April in Toronto drags on, but the seafood scene refuses to hibernate. Across the city, bars and restaurants are piling plates with briny conservas and fresh catches that make even the grayest day worth leaving the house.
For anyone bored of the usual meat-and-cheese boards, “sea-cuterie” is having a moment. Some spots serve it ready-made, some let you build your own, but all of it offers a little indulgence and a welcome change of pace.
Here are five spots to hit when only tinned fish and a good glass of wine will do.
Standing at the bar at this classic spot with a vermouth is about as Toronto as it gets. Bar Raval is the go-to for tinned fish, and the menu is stacked with options. Order the smoked mackerel or the vinegar-cured boquerones and let them load up the bread. Don’t come here for quiet conversation, the restaurant is loud and busy, but the cozy dark wood room makes it easy to forget how cold it is outside.
This is Raval’s moodier, more buttoned-down sibling where the seafood arrives with a bit more ceremony. While the rest of the world is chasing whatever’s viral on TikTok, Isabel stays winning with a curated conservas list that feels (and tastes) expensive. You can build a board with tuna mojama and Galician scallops in garlic oil, or opt for a Pintxo Matrimonio for a compact seafood option. The pan con tomate can be paired with boquerones for a satisfying add-on. Everything is straightforward, thoughtful, and lets the quality of the ingredients speak for themselves.
This Bloor West spotsets the bar for anyone craving a generous spread without overthinking it. The $65 Everything Plate lives up to its name—a delicious, slightly chaotic heap of whatever’s shining that day. There’s a mix of cheese and cured meats, but the real highlight is how seamlessly the tinned fish gets worked in. It all comes together as a salty, snacky spread that pairs perfectly with a glass of house wine and a patio heater doing its best against the April drizzle.
Avenue Road isn’t exactly known for being edgy, but the DIY board approach at The Daughter is hard to argue with. Start with the pillowy challah topped with whipped ricotta and hot honey, then pair it with something like chili-spiked scallops or Nova Scotia salmon crudo. The whole vibe is very uptown chic meets a Lisbon snack bar and we’re here for it.
Everyone flocks to this Dovercourt spotfor the rotisserie chicken, but the real insiders know the seafood dishes are a must. The current seafood fricassée is basically a coastal celebration on a plate — tender squid rings, plump mussels and juicy shrimp all piled together. It comes on a slab of garlic toast with wilted spinach, thoroughly soaked in the rich, buttery sauce, creating that perfect soggy-bottomed mess that feels just right on a cold day.
L–R: Nathan Mitchell as Black Noir and Chace Crawford as The Deep in 'The Boys.' Courtesy Amazon Studios
The Boys — the gritty, gory show that asks the question, “How would power and corruption affect superheroes in the real world?” — is coming to an end. Ahead of the season five premiere on April 8, we caught up with Toronto superhero Nathan Mitchell, who plays the now not-so-mysterious Black Noir.
What can we expect from Black Noir in this final season?
New Noir has been with The Seven for some time, and he knows what to expect, and he knows what’s expected of him. So I think the challenge and the question for him this season is how much does he embrace his role, and how much does he still try to find fulfilment?
You play a superhero whose face we never see and, until recently, whose voice we never hear. How did you approach that acting challenge?
I just embraced the fact that there are so many ways to tell stories. I would take the scenes my character was in, I would give him lines, and then I would figure out how to express those sentiments through my body. When this new opportunity came to reveal my face and speak [Black Noir is killed off in season three and a new Black Noir who talks takes his place, also played by Mitchell], I had been doing prep work for this character before, so playing him and transitioning it into this speaking part came really easily.
Was there anything you drew on to embody the physicality of Black Noir?
It was actually informed by taekwondo, which I did growing up, but it was a specific aspect of it. We practiced so much, to the point where we had this ability to kind of tap in or tap out of that fighting mode. I trained extensively as a kid, from age six until about age 17. I remember training with my friends, but then when we had time off, we’d just be goofing around, and it felt like I had these two modes. That dichotomy really spoke to me, and with Black Noir, you see this enigmatic, intimidating, mysterious figure, but who is he underneath the mask. That’s what was interesting to me, and the potential contrast between what we see on the outside and who exists within. I brought those two dimensions to the character: someone who’s so locked into his martial arts ability, but who can also tap out of it and be a kid in some ways.
Fast facts
Name: Nathan Mitchell
Favourite Toronto memory: Attending university lectures in the movie theatre in Sankofa Square
Secret skills: Trained in taekwondo for 10 years and has a black belt
What is it about The Boys that people seem to love so much?
When I think about that question, I think back to Greek mythology — these stories of these gods that originated thousands of years ago and are still with us today. And I think one of the reasons is that these figures were so human and so flawed; they were temperamental, they were impulsive, they were jealous, they were selfish. I think we have a longing to see complex stories that explore the complicated dimensions of humanity. What superhero TV shows and films haven’t always had the opportunity to do is to explore those grey areas. I think because this show does that in the way that we do, so subversively and in some way so disturbingly, we can ask questions that superhero shows and movies haven’t been able to ask. I think it’s this combination of this exploration of human nature paired with commentary on how society and the world is operated.
Speaking of societal commentary, the political satire on The Boys has sadly become even more accurate as the show has progressed. What has that been like to experience as an actor?
Our writers are so intelligent. I sometimes wonder if they’re psychic! There was actually a scene we were filming in season five and my character references an event that happened in the world — and at the same time a very similar event happened that day in the real world. The writers wrote that a year, a year and a half ago, and the fact that on the day we’re filming, a parallel event was occurring — that just blows my mind.
You star in The Boys and Ginny and Georgia, both of which are largely Canadian shows with major international reach. What has that been like?
