by High Park Zoo and Adventure Playground, are still in peak bloom — so if you’re planning a trip to the park with Mom this weekend, visit those areas for your best chance at a glimpse of these pink blossoms in their prime!
According to Joniak, we are now in the final days of peak bloom. He predicted that the last day of peak bloom in High Park will be Friday, May 9 — so now is your chance before they’re gone!
As visitors flock to the park to take photos and get up close to the flowers, people pulling branches or shaking trees could shorten the lifespan of the blooms — so just don’t do it!
There are Sakura trees all over Toronto, so we’ve rounded up five of the best places in Toronto to spot the cherry blossoms when peak bloom hits the city. Just like last year, the city of Toronto is restricting vehicle access and parking within High Park for the duration of peak bloom, so prepare to head over on foot or on bike.
High Park
@justinpluslauren/Instagram
High Park is a staple spot for people to spend time outside, enjoying a walk, picnic and, around this time of year, cherry blossoms! The trees grow along the park’s main path, allowing you to step off the sidewalk and snag a few photos before continuing on your way. Standing at a whopping 399 acres, High Park is chock-full of different rare plant species. Within the grounds are also rare black oak savannah, moist red oak and hemlock forests. So feel free to adventure all over, searching for flowers at different stages of growth!
Trinity Bellwoods
@miguelynv/Instagram
For some of the best cherry blossom photos with the C.N. Tower in the background, head over to Trinity Bellwoods. These trees are placed scarcely, spanning across a 38-acre lot of land. Most of the trees can be found on the circular path, which resides in the southern portion of the park. Around here are benches and copious amounts of shade, allowing you to sit underneath one of these beautiful trees and enjoy Toronto’s incredible spring scene.
Robarts Library
Courtesy @uoft/Instagram
A bit of a hidden Sakura gem is the John P. Robarts Research Library. Located at the corner of Huron Street and Harbord Street, a grove of 70 cherry blossom trees were planted here in 2005. A quieter spot for blossom viewing than other popular Toronto areas, this is a good place to stop if you’re looking to snap a picture of yourself with the pink florals in the background thanks to the lack of crowds and convenient arrangement of the trees. Lining the pedestrian pathways, take a stroll through this picturesque little walkway for the perfect spring detour before making your way to nearby Kensington Market or Chinatown.
Centennial Park
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This particular park has the second-largest collection of cherry blossoms in Toronto, next to High Park. The park holds over 200 trees that are scattered across the entirety of the land. The highest concentration can be found in the garden closest to Rathburn Road and Centennial Park Boulevard. The park is also home to athletic activities galore — within its grounds are playgrounds, soccer fields, baseball and softball diamonds, a wading pool and even a BMX bike park!
Exhibition Place
Courtesy explace.on.ca
This may surprise some, but cherry blossoms are scattered around one of Toronto’s most fantastic attractions. Exhibition Place features around nine marked sections where Sakura trees grow, with the majority residing in the northeastern part of the area. The highest density can be found near the kid-friendly Medieval Times show or the Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex. While searching for blossoms, why not check out a Toronto F.C. game?
One of Canada’s most trusted authorities on style and fashion, Jeanne Beker has covered the industry for more than 30 years. Now watch her in her current style editor role on TSC’s Style Matters with Jeanne Beker or tune into her podcast Beyond Style Matters, available wherever you get your podcasts.
Boho chic is back with a bang, and it’s a match made in fashion heaven for spring! Featuring all things flowy, flowery, fringe and festival-ready, Jeanne Beker helped us curate the best of this sensational style in Toronto’s top shops.
A. CROCHET DRESS
Lace is a big part of the boho uniform, and this slightly sheer maxi dress is perfectly flowy and airy — while still providing a bit more coverage for those chilly spring days. Loversland, $279, 215 Ossington Ave.
B. SLOUCH BAG
“What a nice colouring, and the little bit of fringe detail on the zippers is so on theme.” Poppy & Peonies, $99, poppyandpeonies.com
C. WEDGES
“I love the studs and the heel height! That dark brown suede is a rich colour, the perfect clog to strut around in.” L’Intervalle, $138, 220 Yonge St.
D. RING
Chunky jewelry is a boho must, and this geometric labradorite ring from Toronto jewelry designer Dean Davidson totally fits the bill. Dean Davidson, $275, 145 Berkeley St.
E. LACE SKIRT
Partially lined for ultimate comfort, this appliqué midi-length skirt also features an elastic band — who says pencil skirts have to be uncomfortable? Smythe, $795, 1116 Yonge St.
