We’ve officially made it to March Break and if you’re getting some time off this week, consider yourself lucky. There are so many things to do for March Break in Toronto that are cheap, free, and discounted for this week only!
Participate in some drop-in activities at Ontario Place and Fort York National Historic Site, see some incredible outdoor art, hit up the city’s museums for just a few bucks, and cap it all off with some Irish cheer at the St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Here are 12 of the best free and cheap activities to check out around Toronto during March Break 2022.
ArtworxTO
Art enthusiasts, this one’s for you. A year-long celebration of exceptional art, called ArtworxTO: Toronto’s Year of Public Art, is bringing all kinds of FREE public exhibits, installations, and displays to the city at various ArtworxTO Hubs. The displays you’ll get to see are contemporary works by local and international artists. Opening in early March is the I am land installation at Union Station, and HOME(LAND) at Cloverdale Common. Each of the installations has its own unique theme and message.
Where: Various locations
When: Until Fall 2022
March Break at Ontario Place
There’s lots of fun to be had at Ontario Place this March Break, starting with a whole lineup of Blockbuster films at the Cinesphere. Some of the major titles include Joker, Godzilla vs. Kong, Dunkirk, Muse – Simulation Theory: The IMAX Experience, In The Heights, and Ghost in the Shell.
Plus, you can enjoy the fresh air and some tasty s’mores at the Community Bonfire, hosted every afternoon and evening at the Cedar Cove North Fire Pit during March Break. And art-lovers will love the self-guided walking tour presented by ArtworxTO.
Where: 955 Lake Shore Blvd W
When: March 12th — March 20th
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The “largest Irish event in Canada” is making a comeback and it’ll be the perfect finale to your March Break this year. Organizers have announced that this year’s parade will take place as scheduled on the Sunday after St. Patrick’s Day. This year, the parade’s organizers are excited to welcome the public back to the celebration, complete with a marching band and all the bells and whistles.
Where: See the parade route here
When: Sunday, March 20th
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March Break at Fort York
Partake in some free fun for all ages at Toronto’s historic Fort York site. Enjoy the fresh air with an outdoor walking tour, then warm up by the Fort’s outdoor fire pit where you’ll get to learn how to cook over an open fire. Explore the grounds, snap some photos, learn about the city’s fascinating past and participate in some engaging drop-in activities.
Where: 250 Fort York Blvd
When: March 12th — March 20th, 2022, 10 a.m. — 4 p.m.
ROM Distance Discount
You can get a deep discount at the Royal Ontario Museum this March Break, but there’s a catch. The further away you live, the more you get to save. The ROM is running a promotion for out-of-town visitors and based on the first letter of your postal code, you could get anywhere from 20% to 40% off. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to spend a day in the city, this is your chance to do it.
Where: 100 Queens Park
When: Until March 20th, 2022
Museum of Contemporary Art
The MOCA has reopened to the public with a brand new season of exhibitions. Described as “ambitiously inclusive, interdisciplinary, and internationally renowned,” this is the place to see and experience contemporary art. Get excited for unique new showcases at the MOCA, a “place for everyone to explore that provokes ideas and discussion and challenges the current cultural moment.”
Where: 158 Sterling Rd
When: 11 a.m. — 6 p.m. daily
Price: Adult $10, Student $5 with ID
Winter Stations
The annual international design competition at The Beaches is back. Winter Stations will run until the end of the month and will showcase the six winning projects along the shoreline. This year’s winners took their creativity to new heights, transforming the lifeguard towers into northern cardinal birds, isolation pavilions, beehives, and more.
Where: Woodbine Beach, 1675 Lake Shore Blvd E
When: Until March 31st, 2022
Island of Warmth
Another interactive display has popped up in the city and it has delighted locals in cities all over the world. The installation, called Island of Warmth, is designed to resemble a campfire and uses movement and sound to keep its flames burning bright. The bonfire is surrounded by sensors placed on the floor and relies on the people around it to bring it to life. If you’re a fan of outdoor art, this one’s worth the visit.
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square
When: Until March 20th, 2022
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60 WORKS / 60 YEARS
Experience the evolution of our city through the eyes of Toronto’s emerging artists. The art gallery at the St. Lawrence Market is now showcasing 60 artworks acquired by the City from the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair over the past six decades. Do a little shopping at the market and then head upstairs to this FREE show and explore the ever-changing geographical and cultural landscape of our city.
Where: The Market Gallery, 95 Front St E
When: Until April 17th, 2022
Skating in the city
Ice skating season isn’t over just yet! Most of the city-operated outdoor rinks, including Nathan Philips Square, will be open until March 20th this year. With milder weather ahead, this is the perfect time to glide the afternoon away. The best part is that they’re completely free to use, but you can rent skates and a helmet for a fee.
Where: Various locations
When: Until March 20th, 2022