It is so cool to be able to work on a show with so much Canadian talent, and it’s something you only dream of as an actor coming up in the city. We talk about the Canadian star system, and I think a real piece of it is a numbers game. In the U.S., the population of just California is equivalent to the population of Canada. So they have so much more of an audience domestically that can be a revenue stream. We have the talent, but I think it’s really about the system and the structure and how the industry can change its strategy to open up access to markets — and in doing so, bringing more revenue, which then brings in the possibility for higher-quality productions.
Toronto’s night sky is about to light up with colourful streaks of cosmic dust, and you won’t even need a telescope to see it.
The annual Lyrid meteor shower returns later this month, with the strongest activity taking place around the nights of April 21-22 and April 22-23. The shower is active through the second half of April and, under ideal dark-sky conditions, can produce about 18 meteors an hour at peak, so more than enough to make it worth the lost sleep.
In Southern Ontario, the nighttime streaks will appear a bit subtler and prettier than a nonstop fireworks show. Expect fast streaks flashing out from the direction of Lyra, near the bright star Vega, with the occasional brighter fireball mixed in! The Lyrids are considered a medium-strength shower, and the meteors travel at about 49 kilometres per second, so you might spot a few surprise bright meteors, even if they usually don’t leave the longer “trains” people sometimes associate with bigger summer showers.
And don’t worry about knowing exactly where Lyra or Vega are in the sky! The real key to seeing the shower is timing. For Torontonians, the best viewing time is in the darker stretch after the Moon drops and before dawn starts to brighten the sky. The Moon will set around 1:49 a.m. on April 22 and 2:36 a.m. on April 23, while twilight begins at about 4:35 a.m. and 4:33 a.m., which makes the best viewing time between 2 and 4:30 a.m. on both mornings (with the April 22 predawn window looking especially strong).
Now, you just need to find the perfect spot to watch the shower. Meteor viewing is best away from city lights, and is better seen with the naked eye, so the best setup is a safe, dark spot with a wide view of the sky (just give your eyes about 15 to 30 minutes to adjust).
Toronto’s best experiential dining right now proves dinner is no longer just dinner. In the past decade Toronto has become a true “foodie” city. Whether it’s ambiance, menu, or gimmicks — the food scene in this city has continued to step their game up. Constantly giving us Michelin recommended restaurants, chasing the newest craze, or bringing this city a little piece of home from around the world. Food is more than just a meal for Torontonians, it’s become a part of our culture. Industry titans across the city no longer just consider the menu, but the experiences that come alongside them.
Here are the most interesting experiential dining concepts in Toronto right now.
If dating apps are dead, 222 Place is what comes next. This global platform is built around one idea: bringing back third spaces in Toronto — social environments outside of home and work where people can actually connect. No bedrotting or doomscrolling. After signing up, you fill out a detailed questionnaire that sits somewhere between a personality test and a psychological profile, and the algorithm matches you with a small group of strangers for a curated event. There are options like rooftop DJ nights and group yoga, but the real draw is the dinner party with strangers. Every detail is intentional, from the guest list to the venue. The concept started with backyard pasta dinners hosted by co-founder Keyan Kazemian and his team, built around the idea of putting the right people at the same table. Now, it’s grown into one of the city’s more interesting social experiments — a dinner party where the company is curated, as long as you’re willing to take the leap.
Just one hour outside the city, this farm-to-table fine dining experience will shock you based on how much they can do with the blueberry alone. Wilmot Orchards’ blueberry farm hosts a bi-annual supper club that transforms this working blueberry farm into a one-night-only fine dining destination. The experience itself unfolds across six courses. The twist? Every dish is centered around blueberries. Straight out of an episode of Chopped, watch the way these chefs transform blueberry dining in a way that feels far more refined than expected. Think blueberry balsamic glaze, blueberry jus, and blueberry infused vinaigrettes. The location does half the work here. Guests arrive early and have the opportunity to walk the fields at sunset, then dine al fresco enjoying a multi-course meal by chef Salma Hossam, where the dishes move seamlessly between savoury and sweet.
It’s an immersive experience without trying too hard. Just seasonal food, a standout ingredient, and a backdrop that needs no staging. Prepare to have your breath taken away.
At one point or another, I (amongst every girl aged 20-60 right now) dreamed of finding myself in an episode of Sex and the City. Not for the romantic relationships, but for the revolving door of exclusive invites to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and opening nights for the hottest spots. Rily Kitchen (pronounced “really” like really really really good food) gives you the opportunity to do just that. Part studio, part test kitchen, part event space — Rily Kitchen is a hub for one-night-only events. The dinner clubs hosted here don’t even resemble a reservation at a restaurant. It feels like stepping through the doors of someone’s well-designed home to join them for one of the best meals of your life. One you’ll dream about for the next 10 years, but never be able to replicate. One of its standout collaborators, Cin Cin, is a pop-up dining experience created by Ethan Franschetti and
Christian Schepis. The menus leans French, the wine pairings are thoughtfu and the energy sits somewhere between dinner party and dining experiment. There’s duck with cherry gastrique, pavlova to finish and a room full of people who are there because they want to be, not because they booked a reservation weeks ago.
The Flicks & Flavours dining experience takes dinner and a movie literally by recreating iconic dishes from movies and serving them to you in real time while watching the film, matching each dish to the corresponding scene in the movie. It takes the viewing experience of watching a movie from something passive, into something interactive.
A recent Home Alone 2 menu included “Kevin’s Plain Cheese Pizza,” a full “trash can” salad inspired by Old Man Marley, and a root beer float for the film’s iconic ice cream scene.
If you’re only now hearing about Flicks & Flavours, their upcoming film couldn’t be a more perfect first watch: Ratatouille. Personally, I won’t miss the chance to taste authentic Ratatouille for myself.