F. CHIFFON RUFFLE TOP
This lightweight, semi-sheer blouse fits the boho trend to a T — the ruffle details along the hem and the sleeves add the perfect touch of whimsy to any outfit. Aritzia, $110, 1 Bass Pro Mills Dr.
G. HIP BELT
Throw this hip-level belt over any skirt or dress for a slightly Western (and super fun) edge to any fit. Frock, $95, 97 Roncesvalles Ave.
H. SUNGLASSES
The dusty rose tint of these shades gives the classic aviator an upgrade — add these to any outfit to play up the ’70s style. Bonlook, SALE $69.50, 220 Yonge St.
I. NECKLACE
Toronto designer Michelle Ross’ entire jewelry collection leans boho, with chunky designs and big, brassy accents — just like this hand-hammered coin necklace. Michelle Ross, $264, mnross.com
J. JEANS
A dark wash sailor pant goes a long way to add a ’70s edge to your outfit, and we love how the slightly more subtle flare of this pair turns them into the ideal everyday denim. Tusk, $189, 888 Queen St. W.
K. FRINGED SKIRT
Fringe features heavily in more classic boho designs, from Western-inspired suede jackets to flowing dresses — opt for this fully fringed pencil skirt to get in on the fringe fun. Maska Mode, SALE $307.30, 55 Avenue Rd.
L. BANGLE
A gold-dipped brass cuff covered in gems? Say no more. Rebekah Price, $490, 70 Wingold Ave.
M. EARRINGS
These long and curly earrings from Canadian brand Par Ici are super fun and surprisingly lightweight. Par Ici, $189, paricijewellery.com
N. BLOUSE
“I love this bell sleeve; it’s so romantic and voluminous. This would pair beautifully with bell bottom jeans. Those tassel ties are so fun!” Hilary MacMillan, SALE $50, hilarymacmillan.com
O. SNEAKERS
“This has a nice, sleek kind of look to it, and I love the sandy beige colour — it’ll go with everything.” Gravitypope, $250, 1010 Queen St. W.
P. SHEER DRESS
“This is a beautiful dress. You could wear this out to a summer market, a spring wedding or even a garden party.” TNT, $768, 2901 Bayview Ave.
Chefs Daniel Hadida and Eric Robertson are big on overwintering and cellaring techniques, so they make the most of locally and nationally sourced ingredients to enhance the dishes they serve, like rice from Canada’s only rice paddies in Abbotsford, B.C., or fish and seafood from the east and west coasts. Their two-acre regenerative garden also supplies herbs, eggs, flowers, fruits and vegetables for their menus year-round!
For lunch or dinner service, think modern European sensibility. Patrons can savour dishes like Mahone Bay scallops with Sungold tomatoes and lemon verbena panna cotta, as well as Dungeness crab plated with fried-navy-bean crumble, whitefish roe and celery buttermilk. Or dine on tasty seafood dishes, like their butter-poached lobster partnered with Badger Flame beets and orange-wine sauce.
For springtime flavour, try their celeriac dish, roasted in a dried herb mix from their garden (think fennel seeds, roasted garlic, Marjoram, Juniper, Oregano, Winter Savoury, Nettle, Bay leaves and Bachelor Buttons) with pickled diced pear, puree of toasted hemp hearts, mushrooms, fried potato crumb dusted in black garlic powder, Emerald Acadian Caviar and Roasted Vegetable Jus!
The meal might conclude with a buckwheat sable cookie, honey whipped cream, and honey ice cream (followed by a warm cup of tea).
“Service is exemplary, finding the equilibrium between country casual and fine-dining polish,” Canada’s 100 Best stated about the restaurant.
End your visit with a wine tasting or garden tour, and then stop by RPM Bakehouse for some delicious coffee (with beans sourced from Canadian roasters) and freshly baked goods.
For the list, everyone from culinary enthusiasts to chefs and restaurateurs from across the country submitted a list of their top restaurant experiences of the previous year, considering service, décor, depth of the cellar and, of course, food quality.
If you’re looking for something closer to home, three other restaurants from the Toronto area made the top five! Alo Restaurant (163 Spadina Ave., 3rd Fl.), which serves modern French food, was no. 3 on the list, followed by Edulis (169 Niagara St) and Restaurant 20 Victoria (20 Victoria St).
From all the little gestures of love that mean the world to us to the sacrifices they’ve made for our betterment, moms give so much each and every day. So, when Mother’s Day weekend comes around, it’s our turn to show appreciation and do something special in return.
