Spring 2025 in Canada: Your Bucket List of Awesome Events
Canadian spring = outdoor vibes, festival fever, and city adventures. We’ve rounded up the coolest events hitting the streets in 2025. Starting with Toronto’s hype train, then rolling out to other cities – let’s do this!
Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Green Everything!
When: March 16, 2025 | 12 PM kickoff
Where: Downtown TO (route: St. George & Bloor to Yonge & Dundas)
Cost: Free AF
The lowdown: Toronto’s biggest Irish party turns the city emerald! Think giant leprechaun floats, bagpipe crews dropping beats, and dance troupes killing it in traditional gear. Pro tip: Wear ALL the green you own, grab a shamrock shake, and join 100,000+ hypebeasts celebrating Celtic pride. Sláinte!
One of a Kind Spring Show – Toronto’s Craft Game Strong
When: March 26-30, 2025
Where: Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place
Cost: $20 (adults), $13 (students/seniors), kiddos free
The lowdown: Canada’s largest indie craft fair turns 50 – and it’s throwing down! Score 450+ vendors slinging everything from vegan leather jackets to maple syrup art. Live DJs, DIY workshops, and snack stalls will keep you fueled. Perfect for unique gifts or treating yo’self.
Doors Open Toronto – Secret Spots Revealed!
When: May 24-25, 2025
Where: Hidden gems citywide
Cost: Zero. Zilch. Nada.
The lowdown: Toronto’s throwing open doors to 100+ off-limits spots! This year’s theme – “City as Playground” – means behind-the-scenes access to pro sports locker rooms, rooftop gardens, and underground music venues. Pro move: Hit the vintage streetcar depot – total Instagram gold.
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival – Pink Petal Paradise
When: March 26 – April 28, 2025
Where: Queen Elizabeth Park, David Lam Park & beyond
Cost: Mostly free | Japan Fair: $10-$15
The lowdown: VanCity becomes Sakura Central with 40,000 blooming trees! Join “bloom walks,” nighttime light shows, or the Sakura Days Japan Fair for anime merch and matcha everything. Peak pro tip: Pack a picnic blanket for sunset under the pink canopy at Queen E Park.
Canadian Tulip Festival – Ottawa’s Color Bomb
When: May 9-19, 2025
Where: Commissioners Park, Dow’s Lake
Cost: Free to roam!
The lowdown: Thank the Dutch for this one – Ottawa goes full rainbow with 1 MILLION tulips! Snap selfies in floral wonderlands, catch live bands, or hit the Taste of Tulips food fest. Don’t miss the Saturday night fireworks over the blooms. Pro move: Rent a paddleboat for flower views from the lake!
Montreal International Jazz Fest – 10 Days of Pure Vibe
When: June 26 – July 5, 2025
Where: Quartier des Spectacles, Montréal
Cost: Free outdoor shows | Club gigs from $50
The lowdown: The world’s biggest jazz fest (yes, Guinness-certified!) takes over MTL. Imagine 2 million people grooving to 3,000 artists across 20 stages! Daytime = free street performances. Nights = legendary acts in intimate clubs. Fuel up on poutine between sets – you’ll need the energy!