Yunnan Noodle Shack
@yunnannoodleshack/Instagram
Toronto has a reputation for being a hustlers’ city, everyone here appears to move seamlessly from one job to the next without a pause in between. The dedication to grind culture can sometimes cut into the time you have to experience a great meal in the city. Coordinating with friends often poses a problem. Yunnan Noodle Shack takes this problem and provides the dining experience itself as a solution. Not every dining experience needs a crowd. Located on Baldwin Street, the spot introduces Toronto to the concept of solitary dining, something popularized in Japan but still relatively new here. Guests sit in private booth-like spaces designed specifically for solo diners, with optional panels that can be adjusted if you’re with others. Orders are placed via QR code, and the environment is deliberately calming, from the soft incense at the entrance to the quiet dining space
Dinner can be more than the need to satisfy your physical hunger. Food in itself is an esoteric art form. By indulging in dinners at 7 Paintingsyou’re not just feeding your stomach, but feeding your soul. Here, dinner becomes performance art. It’s a meal that comes with a story line. The immersive experience unfolds over seven courses, each inspired by a different iconic artist, from Michelangelo to Banksy to Picasso. Projection mapping, music and interactive elements transform the table itself into part of the performance.
Toronto’s secret supper club. If you know, you know. Oui Aïa is one of the city’s most talked-about underground supper clubs, hosted monthly at a private downtown location that’s only revealed after you buy a ticket. Chef Ayah Hanafieh built the concept around community and connection, serving eight to ten tapas-style dishes alongside a complimentary cocktail. No two menus are the same, and the communal format naturally pushes guests to interact. It feels intimate, slightly exclusive, and exactly like the kind of thing that would exist in Toronto.
Murder mystery, but make it dinner Inspired by the world of Knives Out, this immersive dinner theatre experience turns your meal into a live mystery. Guests step into the role of culinary insiders attending an exclusive event hosted by a fictional celebrity chef. From there, the story unfolds through the menu itself, with clues hidden in each course. You’re solving puzzles, decoding details, and trying to piece together what actually happened, all while eating your way through a multi-course meal. It’s playful, dramatic, and a reminder that dinner can still surprise you.
This one technically takes you out of the city, but it earns its place. Chef Anthony Bish’s Tony’s Sourdough in Elora is already known for its limited-run sourdough pizzas, capped at around 100 per day. But the real experience happens after hours, when the space transforms into a private tasting menu setting. Think miso-braised short rib, lobster ravioli, fresh sourdough and a dining room that feels completely closed off from the outside world.
Gifted to each guest at the ultra-lux Kat Florence hotel, where the dinner is part of a hyper-personalized guest experience, it leans fully into exclusivity.
The doors at 828 Eastern Avenue are locked, but Slammie Sammies owners Pedro Dos Santos and Marilyn Simms didn’t close their eatery — they were locked out by their landlord. Inside, they’ve been forced to leave everything behind, including Dos Santos’s professional knives and the $20,000 commercial suppression hood he paid for out of pocket, along with much more.
The situation is complicated by the fact that their landlord is also their business partner. Jermaine (Jay) Williams says he locked Dos Santos and Simms out over unpaid debts — which he puts at more than $90,000 — and alleges misuse of company funds, calling some charges fraudulent. Dos Santos and Simms deny those claims. At the centre of it all is a dispute over how their partnership agreement is being interpreted, one that’s now dragged on for over a month with no clear resolution in sight.
Writer Marie Pascual detailed the entire legal battle on her Substack, providing documentation of legal agreements and other financial statements. But in the fallout, a Leslieville staple — one loved by its community and the workers who keep Toronto going — remains closed.
“The ideal situation is to get all of our equipment back,” say Simms and Dos Santos. And they believe that their business partner, Williams (who they met on Kijiji), had ulterior motives throughout the partnership. “The equity partners that Jay brought in were interested in taking control of this space from the start to bring flowers into the business that we didn’t want. It felt pre-meditated and our worst suspicions came true. They now have control of the space. With no restaurant experience, it will be interesting to see how they do.”
@slammiesammies/Instagram
For his part, Williams says that the space will house a new, completely different concept.
“To clarify: we are not taking over the Slammie Sammies brand, name, or recipes… Whatever opens up there will be nothing like Slammie Sammies,” he told Pascual in response to her article. “For anyone feeling nostalgic and who specially requests it however, can still enjoy some of those tasty sandwiches as they can still be produced by special order. After all, we paid $75,000 for those recipes, didn’t we?”
Even with the Slammie Sammies sign already down and the space at 828 Eastern Avenue seemingly being prepped for something new, Dos Santos and Simms say they’re not giving up on the brand — or the sandwiches people lined up for — just yet.
“We want the public to know that the Slammie Sammies brand is built on integrity, good people making good food. It’s just that simple,” they say. “Slammie Sammies will be back.”
Little Italy’s reputation as one of the best food spots in the city is well-known, and there’s a new concept debuting among all of the restaurants on College Street: Naari Thai BBQ.
The space used to be home to Oro, but owner Hemant Bhagwani embraces growth and evolution in his culinary concepts, and Naari is the latest result.
“It’s a different lane from my Indian‑forward projects, but it keeps our core DNA: craft, ingredient respect and bold, balanced flavours,” he says. ““What’s the same is the spirit of constant evolution. The College Street room previously housed Oro, a shapeshifting concept I created to iterate and stay fresh. Naari is the next chapter in that same address— focused and fire‑driven, but still playful and seasonal.”
The idea of live-fire cooking remains, too, with modern Thai recipes in the form of shareable plates and two menus that allow for a choose-your-own adventure experience: an omakase and an a-la-carte option. Highlights include the BBQ Coconut Chicken Satay with turmeric, soy and tamarind, the oysters with Orange chilli nam jim and crispy shallots and the avocado Som Tum, a chilled Thai avocado salad with fruits and toasted peanuts.