With plenty of things to do not too far from Toronto, it’s easy to make the perfect plans to suit any interest. From hiking to high tea across Ontario, here are a few suggestions to make your Mother’s Day 2025 simply fabulous.
Tour a winery (or three!)
@niagarawinetours/Instagram
It’s well-known that southern Ontario has world-class wine. And with dozens of wineries within driving distance, what better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than with a glass of top-notch vino straight from the source.
Try one of many wine-tasting adventures in delightful Prince Edward County and see why this part of Ontario is so loved.
Hop on a bike and take a boozy tour of the many vineyards of Niagara-on-the-Lake. With several self-guided and professionally-led day trips available, you can rent a bike on location and cycle winding country roads as you make your way between estates.
Looking to get off the beaten path? Look no further than the beautiful shores of Lake Erie’s Norfolk County, where several up-and-coming wineries are making a name for themselves.
Enjoy high tea fit for a queen
@the_oconnor_house/Instagram
There’s nothing more classic than afternoon tea served on fine china with a tier of delectable treats. What’s more, it’s a great excuse to dress up (fascinator, anyone?).
Travel back through time to Victorian England and experience a traditional afternoon tea at The O’Connor House English Tea Room in Deseronto. With fresh scones served alongside Devonshire cream and a bounty of other discerning baked goods, the road trip to the Bay of Quinte will be well worth it.
For a tea lover’s oasis, dip into Waterdown’s Tea at the Whitehouse and enjoy a fabulous weekend tea service in their light and airy front shop. Offering more than 100 premium loose leaf teas and a variety of British goods, you’ll definitely want to check out their store for some take-home goodies while you’re at it.
If you’re seeking a white-glove experience, nothing says regal like afternoon tea at Toronto’s famous Windsor Arms Hotel – it’s simply divine.
Hike and picnic in the great outdoors
@ezgikopuz/Instagram
One of the best things to do for Mother’s Day is to get outdoors. Take a breath of fresh air and enjoy the serenity of Mother Nature – after all, it is spring time!
Find a trail that fits your skill level and pack a picnic for the journey. Nothing quite compares to the pleasure of dining al fresco with loved ones.
Spend the day at nearby Albion Hills Conservation Park, which offers easy trails, gorgeous scenery and plenty of rest spots along the way.
Explore the expanses of Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, where you’ll encounter towering 30-metre cliffs and meandering forest paths (but be sure to reserve a parking spot before you go).
For an enchanting experience, head to Hamilton and roam the dozens of stunning waterfall trails famous to this region. From the East Mountain Trail Loop, which passes not one but four waterfalls, to the breathtaking views of Spencer Gorge, you’ll want plenty of time to take in the scenery.
Indulge with a spa day
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Who doesn’t like getting pampered for the day?
Book a half-day or full-weekend spa retreat for your mom and let someone take care of her for a change.
Visit the beautiful Elm Hurst Inn & Spa for a lavish weekend getaway at this iconic Ontario retreat and melt away the hours with one of many luxurious treatments amid picture-perfect surroundings. The inn also offers a Mother’s Day brunch on Sunday.
Head out to Northumberland County and enjoy an all-inclusive experience at St. Anne’s Spa. Situated in a historic estate house surrounded by country gardens and woodlands, enjoy wellness classes such as meditation and yoga, plus an array of luxurious spa treatments. Top it off with a delicious meal, and you’ll have the happiest mom for miles.
Interested in experiencing a Scandinavian-style spa? Look no further than Vetta Nordic Spa, located in Oro-Medonte. Take a plunge into their therapeutic four-season pools and get the full advantages of Finnish-inspired hydrotherapy at its best. Cycle through steam rooms, saunas, hot and cold plunges and salt scrubs with relaxation as the day’s only task.
Go antiquing and find treasure
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Mamas with a flair for all things unusual or historic will love the idea of an afternoon sleuthing through an antique market. Whether searching for a one-of-a-kind antique chair or a vintage lamp that catches the eye, the hunt is part of the fun!
Take a Sunday trip to Guelph’s Aberfoyle Antique Market, where for over 60 years, hundreds of antique dealers gather to trade their goods under the sun. Wind your way through the many tents and stalls and pick up something you won’t find anywhere else.
Travel south to the charming Mennonite town of St. Jacobs, and grab Saturday lunch at the famous Farmers’ Market before perusing the massive Antiques Market nearby. A visit here won’t disappoint.
