5 activities on the waterfront your family will love this March Break
March Break is here once again (already?!) and if this year’s plan is to stay close to home, you’re probably scoping out the best ways to keep the little ones entertained. Toronto’s waterfront has all you need for a week of exciting attractions and events that won’t break the bank. What youngster wouldn’t want to run around a giant obstacle course or fill up on frozen treats inspired by their favourite cereal? Sounds like a great way to spend the break, if you ask us.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Sugar Shack TO
What: Nothing screams “Canada” like an all things maple festival, eh? The fourth annual Sugar Shack TO hits the waterfront once again for what’s promised to be a super-sweet weekend filled with maple-infused bites, ice skating, and plenty of family-friendly games and activities. At Toronto’s urban cabane à sucre experience you’ll also find two sugar shacks (where you can peep maple sugaring demonstrations and snag authentic Ontario maple taffy for the car ride home), the epic Battle of the Chainsaw ice carving competitions, and a maple-inspired obstacle course. So, sharpen that sweet tooth and get ready to tap into your inner Canadian.
Where: Sherbourne Common
When: March 9th and 10th
Cost: Free general admission
Be awed at Ice Breakers
What: A hit with kids and adults alike, Ice Breakers presented by PortsToronto delivers engaging, colourful, and unexpected experiences. Now in its third year, the annual winter art exhibition has transformed Queens Quay West into an artsy playground featuring five large-scale installations. The exhibition is entirely free and holds some of the best Instagram photo op spots in the city.
After an afternoon spent snapping selfies, don’t forget to stop by Loch & Quay for the perfect post-Ice Breakers hang out spot. Dive into delicious eats that’ll delight even the pickiest of pallets and snag a free cup of coffee when you dine-in.
Where: Queens Quay West. Click here to learn where to find each installation
When: On now until March 17th
Cost: Free admission
Lace up your skates!
What: School’s out but the Harbourfront Centre Natrel Rink is open! Strap on the blades and hit the slick stuff for one last dose of winter fun before warmer weather arrives. Stationed on the shoreline of Lake Ontario, the Natrel Rink offers gorgeous waterfront views as you loop around the ice practising your axels. Don’t have a pair of skates? Misplaced your lucky helmet? Not to worry—Harbourfront Centre offers affordable rentals onsite. After your time on the ice, warm up at the cozy rinkside cafe, Boxcar Social.
When: Open daily until March 13th
Where: Harbourfront Centre Natrel Rink
Cost: Free (with the exception of skate and helmet rentals)
Eat your way through the waterfront
What: Toronto’s waterfront is best known for sweeping views of Lake Ontario, but did you know it also offers a smorgasbord of dining options? Cruise along Queens Quay West and you’ll find eateries of all kinds. Authentic Chinese cuisine, modern Italian fare, rustic-looking watering holes, quaint cafes—the list is endless. One local restaurant you’ve got to hit up this March Break is The Goodman Pub & Kitchen for a Lucky Charms Ice Cream Sandwich off their St. Patrick’s Day-inspired feature menu. This can’t-miss frozen treat experience will delight your little one’s hard-to-please taste buds and bring out your inner child. It’s a total win-win for everyone!
When: Open daily
Where: The Goodman Pub & Kitchen (located inside Queens Quay Terminal)
Cost: Prices vary. See The Goodman Pub & Kitchen’s website for further details
Discover Toronto’s hidden gems
You don’t have to venture far to have an unforgettable long weekend adventure. Toronto’s waterfront is riddled with hidden gems that we, as locals, tend to overlook during the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. Gather the family and rediscover your city by exploring under-the-radar treasures like the Spadina Quay Wetland, strolling along Queens Quay appreciating the beauty of Lake Ontario or travelling to Ward’s Island for a picturesque winter excursion.
Where: Queens Quay and Toronto Islands
When: Anytime!
Cost: Free with the exception of Ward’s Island ferry tickets