The decision to have both menus star at Naari was deliberate, Bhagwani says.
“The à la carte gives guests freedom to build the table — graze on snacks, go heavy on the grill, or lean into curries. Our omakase menu is a curated walk through the kitchen’s techniques and flavour map ‚ great for first‑timers or anyone who wants the chef to steer.”
The omakase option is wallet-friendly, priced at just $65 a person — a choice Bhagwani says was also deliberate.
“Tasting menus shouldn’t be a special‑occasion only thing,” he says. “We priced ours so more people in the neighbourhood can discover Thai barbecue through a guided experience— on a weeknight, before a concert, or as a casual date — then come back to explore the ever changing omakase menu.”
A colourful springtime festival is opening its doors near Toronto this month, and it’s the perfect day trip for those who are flower-obsessed (or looking for a great photo op). Ontario’s largest tulip farm is getting ready to open for the season, and when it does, it will welcome in visitors for their annual tulip festival. Located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, TASC Tulip Festival begins in late April every year. Home to over three million tulips across multiple fields, the festival not only encourages visitors to enjoy the sights, but to take home a little piece of spring with you — the farm offers a pick-your-own flowers experience.
Featuring over 100 tulip varieties ranging in colour from red and pink to yellow and orange and spanning 55 acres, prepare to snag stunning photos of the very best that nature has to offer and leave with your own little bouquet.
Tulips are only in season for just a few weeks each year, so these floral experiences in Ontario are always popular. The farm notes that the tulips you leave with will largely depend on when you visit the festival: week one promises flowers with longest lifespan, while week two will feature flowers in the most vibrant colours and week three’s blooms will be the most unique.
TASC currently expects opening day to be April 24, and the festival will remain open until all blooms are picked — so don’t wait too long to experience the festival or you might miss out! Right now, TASC predicts the festival will run until May 10.
@tascgrowtogether/Instagram
If photos are your number one priority while visiting the farm, the farm states you’re welcome to buy a ticket for a professional photographer of your choosing to help snap the perfect shot and find the most ideal backdrops among the fields. However, if a kid or two running in the background or a patch of picked over flowers don’t bother you, all visitors are permitted to take photos anywhere around the farm!
Ticket sales are now open on their website and include entry at a designated time as well as 10 tulips. While the expected opening date for the farm is April 24, tickets are currently only available starting May 1 due to the tentative nature of the opening date. Peak day admission (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) costs $25 per person online and more at the gate, while quiet day admission (all other weekdays) costs $20 per person.
TASC Tulip Festival is located at 1173 Line 3 Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake, and is open from Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Friday to Sunday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. The farm is located among 43 wineries and just minutes from Niagara Falls, so if you plan ahead, you can make a full Niagara day trip out of it!
A fresh bagel is basically the ultimate cheap thrill. Toasted with a thick layer of schmear or stacked into a sandwich that’s definitely going to get messy, it’s the one meal everyone in this city can actually agree on. Luckily, Toronto is in the middle of a major bagel boom right now. From wood-fired Montreal classics to the new-school spots worth the weekend lineup, here is where to find the best in the city.
After opening its first Etobicoke location a few years ago, Kettleman’s Bagels has been pumping out hand-stretched, Montreal-style bagels 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to the delight of those in the community. Kettleman’s expertly cuts, rolls and bakes an average of 9,000 to over 10,000 bagels per day, and they’re available in 14 different flavours, including traditional types like sesame and poppyseed but also specialty flavours like herb and cheddar and chocolate chip.
With more than 30 plus bagels on the menu, a range of hand-packed schmears and even a full breakfast and lunch menu, Bubby’s New York Bagels offers one of the most varied selections in the city. Choose from an array of classics or try something new and different, like the French toast bagel or the Montreal steak spice bagel topped with everything from a fried egg and cheese to more than 20 different kinds of herring.
Schmaltz is basically where you go when you want your bagel to be a full-blown event. Since it’s run by the Fat Pasha crew, everything from the hummus to the smoked fish is top level. They’re famous for over-the-top builds like the Chub Chub — packed with whitefish salad and gravlax, or the Latka Double Down, which swaps the bread for actual potato pancakes. The names are all classic Yiddish jokes, from the Shmendrick to the Alterkocher, and the portions are massive.
Hand-rolled bagels and a variety of sweet and savoury spreads and generous toppings await those who set foot in Primrose Bagel. Open seven days a week, Primrose Bagel has seven thick, doughy bagels to choose from, including specialty flavours like the honey oat bagel and the rock salt bagel. A variety of cream cheeses are also available, including a vegan black olive cream cheese and, for something with a bit more bite, the horseradish cream cheese, along with classic bagel sandwiches like lox and cream cheese and breakfast options.
One of the first things that you smell walking through the doors of the St. Lawrence Market was St. Urbain Bagel. As the oldest bagel shop in Toronto with a colourful history dating back to the early 1900s, St. Urbain is a staple in the downtown core. They offer a mix of traditional, healthy and sweet bagels, all made using fresh ingredients. St. Urbain also serves flatzls (a flatter version of their original fluffy bagels), as well as bourekas, a phyllo pastry usually stuffed with sweet or savoury ingredients, like sweet cheese or potato and mushroom, and newer items like the craigel (a bagel–croissant hybrid). A selection of bagel sandwiches is also available.
The Bagel House has been a Toronto staple for over 25 years, and for good reason. They do the whole Montreal-style thing — honey-boiled and baked in a wood-fired oven — but their bagels are a little bigger and heftier than the ones you’d find in Quebec. Since they’re open 24/7, it’s the ultimate spot for a late-night snack when you just want something warm and chewy. There’s usually a line and the seating is basically non-existent, but once you smell that wood smoke, you won’t even care.
