From maple syrup festivals to charming small towns, there are so many gorgeous spots to explore.
Here are the eight best things to do in Ontario this spring, according to Narcity's travel team.
Jones Falls
Price: Free
Address: 717875 Hwy. 6, Springmount, ON
Why You Need To Go: As a Senior Writer, one of my favourite spots to visit in Ontario during the spring is Jones Falls. The enchanting waterfall is especially magical during spring melt and while the trails can be a bit muddy, it's worth it for the views.
The 293-acre conservation area has several trails to explore and features the 12-metre-high Jones Falls. The cascade can be discovered by travelling through a unique rock crevice.
You can also pop over to the nearby Inglis Falls to see two cascades in one day. Both are great opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy that fresh spring weather.
Grey Sauble website
Canadian Tulip Festival
Price: Free
When: May 10 to 20, 2024
Address: Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: It's flower season! One of the best spots to enjoy the glory of spring is the Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa, according to Senior Copy Editor Avery Friedlander.
The annual event "preserves the memorable role of the Canadian troops in the liberation of the Netherlands and Europe."
You can see close to 1 million tulips throughout the nation's Capital Region. There are several events that take place throughout the festival, including a tulip market, where you can shop for handcrafted tulip items from local vendors, movies in the park, a blacklit tulip garden and a show outlining one of the most important missions of the Second World War.
Other highlights include the opening ceremony where you can see a Fly By from the Royal Canadian Air Force and the first-ever Drone Show, which features 200 drones over Dow's Lake.
Canadian Tulip Festival website
Vandermeer Nursery & Garden Centre
Price: Free to visit
Address: 588 Lake Ridge Rd. S., Ajax, ON
Why You Need To Go: For Senior Writer Sarah Rohoman, the Vandermeer Nursery & Garden Centre is the place to be if you want a spring road trip.
"They have a massive variety of plants and accessories and it's just fun to look at all the fresh blooms," she said.
The family-owned garden centre is home to thousands of plants and it's the perfect place to breathe in the smell of spring. You can even enjoy events throughout the year, such as Greenhouse Tours, Rose Seminars and Planter Workshops.
The venue is hosting an Easter event which includes an egg hunt and bunny breakfast bowl making.
Vandermeer Nursery website
Kortright Maple Syrup Festival
Price: $11.50 per adult
When: March 9 to April 7, 2024
Address: 9550 Pine Valley Dr., Woodbridge, ON
Why You Need To Go: Spring is maple season and as a patriotic Canadian and someone with a sweet tooth, I love visiting maple festivals.
The Kortright Maple Syrup Festival is one of my favourite spots to celebrate this gooey delicacy. The conservation area has lots going on, including horse-drawn wagon rides, pancake meals, maple syrup tastings and more.
You can wander through a sugar bush and learn about the history of maple syrup production. This year, you can explore the trail during the evenings and see the area lit up with lanterns.
TRCA website
Unionville
Price: Free
Address: Unionville, Ontario
Why You Need To Go: Writer Katherine Caspersz suggests a spring trip to Unionville for the "Stars Hollow vibes."
"It's super pretty in the spring with lots of flowers around town, and there are so many cute photo ops, especially the town gazebo which is always decked out in blooms," she shared.
"The warm weather is perfect for strolling the cute streets. Plus, the town usually hosts festivals and outdoor events in the warmer months."
The small town, which is known for its role as Stars Hollow in the Gilmore Girls pilot episode, has so many cozy vibes and is a beautiful spring destination. This season, you can enjoy events like Easter on Main, Historic Unionville Walking Tours, Mother's Day on Main and more.
Main Street Unionville website
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Price: Free
Address: Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Why You Need To Go: I love a small town adventure and Niagara-on-the-Lake is such a dreamy spot to visit during the spring. The beautiful village has historic buildings and lots of cute shops to browse.
The town and surrounding area come alive with blooms and it was recently named one of the best spots to see cherry blossoms in Canada.
There are also several tulip farms in the area where you can take a mini trip to Holland.
One of the biggest draws is the wineries. Niagara-on-the-Lake has endless vineyards which are so picturesque during spring bloom. You can enjoy tours and drink up that spring weather at these spots.
Niagara-on-the-Lake website
Queen West
Price: Free
Address: Queen Street West, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Rohoman shared that while Toronto's parks are beautiful during the spring, they can be a bit crowded, so she prefers to visit less "nature-y" spots.
"In Toronto, it's fun to wander along Queen West when the weather has warmed up and look for new treasures for my wardrobe or apartment," she said.
Queen West is known for its restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, murals and more.
It's a fun spot to spend an afternoon, wandering through shops and grabbing an iced coffee at some of the local cafes. Don't miss a chance to visit the enchanting garden patio at Cafe23.
She also shouted out Graffiti Alley where you can get some fun Insta content.
Destination Toronto website
Folmer Landscaping Botanical Gardens
Price: $10 + per person
Address: Hwy. 9 Walkerton, ON
Why You Need To Go: Another one of my favourite spots to visit during the spring is Folmer Landscaping Botanical Gardens. The tranquil garden centre offers both self-guided and guided tours and you can spend an afternoon exploring trails filled with blooms.
It's especially beautiful during lilac season and the air smells so fresh and fragrant.
There's a gift shop onsite where you can purchase decor and items for all your gardening needs. It's a magical place to enjoy a bit of peace and serenity this season.
Folmer Gardens website
Enjoy the season to the fullest at these fun spring destinations.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
