A Guide to the Toronto Beaches Easter Parade 2024
Toronto Beaches Easter Parade: A Community Gem
Growing up in the Beaches neighbourhood, the Toronto Beaches Easter Parade was always one of my favourite Spring events in Toronto!
The parade has been taking place since 1967 and is one of the largest and longest-running Easter parades in the world, according to the Beaches Lions. Each year, the Beaches Lions Club does an excellent job of organizing and running this popular Toronto parade.
In 2023, an impressive crowd of 100,000 spectators gathered for the parade, illustrating the parade’s popularity.
For those considering attending the Beaches Easter Parade, this guide will give you all the information you need to know to help you plan your visit.
2024 Essential Parade Details
- Date: March 31, 2024
- Time: 2:00 p.m. (typically 2 hours long)
- Parade Route: Starts at Munro Park Ave, moving west along Queen Street East, concluding at Woodbine Ave.
- Road Closures: Queen Street East will be closed between Woodbine Ave. and Fallingbrook from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., with further closures starting at 11 a.m.
- More Info: Visit the Beaches Easter Parade Website
What to Expect at the Beaches Easter Parade
The Toronto Easter Parade has floats, costumes, bands, and, of course, the much-loved Easter Bunny. And while the parade doesn’t have the same scale as the Toronto Santa Claus Parade, its quaint and local feel is its unique charm.
Insider Tips for an Enjoyable Parade Experience
Follow these tips from a local to get the most out of your visit to the parade.
Strategic Parking
With many road closures in the area, parking can be a bit of a challenge at times. If you get to the Beaches early enough, you can likely find some parking on the residential streets north of Queen Street. Don’t leave it too late, however, as you’ll get caught up in the closed roads and one-way streets!
There are also several parking lots available in the Beaches neighbourhood worth considering if you plan to drive to the parade.
Dress for the Weather
The Easter Parade happens rain or shine, so you will want to dress according to the weather. The weather in Toronto in March can be quite unpredictable. I have been to the Easter Parade in very cold weather, but also in beautiful spring weather.
Prime Viewing Strategy
Arrive about 30 minutes early for a prime spot, or head east towards Fallingbrook for less crowded areas. You may also want to bring chairs or blankets to sit on while you wait for the parade to start.
Bring an Easter Basket
Often, chocolate and candies are handed out during the parade. Bringing an Easter basket will help collect your goodies during the parade.
Enjoy a Walk Along the Boardwalk
If you are in the Beaches for the Easter Parade, why not take some additional time for a stroll along the Beaches Boardwalk? Walking along this 3.5 km wooden boardwalk with friends and family before or after the parade is the perfect activity for Easter Sunday.
Is the Toronto Easter Parade Worth Visiting?
Having attended this parade for years, I’ve come to appreciate its unique blend of community spirit and holiday excitement. It’s a perfect family-friendly event that captures the essence of the Beaches neighbourhood’s vibrancy and warmth.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned attendee, the Beaches Toronto Easter Parade is an experience you won’t forget, and the parade is definitely worth visiting each spring.
Before You Go: More Toronto Posts
Now that you’ve read this post about the Beaches Easter Parade, you may be interested in learning more about the Beaches Neighbourhood in Toronto, including this list of things to do in the Beaches neighbourhood and my local guide to the best things to do at Woodbine Beach.