Gryfe’s has been a Toronto legend since 1915, and they do things a little differently. Instead of the heavy bagels you find elsewhere, theirs are famous for being super light and airy — they basically melt in your mouth. You’re coming here for the “flats” or a classic pizza bagel, but make sure you hit the ATM first because this place is strictly cash-only. There’s almost always a line out the door, but for a century-old recipe that’s still this good, it’s always worth the wait.
Bagel World is the spot for anyone who loves a classic, chewy New York-style bagel. They’ve got 20 different kinds, but the real stars here are the “Flagels,” — flat, crispy bagels and massive, braided “Twisters.” Everything is boiled and baked in an old-school open-fire oven, so you know they’re coming out fresh and warm. It’s usually pretty busy, but that’s just because these are some of the most reliable bagels in the city.
Bagels on Fire is where you go for a legit Montreal-style fix without the road trip. These are smaller, honey-boiled and baked in a wood-fired oven for a smoky crunch and sweet finish. They’re famous for their classic sesame and onion, but the coconut and pretzel-style twists are the real hits. With spots in the Beaches, Queen West and on Front Street, it’s a super reliable neighbourhood go-to that’s always got fresh coffee and a solid breakfast sandwich waiting for you.
Warm weather is finally here, and Toronto is gearing up for the cherry blossoms to bloom, patios to fill up and for the city to fully dive in to spring. If the return of flowers and warm weather is a sign for you to get out of the city and go enjoy all the nature Ontario has to offer, then check out our spring bucket list guide. We’ve rounded up the best day trips just a short drive from Toronto for 2026 — from scene trails to small-town gems, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of the warmer spring weather.
Mono
@kranendonkphoto/Instagram
A quick hour north of the city, Mono is a serene spring escape where nature and indulgence go hand in hand. Mono Cliffs Provincial Park is one of Ontario’s most scenic hiking destinations, especially in early spring when the forest begins to bloom and the crowds haven’t yet descended. In peak summer and fall, it’s so popular that visitors are sometimes turned away at the gate — but spring is your chance to sneak in early. And let’s be honest: Torontonians love nothing more than feeling like they’re part of an exclusive club. Wander the park’s eight trails, including the famed 100-foot stairway that winds between towering rock faces to a hidden wooden bridge. Then swap your hiking boots for a glass of wine at Adamo Estate Winery, or head to Hockley Valley Resort for countryside views, spa relaxation and dreamy outdoor dining.
Mount Nemo (Burlington)
@juniper.the.isabella.gsd/Instagram
If you’re craving nature without the crowds, Mount Nemo is the place. Tucked just outside Burlington, this underrated spot is a spring day trip dream. This cliffside escape offers everything from lush forest trails to epic rock climbing routes and natural caves just begging to be explored. From the Brock Harris lookout, you can spot the Toronto skyline on a clear day before heading back into the rugged trails of turkey vultures and ancient cedars — worlds away from the busy city. Feeling ambitious? Tackle a section of the Bruce Trail — Canada’s longest marked public footpath stretching 900 km — accessible right from Mount Nemo Conservation Area. Just make sure to book ahead because reservations are required. You wouldn’t want to miss out on the wild, scenic oasis awaiting you for only $10.50 per person at 5316 Guelph Line.
Newmarket
Courtesy Newmarket BIA
If you’re looking for one of those slow-it-down, stumbled-upon kind of days, Newmarket’s Main Street delivers. This charming downtown strip feels like stepping into a storybook. Picture red brick storefronts, string lights and historic buildings (including a museum on the history of the town, housed in a building from 1884). Start your stroll at The Maid’s Cottage, a beloved local spot serving up legendary butter tarts — so delectable that it will be difficult find a place in Toronto that comes close to rivalling this one. You can also enjoy other Canadian comfort classics, from sausage rolls to chicken pot pies. Duck into some quirky boutiques or floral shops, grab an ice cream from the walk up window, or lose yourself inside the one-of-a-kind Flamingo Noir Record Bar — a licensed vinyl lounge serving up drinks with a side of sounds. If the country mouse charm isn’t quite your scene, Upper Canada Mall is just a few minutes away. It’s a quieter alternative to Toronto’s mega-malls, with all the same big-name shops. Inside, Market & Co. offers a sleek, curated food hall experience — think fresh seafood, small-batch pastries and gourmet eats without the crowds.
Cheltenham Badlands
Unlike Katy Perry, you don’t need a passport or a rocket ship to visit this part of space. Just an hour drive from Toronto, the Cheltenham Badlands (opening May 9) is a red rock wonder that looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. This 450-million year old geological gem formed at the bottom of the ancient sea is open seasonally from May to October, offering 1 km trails, walks along the boardwal, and viewing platforms to see this Mars-like rust-coloured landscape. Add in some birdwatching or a light hike and you’ve got the makings for a perfect spring day trip.
Guelph
Courtesy Downtown Guelph
As the epicenter of agriculture in Ontario, Guelph is bursting with bloom in the spring, but did you know that their downtown city also packs a punch well above its weight class? Guelph is the kind of place where you can thrift all morning, eat like a locavore by lunch, and spend your afternoon riverside with a cone in hand. The city’s connection to nearby farms means its food scene is stacked with spots that keep things fresh, local, and laid-back. Skeptical? Grab a sandwich at Park Eatery and see for yourself. If you’re looking for a slower pace, follow the locals to The Boathouse, where you can sip tea, paddle the speed river or enjoy the view with a scoop of the city’s best ice cream. And don’t skip the legendary Aberfoyle Antique Market, Canada’s oldest and largest outdoor antique market, just south of town — open Sundays and packed with vintage treasures, it’s a must for any serious thrifter.
