This Magical New Light Festival In Toronto Lets You Wander Past Glowing Butterflies

The City of Toronto just got brighter! A new light festival is taking place in the city and you can wander past giant installations and interactive artwork that will light up your world.

The month-long event is free to enjoy and features a six pieces that range from large to smaller window displays. The light installations can be enjoyed during the day or at night, so you don't need to wait until the evening in order to enjoy the views.

The festival, called Illuminate, is located in the Downtown Yonge neighbourhood and is running from March 1 to 31, 2024. It's the largest light festival at the heart of Downtown Toronto and is hosted by the Downtown Yonge BIA.

"Downtown Yonge is so much more than just high-rise buildings and offices - it is also a cultural corridor; not just to be experienced in the summer, but in the winter as well," Cheryll Diego, Downtown Yonge’s Public Realm Experience Director, said in a press release.

"Don’t let construction and dreary winter weather hinder you from taking a stroll, we feel these installations will be that added push to bring people to the area. With Illuminite, we invite friends and families, visitors and tourists to come by and stay for a while, and truly feel the heartbeat of Toronto."

You can wander past animated butterflies, experience a "Seasonal Affective Meditation space," "engage with others in a sound-and-light dialogue" and more while visiting the festival.

If you're looking for something fun to do outdoors this month, you may want to plan a stroll through the Yonge neighbourhood to see these glowing installations. A map is available on the festival website.

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.