The thing we love most about spring, apart from the spring break, of course, is that the weather doesn’t harbour on either extreme. It’s the perfect time to go out exploring all the wonderful activities happening around Toronto. The problem is that we aren’t the only ones trying to take advantage of the wonderful weather and the break… everyone is! Meaning, we have to brave the traffic and circle parking lots before we can start enjoying the outing. And with things almost back to normal, this is only getting worse. Our solution: ditch the car for GO Transit.
As is common knowledge for anyone in the GGH, GO is our life-saver anytime we want to just sit back and relax through a ride. More so now. C’mon who doesn’t need to rebuild patience for on-road nonsense from scratch, eh?
Saving us effort isn’t the only reason GO is a go-to mode of transport for most of us. It’s also pretty easy on the pocket, as anyone familiar with TO parking rates would agree. This clubbed with their other deals- kids 12 and under riding free, weekend passes for unlimited travel and the new 40% off fare for teens – can save some serious bucks. Plus, the many perks (discounts at most iconic attractions in town) us proud PRESTO holders get make it worthwhile for us to take a break from our cars. It’s GO time!
Taking advantage of both- the wonderful spring break and the GO Transit convenience- we teamed up with the latter to bring you this list of seven fun activities that you can enjoy with the whole fam. No cars needed!
Great Whales: Up Close & Personal at ROM
Remember Blue? The iconic Blue Whale skeleton that became a permanent part of ROM’s exhibits? The very same one that sparked conversation and conservation efforts? Well, it now has two new mates. And along comes an even more legendary story this time around. Environmentalist or not, this is an exhibit you ought to check out.
And PRESTO holders, you’re getting a 20% discount on admission and special exhibit tickets. So, be sure to call their contact centre to book your tickets.
When: Throughout March Break, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Where: 100 Queen’s Park, Toronto
Cost: $21 – $35 per person
Get There With GO: Travel by GO bus or train to Union Station. Connect to the TTC and take an 8-minute ride to Museum Station.
St. Patrick’s Parade
Our annual dose of great music, good cheer and a super lit vibe is back on people! After being cancelled for two consecutive years, the St. Patrick’s Day parade is finally happening this year on March 20. And we for one, can’t wait to catch it.
When: Sunday, March 20, 2022 at 12 p.m.
Where: The parade route begins at St. George and Bloor, near St. George station, and heads east along Bloor St. The parade will turn south down Yonge St., then west at Queen St., and will continue along Queen until finishing at Nathan Phillips Square.
Cost: FREE!
Get There With GO: Travel by GO bus or train to Union Station. Connect to the TTC and exit at any of these stops along the parade route: St. George, Museum, Bloor, Wellesley,
College, Dundas, or Queen.
Hello Winter 2022
The new and improved Barrie Winterfest, aka, Hello Winter is back for the second time. And it comes with all the things we love about winter… art installations, snow sculpting challenge, nature exploration activities, soul-soothing hot cocoa, and plenty more. Being one of the few winterfests to take us all the way into spring, Hello Winter is a great op to enjoy the cold outdoors without harsh weathers.
When: Ongoing until March 20, 2022
Where: Downtown Barrie (see website for activity-specific locations)
Cost: FREE!
Get There With GO: Take the Barrie GO train line to Allandale Waterfront GO Station, then connect to Barrie Transit for a 15-minute ride to the downtown area.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
There are few things that we never tire of. Spending a day admiring the majestic creatures of the sea happens to be one of them. From enjoying the many colours at the Rainbow Reefs to patting the stingrays at the Shoreline Gallery to marvelling at historical wreckage at the new Shipwrecks exhibit, Ripley’s Aquarium is one exciting adventure.
When: Throughout March Break, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: 288 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto
Cost: $12.50 – $43 per ticket
Get There With GO: Travel by GO bus or train to Union Station and then follow the Skywalk west. It’s approximately a 12-minute walk.
Disney on Ice
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Whether you have little Disney fans at home or one hidden in you, Disney on Ice is one unmissable experience. You’ll find Mickey and troops, Elsa and gang, the Toy Story squad and many other Disney characters embarking on thrilling expeditions through the many enchanted worlds of Disney. Hit the FirstOntario Centre to witness the mesmerizing Disney magic and mind-blowing performances.
When: March 17-20, 2022
Where: FirstOntario Centre, 101 York Blvd, Hamilton
Cost: $27.35 – $94.40 per ticket
Get There With GO: Travel on the Lakeshore West line to Hamilton GO Station or take the GO bus from Union Station to Hamilton GO Station. Then it’s a 9-minute bus ride on the HSR or a 13-minute walk to the FirstOntario Centre.
Winter Art Trail
Strolling down a snowy maze with the whole family, taking in the last of the crisp air and witnessing some exceptional artwork as we do so. That, friends, is the Winter Art Walk for you where you’ll find some beautiful and inspiring pieces by local artists in Mississauga. Head over for a culture-rich leisurely walk here.
When: Ongoing until March 20, 2022
Where: Lakeview Village, Mississauga
Cost: FREE!
Get There With GO: Take the Lakeshore West GO train line to Long Branch GO Station. Take a 30-minute walk to Lakeview Village or connect to MiWay for a 15-minute bus ride.
At Home in Bronte: Winter Edition
Frankly, when it comes to the Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park, we rarely ever need a reason to visit. But when this fab place turns home to 100 professionally painted Muskoka chairs, there’s no stopping us. The now colourful park is more beautiful than ever. Take a seat on these gorg pieces of art or hunt for the tint lighthouses hidden in their designs.
When: Ongoing
Where: Bronte Heritage
Waterfront Park, 2340 Ontario St., Oakville
Cost: FREE!
Get There With GO: Take the Lakeshore West GO train line to Bronte GO Station, and then connect to Oakville Transit for a 15-minute bus ride.
Ready to make your March break epic? Check out GO Transit’s website for more info on ongoing deals. And don’t forget to recharge your PRESTO cards.