Elora
@dballingall/Instagram
Most people grab their towels and head to Elora in the summer for the iconic swimming quarry and jaw-dropping gorge but did you know just at the banks of the Grand and Irvine rivers stands a ridiculously charming, European-inspired town? Just over an hour from the city, Elora is packed with cobblestone streets, historic stone buildings and a fairytale feel at every corner. At Elora Mill and Spa you might find yourself spending the day sipping wine at a tasting workshop and unwinding with afternoon tea. If nursing a drink all day doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, not to worry. The Mill offers hands-on culinary classes and creative workshops for those who like their day trip with a side of inspiration — and maybe a paintbrush or pastry bag. Grab a bite to eat and an afternoon coffee at the legendary Lost + Found Cafe, and don’t forget to stop into Cordial Clove Books for a new read (and to say hello to the resident shop dog, Dexter). End the day with a scoop at none other than Scoop Ice Cream, known for their legendary sundaes and inventive toppings.
St Jacobs Market (Waterloo)
Courtesy St. Jacobs Market
Two hours from Toronto, St. Jacobs is home to Canada’s largest year-round indoor/outdoor farmers’ market, a rite of passage for anyone who loves a good road trip and an unbeatable apple fritter. Open Thursdays and Saturdays, the market is packed with fresh finds, from homemade chips dressed right in front of you to warm, doughy pretzels and those famous fritters people literally line up for. Beyond the bites, the area buzzes with charm — you might even catch a Mennonite horse and buggy rolling by. Hit up Market Road Antiques (open daily), browse the outlet mall, or time your visit with seasonal events like a floral workshop for Mother’s Day (May 9), or the Open Air Antique Fair (the first one is on May 10). Believe the hype when we say this is Waterloo’s most beloved attraction and worth the day trip this spring.
Goodwood
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Schitt’s Creek fans, this one’s for you. Just 45 minutes from Toronto, the tiny town of Goodwood doubled as the backdrop for one of the most beloved comedies of our time — and yes, the iconic spots are still there. You can stroll past Café Tropical, Rose Apothecary, Bob’s Garage and Town Hall (just note: some are private homes, so keep it calm, cool and respectful). Bob’s Garage isn’t just set dressing, it’s home to local legend Joe Toby, who makes custom furniture for people with disabilities and is known to be extra friendly with “Schittheads.” Rose Apothecary has been transformed into a charming shop filled with anything you need. From clothing, to knick knacks, and merch — you can find it here. The township also has a stacked lineup of bakeries, breweries and smokehouses. Don’t skip on the cast favourites like carrot cake from Tin Cup Caffe or butter tarts at Annina’s.
Royal Botanical Gardens (Burlington)
Courtesy Royal Botanical Gardens
Spring is when the Royal Botanical Gardens come to life, and there’s no better time to experience it than in the spring. At 680 Plains Rd. W. in Burlington, the RBG bursts into colour with the return of migratory birds, blooming magnolias and flowering cherries. Here you’ll find fragrant lilacs and delicate spring ephemeral wildflowers popping up all over. Whether you’re strolling through lush gardens or birdwatching by the ponds, this Burlington hotspot is the perfect place to soak in the season’s beauty.
Devil’s Punch Bowl (Stoney Creek)
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Just under an hour from Toronto, the Devil’s Punch Bowl is a must-see natural wonder tucked into Stoney Creek. Located at 185 Ridge Rd., this dramatic site features two separate falls (upper and lower) and a gorge carved by massive meltwater rivers at the end of the last ice age. You’ll spot vibrant, layered rock formations that tell a story millions of years in the making. Legend has it the name comes from moonshiners who once sold homemade booze near the falls — a little devil’s work, if you will. Afterwards, stop into Ridge Road Winery for a wine and cheese or wine and chocolate pairing.
Dundurn Castle (Hamilton)
Courtesy Tourism Hamilton
Hamilton is one of Ontario’s best-kept secrets when it comes to day trips. Home to over 156 waterfalls, it holds the global title for the most in one place. But beyond its scenic cascades, the city is also rich in architectural and cultural history. Enter Dundurn Castle: a stately neoclassical mansion at 610 York Blvd., complete with manicured waterfront gardens and a past as grand as its facade. You may have spotted it on The Umbrella Academy, or in recent Canadian mega-hit Heated Rivalry (the estate stood in handily for Moscow, Russia) but this 1830s villa is worth seeing up close. Enjoy a guided tour of the 40-room Italianate-style villa, and meander through the restored Historic Kitchen Garden. It’s the kind of place that turns a casual spring stroll into a step back in time.
Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge (Trent Hills)
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Make a day trip out of visiting Trent Hills this spring. The undersung township has it all — a stunning provincial park, an unexpected attraction (or two) and heaps of culture. Head to Ferris Provincial Park in Campbellford and take a stroll across the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge, spanning 300 feet and hovering 30 feet above the rushing waters below. Then, feast your eyes on the world’s largest toonie — also located in Campbellford, this larger-than-life monument is 27 feet high and 18 feet wide and truly staggering up close. See a play in one of the most unique theatre venues you’ve ever seen, Westben — a 400-seat barn theatre. And in nearby Warkworth, prepare for an empurpled experience on the Warkworth Lilac Trail. Running from May 30–31, the annual festival will feature 83 different varieties of lilacs along the almost 3-kilometre trail.
Long weekends in Toronto just mean one extra day to enjoy all the fun this city has to offer! With an unseasonably warm Good Friday ahead, take advantage of it by heading to a Toronto FC game, enjoying some festive floats at an Easter parade, tasting fresh taffy at a maple festival and more!
For more things to do in Toronto, check out our Instagram page, @streetsoftorontodo.