For an antiquing experience of grand proportions, pay a visit to the One Of A Kind Antique Mall in Woodstock. Being the largest market of its kind in Canada, this place is the holy grail for antiquing! With three massive warehouse floors filled with treasure, prepare to set aside a few hours to explore all the nooks and crannies of this fascinating time-capsule hub.
Canada’s Wonderland opens for the season today! And yes, the park has tons of cool rides and activities to look out for, including the new, record-breaking roller coaster, AlpenFury, but we all know that the food is a major draw!
Here’s what to look out for this season:
King’s Feast, located next to Leviathan, is the place to get the best burgers and chicken tenders at the park, and it’s getting an upgraded menu! Munch on the King’s Burger beef patty topped with coleslaw, pickles and melted white cheddar between a brioche bun. Opt for a hot dog on a soft, fresh bun or some breaded chicken tenders for a crunchier meal! If beef isn’t your thing, try the spiced pakora veggie burger (a blend of corn, potatoes and chickpeas) paired with tangy coleslaw and served in a brioche bun.
Head to Après Poutinerie for gourmet mac and cheese entrees, fresh-cut fries or a classic poutine topped with savoury gravy and melted Quebec cheese curds. For a bold, sweet-spicy combo, try the new Fire & Ice Pickles at Timbers Grill, or opt for some tasty backyard BBQ sausages or the restaurant’s signature footlong hot dog!
Visit the Lazy Bear Lodge for smoked pork ribs smothered in Sous Chef Herman’s secret maple BBQ sauce. These ribs are smoked for over two hours, so it’ll be the best melt-in-your-mouth experience at the theme park! The Lodge also has gluten-free and vegetarian options for non-meat lovers, like the Manchurian veggie balls.
If you’re craving delicious international food, head to the Grande World Eatery for delicious international food. Try everything from chicken or beef nacho bowls to marinated Korean bulgogi beef and spicy Ssamjang shrimp tossed in a thick, tangy sauce!
For those with a sweet tooth, try the icy inferno funnel cake, topped with fresh strawberries and blueberries, and finished with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce (dyed orange and blue, of course).
If there are too many options to choose from, click here for a dining plan. You can also make the most of the summer season with the new Silver Pass ($89 + taxes/processing fees) and get unlimited visits throughout Labour Day, including access to Splash Works, discounts on food, merchandise and more!
Click here for more information on tickets, season passes, events and hours of operation.
Matty Matheson is expanding his restaurant empire once again—but this time, he’s heading outside Toronto. The Bear star’s latest venture is set to open in Hamilton, marking a rare move beyond his usual city footprint.
The restaurant will be called The Iron Cow and will be located inside the new Hamilton arena.
“It’s going to serve mostly iron, protein-forward food— a couple of Sunday roasts, a couple of hot dogs, a couple of hamburgers. It’s going to be amazing,” Matheson said during a recent appearance at Departure Fest. “I love cows. Cows are tight. And restaurants are just great.”
According to a press release from Oak View Group — the company behind the new arena — The Iron Cow Public House will be a 9,500-square-foot full-service restaurant and bar with space for up to 185 guests. It will operate on both event and non-event days and include a speakeasy-style pub tucked within the space.
Matheson and his restaurant group, Our House H.C., will also design the menus for three concession stands, featuring items from two of his other restaurants, Matty’s Patty’s and Rizzo’s House of Parm. Additional Matheson-led concepts are also planned for premium suites and other food and beverage offerings throughout the arena.
“What Oak View Group is doing here is incredible, and I’m honored to be a part of it,” said Matheson. “Bringing people together with amazing food, great service and live music – it’s everything I love. We’re building something special for Hamilton, and I’m pumped for you to see this come together.”
May is finally here, and it’s not just spring in the air. A lineup of amazing food festivals is on the horizon, promising plenty of delicious ways to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re looking for a way to get outside and enjoy the weather, meet other local foodies, get to experience mouthwatering eats, or all of the above, we’ve got you covered with these events happening around the city this month.
Calling all wine aficionados! Toronto’s multi-day Wine Festis here, and you won’t want to miss this celebration of the city’s wine and drink culture. Featuring not just wine, but spirits, ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages and cocktails, this event offers fresh options for more than just wine connoisseurs, making it accessible for everyone. With all-you-can-taste included in your tickets, you may just find your next favourite beverage. Exhibition Place.
