Be honest, did you fall for an April Fools prank online — even for a second — before looking at the calendar this morning?With truth often being stranger than fiction in the current world climate and disinformation rampant across the internet, we don’t blame you. Even the most seasoned among us in the newsroom did a double take after seeing some fairly compelling social media posts that were published this morning.One of the most convincing came from Toronto’s own transit commission at the start of the work day.In a now deleted post on X, the TTC announced a pilot Aqua Bus project launching this spring. For the keen-eyed observer, the joke was apparent in the caption itself. “Broma del Lago” in Spanish roughly translates to “Lake joke” in English. Complete with #thewetterway, the post had racked up more than 30,000 views before noon. After 12 p.m., they gave up the gag followed by a link to a study on the feasibility of a commuter ferry service.For its April Fools prank, furniture giant Ikea announced the introduction of a new menu item, purportedly cooking up a lollipop version of their popular Swedish meatballs. “Do I have to assemble it myself?,” joked one commenter on Instagram, while many others mused that it should in fact be added to their culinary offerings. View this post on Instagram A post shared by IKEA Canada (@ikeacanada)Popular Toronto Instagram page StreetsofToronto shared a lengthy post lampooning both the City of Toronto and Mayor Olivia Chow, with the announcement of a one-day only wine bar in Little Italy. The fictional barroom’s cheeky name plays off the mayor’s last name, with Olivia Ciao described as “a pun on her last name, a nod to College Street’s heritage and a sparkling ‘hello’ (& a fast ‘goodbye’) to the city’s $380 million FIFA budget.”Lending a modicum of credibility to the otherwise ludicrous idea was the fact that soccer fans bid “Ciao” to Italy’s chances in the World Cup on Tuesday. The caption becomes increasingly less credible as it continues, complete with menu items like Yellow Card Carbonara, the Midfielder Margherita and Penalty Box Bruschetta and made-up quotes from Chow – committing to the bit till the very end when the rouse is revealed with #aprilfools. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Streets of Toronto (@streetsoftoronto)Media contributor Morgan Cameron Ross’ Instagram account Oldtoronto, dedicated to the city’s history, shared a post saying homegrown rapper Drake had purchased beloved Toronto landmark Casa Loma. Referring to him as “the Degrassi High actor” referencing his work on the TV show before he found success as a musician, they congratulated him on the apparent achievement, prompting one commenter to respond “don’t give him any ideas.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Old Toronto Series (@oldtoronto)Canada’s Wonderland left many hoping their joke about plans for a year-round waterpark within the GTA were a reality. The unfortunately unreal Splash Dome was touted as a “fully covered, weather-controlled waterpark designed for all-season fun! Rain, snow, or cold, inside it’s always slides, waves, and summer temperatures.”One commenter lamented “This is an April fools joke, but shouldn’t be,” while another said “I wish this was true however am fully aware of the outrageous cost and also aware today is April Fools.”Summer shouldn’t have an end date & we’re fixing that… introducing Splash Dome!Our fully covered, weather-controlled waterpark designed for all-season fun! Rain, snow, or cold, inside it’s always slides, waves, and summer temperatures.Coming soon.pic.twitter.com/AilkEuDg3e— Canada's Wonderland (@WonderlandNews) April 1, 2026 In a post that many felt was far too real, wellness company BeWell Toronto shared an announcement on their Instagram account stating “Toronto to ban all outdoor wellness events starting this May.” The rouse is quickly revealed in the very next line of the caption, followed by promotions for their upcoming events.Many commenters fell for the gag, with one commenting “the frustrating part is it feels believable… dealing with park permits in this city can be such a nightmare,” and another saying “The fact that they banned sledding down hills that one winter made me believe this.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by BeWell TO