On Saturday, head to BMO Field for Toronto FC’s first regular season game against the Colorado Rapids. Our home team is coming off a win against Columbus, so let’s cheer them on to another one from the stands!
Over 250 vendors will offer everything from artisanal pet treats and food to unique handmade accessories and grooming essentials at this annual pet expo, running all long weekend, and there will also be a creative grooming station (where you can watch pups be transformed into works of art).
The Beaches Easter weekend celebration is back with some super festive fun! Enjoy the famous Easter parade this Sunday, April 5 at 2 p.m. with family. The parade starts on Queen Street at Munro Parkland and ends after turning onto Woodbine Avenue, so grab your kids and set up early for the best seats!
Celebrate the final weekend of maple season at the Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival! Bruce’s Mill Conservation Park and Kortright Centre for Conservation. Learn how that golden syrup gets made, enjoy a pancake breakfast and taste some fresh maple taffy all weekend long.
Toronto’s amazing multi-hyphenate Mae Martin (the mind behind Netflix’s 2025 hit Wayward) is performing back in their hometown on Saturday on their new stand-up tour, The Possum.
Spend your Easter weekend participating in a run that celebrates the beginning of spring! The Beneva Spring Run-Off is the annual kick-off of the Canada Running Series, and it features both a 8-kilometre and 5-kilometre race through High Park.
Running for just four nights only, including this Friday and Saturday, catch award-winning musical Bat out of Hell in Toronto! This reimagined show features a dynamic eight-piece rock band live on stage, bringing to life the music of Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf.
Celebrate the beginning of Earth Month with Evergreen Brick Works! The celebration begins on Sunday, with full-day programming that includes egg decorating, a bird and bee habitat-making workshop, mochi making (with an Easter twist), seed planting, a garden party and more.
Easter in Torontomeans one thing: mini eggs have returned to the city. Everyone knows that spring doesn’t start until Easter arrives and with it comes the pastel colour palettes and the excuse to indulge in all things sugar-high. Bakeries across the city are leaning all the way in and taking it one step further this year, creating limited-edition menus filled with delicate pastries, over-the-top cookies and spring-forward flavours. Whether you’re hosting your family for brunch, building the perfect dessert table, or looking to hole up in your place with three-days worth of sweets hiding from holiday obligations — here are 10 easter desserts in the city that justify that afternoon treat.
Located on the ground floor of the Bisha Hotel, French Made is doing Easter with a polished Parisian touch. This limited-time menu makes the perfect giftable basket to bring to any occasion with desserts that put as much thought and care into the presentation of their treats as they do the taste. The Jawbr-egg-er chocolate eggs come in multiple sizes and feel like the centrepiece of any Easter table, while the Valrhona dark and caramel latte bunnies bring that signature rich, European chocolate depth. There are also hazelnut nest macarons, delicately assembled to echo the season, and intricately iced sugar cookies in
quilted egg and rabbit designs that feel almost too pretty to eat. Even the drinks are on theme, with an iced white chocolate mocha topped with blush pink vanilla cold foam that leans sweet, creamy and\unmistakably spring.
2. Dipped Donuts
Dipped Donuts is one the city’s most viral spots at the moment, and it’s not just for their Easter menu. Dipped donuts, known for their local hero title on Too Good to Goand their crazy combination flavours, is coming through for Torontonians one more time with a well-curated seasonally spring menu for this upcoming long weekend. Based around their cold-fermented brioche dough and small-batch bake approaches, everything here lands soft, rich, and deeply satisfying. The Easter menu takes things up a notch with a lineup that brings out your inner child and lets you fully indulge. Caution: if you make a trip to their shop this weekend you may find yourself stuck between an impossible decision — The blueberry lemon fritter filled with a tangy jammy centre, or a banana cream pie donut that goes all the way in with vanilla bean glaze, graham crumble, caramel and chocolate drizzle. And that’s just the beginning, head over there yourself to see the full menu.
A personal year round favourite, offering something soft and refined. Kitten and the Bear is bringing their signature comforting, tea-time edge to Easter. The star of the show is the pavlova wreath, a pull-apart arrangement of six delicate nests that are crisp on the outside and marshmallow-soft inside. It’s topped with cream cheese chantilly, housemade lemon curd, chocolate mini eggs, edible gold flakes and a shortbread crumble. The bakery’s Easter scones are equally worth picking up, especially the Cadbury mini egg and carrot cake varieties, alongside their classic buttermilk. Add in fresh lemon curd, seasonal jams, seasonal fruit crumble and petite buttercream tea cakes in flavours like sunshine peach and
blackberry lavender, and you have the perfect Easter table.
One of the best things about Toronto is the chance to continually discover. At first glance, a nut shop might not scream Easter, but The Roasted Nut Company is here to prove us wrong. This year, it’s all about mini egg peanut butter. Their springtime version of seasonal dessert: a rich, slightly crunchy spread made from roasted peanuts and crushed chocolate eggs. It’s available by the jar, but also baked into cookies for a classic peanut butter cookie with a twist.
All Is Well Cafe proves that not all Easter desserts have to look the same. Their mini egg latte, topped with vanilla cold foam brings dessert in a new form. It’s sweet, creamy, and has the right amount of novelty for a seasonal treat. Their blueberry matcha with blueberry cold foam offers something sweet of a different variety, introducing a different palette than the usual, something bright, fruity, and dessert-adjacent
While The Pie Commission may be known for their perfectly flaky, all-butter, savoury-filled pies. This year, the commission is taking a rare turn towards sweets for Easter. The limited-time offerings include mini egg brownies, dense and chocolatey with just enough crunch, and a carrot cake butter tart that feels like a hybrid worth paying attention to. Beyond the seasonal menu, their regular dessert lineup holds its own: Biscoff blondies, the ever-popular pie in a cookie, classic butter tarts, and a rotating selection of pies including malted milk chocolate, coconut custard, mixed berry and cinnamon apple. It’s a place where you can go in for one thing and leave with three.