Got a foodie family or just looking for a fun time out with the whole household? Look no further than Toronto Halal Bites Festival: Halal Street Eats. With sizzling grills and mouth-watering bites, this event will have you stuffed all weekend long, making it an experience you won’t want to miss. The event has free entry and features live cultural shows and community art. So bring your family and your appetite. Nathan Phillips Square.
This International Food + Drink Festival is an event you won’t want to miss. Three days promising a celebration of cultures from around the world and their delectable cuisines, with a featured lineup of assorted eats and drinks ranging between street food and special gourmet dishes, this event offers everything a foodie could want and more. With live music and even a marketplace, there’s no better way to enjoy the warmer weather than by exploring all the festival has to offer, including a stunning view of the waterfront. 235Queens Quay West.
With over 50 curated Asian-owned businesses to shop at, the Asian Night Market is the best way for foodies to spend a night out. Whether you are looking for a fun adventure downtown, some good eats, or some live music, this event has it all. Find and snack on tons of tasty bites while this event market takes over Stackt for the night. With dance and music performances throughout, this event is brimming with culture and will have something for anyone seeking a good time—and more importantly, good food. Stackt Market, 28 Bathurst St.
If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy ice cream like royalty, now is your chance withChapman’s first-ever Ice Cream Festivalhosted at Toronto’s very own castle. The event promises to celebrate all things ice cream with plenty of games, music and even premium flavours. This will be the perfect event for all city-wide lovers of ice cream. There’s no better way to kick off summer than with a scoop (or three) of decadent ice cream — including some brand new flavours launching for 2025. Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace.
Justin Bieber watching the Leafs game (Instagram: @justinbieber)
On Monday, some serious A-list stars descended on New York City and graced the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the annual Met Gala. Although it may be considered one of the world’s most prestigious events when it comes to the who’s who of fashion, it apparently doesn’t have anything on a Leafs game (well, perhaps, according to Justin Bieber).
Instead of joining his wife Hailey at the Met Gala, Bieber, one of the planet’s most recognized singers, opted to watch a Leafs game at home in California.
Toronto held off the Florida Panthers with a 5-4 win in Game 1 of the Second Round of the Eastern Conference at Scotiabank Arena on Monday night, and Bieber watched the win at home on his mega-screen TV.
And his preference to watch the Leafs that night didn’t disappoint fans.
“I love it, his wife and baby mama is at met gala doing her thing and daddy is at home watching sports; so authentic and real” one Insta user commented.
“I love that you’re rooting for Toronto! Go Canada Go” another stated.
While the Biebers made their only Met Gala appearance together in 2021, Hailey lit up the red carpet solo this year, channelling the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” theme as part of a celebration of Black dandyism, donning a smooth blazer minidress from Saint Laurent, chunky platforms and a bracelet and ring from Tiffany & Co.
Even though the two were miles apart, Justin liked what he saw.
“I see it I like it and I want it” Justin wrote in an Insta post alongside pics of Hailey at the gala.
The world’s largest tulip festival is returning this weekend and it’s happening right here in Ontario, just a few hours from Toronto. Set against the backdrop of the Rideau Canal, the Canadian Tulip Festival is more than a spectacle — it transforms Canada’s capital into a living mosaic of hundreds of thousands of blooms.
This year’s Canadian Tulip Festival runs from May 9 to 19, filling Ottawa’s Commissioners Park with over 300,000 tulips in full bloom. The festival is free to attend and sprawls along the scenic paths of Dow’s Lake, offering more than just a beautiful walk. It’s a historic homage that invites visitors to step into the past and trace the roots of a post-war gesture that has grown into a national treasure.
Through exhibits, storytelling installations and guided tours, the festival honours the enduring friendship between Canada and the Netherlands. That relationship began during World War II, when Ottawa sheltered the Dutch royal family and Canadian soldiers helped liberate the Netherlands. From that alliance, a living symbol emerged. In 1945, the Dutch gifted Canada 100,000 tulip bulbs as a thank you gesture of international solidarity and freedom. Today, that gift continues to bloom each spring.
The Canadian Tulip Festival, courtesy John Talbot/Flickr.
Beyond the flowers, the Canadian Tulip Festival is packed with things to see, do and experience. From history buffs to families, there’s something for everyone.
Festivalgoers are invited to take part in a range of free events, including the Vintage Victory Party: a lively big band street dance and parade complete with flags, music and a pyrotechnic show. Lace up your sneakers for the 5K Flower Fun Run, catch nightly movies under the stars (think throwbacks: Wall-E, Toy Story, A League of Their Own), or stroll through the breathtaking tulip trail while you make your way to the market. There you’ll find everything from fresh flowers to handmade treasures and delicious-smelling candles. With food trucks, a play zone and an opening ceremony welcoming Princess Margriet of the Netherlands herself, the festival offers more than just fields of colourful flowers.
@boubikes/Instagram
True history lovers can even take part in the Tulip Legacy Walking Tour: a 45-minute guided journey through the festival led by live storytellers. You may even meet some soldiers along the way.
For all accessibility needs, people movers run daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., offering scenic rides across the park. Rest your feet in style while you make your way from one end of the festival to the other for just $2 per ride.
Fragrant cherry trees covered in pretty pink, pale red, and soft white petals will reach peak bloom throughout Toronto and the rest of Ontario early this month due to warmer temperatures. Cherry blossoms will typically last between four and 10 days, and while we went over several locations across Toronto where you can enjoy gorgeous Sakura views, there are many popular spots to admire the ethereal cherry blossom displays outside of the city!
Wander along 99 acres of beautifully paved paths, charming gardens and grass trails as you admire the stunning magnolia trees (from early to mid-May) and trails of cherry tree blossoms near the entrance (mid to late May). Visitors can also explore the more than 80,000 annual plants grown at the on-site greenhouse! Admission is free; guided garden tours are $8 (2565 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls).
Visit the nation’s capital for one of the most breathtaking spots to admire Sakura trees! The Arboretum (considered the most northerly Arboretum on the continent) covers over 25 hectares between Dow’s Lake and the Rideau Canal. The space boasts tons of different growing environments and shrub specimens, as well as crab apples, a magnolia grove, weeping willows, and even a 100-year-old tree (Arboretum, Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa).
Look out for the largest flowering cherry tree collection just south of the lilac dell at the Arboretum (plan your visit soon, as the ephemerals bloom for a very limited time and are sensitive to heat, wind, and rain). Stroll through the Rock Garden as well as the terraces of Laking Garden overlooking Grindstone Creek (680 Plains Rd W, Burlington).
This charming park is nestled high atop the Niagara Escarpment at the north end of Niagara Parks and the southern point of the Bruce Trail! Here, you’ll find several historic monuments, including Brock’s monument (memorializing the 1812 Battle of Queenston Heights) and the Landscape of Nations, commemorating the Six Nations. You’ll spot the cherry trees in front of the Laura Secord Monument at the entrance to the historic park (14184 Niagara Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake).
This national historic site is nestled in downtown Ottawa between the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River! You’ll spot a small grove of cherry trees on the east side of the park (Elgin St, Ottawa).
This tin waterfront park is nestled in a serene lakeside, renowned for its colourful display of flowers! Stroll through the sprawling gardens and enjoy various art installations amidst the blooming cherry blossoms (1308 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville).
The park is nestled in one of the oldest regions of the Niagara region, along the Niagara River, just south of Niagara-on-the-Lake. It’s also home to McFarland House — one of the oldest buildings in the Niagara region and a perfectly charming spot to enjoy a cup of tea while admiring the display of blossoms (15927 Niagara Parkway Recreational Trail, Niagara-on-the-Lake).
This park sits at the foot of Harbourfront Drive near Hamilton’s downtown core. The walkway near the entrance is lined with majestic cherry blossom trees, which were gifted to Hamilton by Japan (200 Harbour Front Drive, Hamilton).
Stroll through the promenade while taking in scenic views of the lake, beach and Skyway Bridge! The cherry blossoms are one of the park’s most picturesque landmarks, receiving thousands of visitors every year (1400 Lakeshore Rd).
Cherry blossoms are breaking out all throughout the park — stroll along the west edge of the park and you’ll spot several trees with bright red blooms. Toward the east side, you’ll spot several older trees. Near the Memorial Rose Garden, you’ll spot a young tree with fresh pink blossoms as well as a much larger older tree sparkling with white blossoms! This is a perfect spot for Insta photos (1000 Main St E, Hamilton).
Admire the stunning cherry blossoms in Ottawa’s oldest park, nestled above the Rideau Canal by the Ottawa River. You’ll find an oasis of Sakura trees and tulips along Mackenzie Ave, with stunning river views, lookouts and walking trails (Mackenzie Ave, Ottawa).
This complex is one of London, Ont.’s, most scenic settings, and is surrounded by gardens with walkways, arbours, ponds and tons of green space. Take pics against the blossoming cherry trees in Ivey Park. You’ll also spot magnolias and various blooming plants throughout the space (625 Springbank Drive, London).
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