A short drive outside the city brings you to the best pastry shop in the GTA. Bartholomew Bakery offers something closer to a full European pastry experience. Known for its traditional techniques and beautifully layered croissants, the bakery set inside an industrial kitchen has leaned fully into Easter with a dedicated seasonal menu. There’s a lemon cream cheese Danish, a delicate Easter nest croissant, and a strawberry rhubarb Danish that feels especially tied to the season. The Rocher croissant brings in hazelnut and chocolate richness, while staples like butter croissants, pain au chocolat and pistachio twice-baked
croissants round out the offering.
What started as a late-night baking side project has turned into one of Toronto’s most recognizable cookie brands, and Easter is where they really lean into excess. Their seasonal menu is built around stuffed, layered cookies with bold flavour combinations. The White Rabbit features a milk cookie base with pastillas milk and candy filling, while Eggs in Crash incorporates Hershey’s chocolate eggs and matcha elements. The Easter Surprise brings together Ferrero-style chocolate, hazelnut and caramel notes, and the carrot cake cookie delivers a fully loaded version of the classic, complete with walnuts, vanilla cream and
cheesecake filling. These are not subtle cookies, but they’re not trying to be.
Few bakeries in the city have grown as quickly as Andrea’s Cookies, with three locations in under four years. Their Easter menu is a reminder of why. Available for a limited time, the Easter edition lineup includes flavours like mini egg, banana Biscoff, lemon poppyseed and carrot cake, alongside staples like chocolate chunk and Kinder. The cookies themselves are thick, soft-centred and designed to satisfy the sweetest tooth. With locations across the city, it’s one of the more accessible stops on this list, but also one of the most likely to sell out.
If your Easter plans include something a little over-the-top, Salt and Sugar Dessert Bar delivers. Opened in late 2025, the Markham spot has built a following around its live dessert bar concept, serving everything from Biscoff cheesecake lattes to chocolate-covered Sebastian cheesecakes and Belgian waffle kits. For Easter, they’ve introduced a mini egg crunch cake. A nostalgic, McCain-style chocolate cake served in a to-go container, covered in warm, melty chocolate and topped with mini eggs. It’s rich, messy and very much part of the current “dessert as experience” trend. Easter desserts in Toronto have never really been about restraint, but this year feels especially rich. From carefully composed French pastries to chaotic, mini egg-loaded cookies, the city is fully embracing both ends of the spectrum.
Here are the 10 best shows to check out in Toronto this April, from Florence + The Machine and Demi Lovato to a new revue from The Second City. A cross-section of the city’s live scene right now, where big-ticket headliners and homegrown music legends share the same crowded calendar.
Florence + The Machine
Indie-pop powerhouse Florence + The Machine (photo at top) brings the Everybody Scream Tour to Scotiabank Arena on April 16. With multiple Grammy nominations, and hits such as “Dog Days Are Over” and “Shake It Out,” she takes the stage for a night of epic anthems and theatrical spectacle.
Lily Allen
British pop provocateur Lily Allen brings her latest project to the stage with Lily Allen Performs West End Girl, a show featuring the acclaimed new album performed live from start to finish. Catch the British singer-songwriter April 7–8 at the venerable Massey Hall for two nights of sass and storytelling.
Lily Allen
Second City
Comedy institution the Second City has launched its 91st main stage revue, World’s Gone Wild. Expect a whirlwind of sketch, improv and musical comedy from a new ensemble, featuring Gillian Bartolucci, Tim Blair, Monica Garrido Huerta, Antony Hall, Chelsea Larkin and Gavin Pounds.
The Book of Mormon
The wildly irreverent hit musical The Book of Mormon returns to Toronto April 7–26 with its outrageous story of two mismatched missionaries sent halfway around the world. Catch the nine-time Tony Award–winning comedy at the Princess of Wales Theatre for a sharp, laugh-out-loud night of Broadway satire.
Demi Lovato
Pop powerhouse Demi Lovato brings the It’s Not That Deep Tour to Toronto in support of her new album on April 20, with special guest Adéla. Expect a night of raw emotion, bold performances and Lovato’s signature blend of pop hits and soulful ballads at Scotiabank Arena.
Courtesy @demihq/Instagram
Raye
U.K. pop sensation Raye hits the city on April 13, performing hits such as “Escapism,” “Love of Your Life” and tracks from her acclaimed 2024 album My 21st Century Blues. Known for her genre-blending and infectious sound, Raye takes the stage at Coca-Cola Coliseum.
Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary
Crow’s Theatre presents the world premiere of Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary, running April 7–May 3. Written by playwright Erin Shields and directed by Ellen McDougall, this reimagining gives voice to four women named Mary, blending scripture, rebellion and contemporary wit.
Irene Tu
Comedian Irene Tu brings her razor-sharp wit and acclaimed standup to town for a two-night run at Comedy Bar Danforth, April 24–25. With her #1 iTunes debut album, We’re Done Now, and Netflix spotlight credits, Tu delivers a smart, fearless and hilarious performance.
Irene Tu
Opera Atelier
Baroque specialists Opera Atelier present a new staging of Pelléas et Mélisande on April 15, 16, 18 and 19, blending gorgeous orchestration with avant-garde flourishes. Featuring a stellar cast including Measha Brueggergosman, the production unfolds at Koerner Hall.
Great Lake Swimmers
Beloved local band Great Lake Swimmers returns to Toronto to play Queen West’s the Great Hall on April 10 in support of their new album, Caught Light. Led by founder and gifted songwriter Tony Dekker, Caught Light is the band’s ninth album.
