Winter in Toronto can feel cold and unforgiving, driving you indoors and making you want to stay in and not do much. But Toronto is the city that never quite slows down, and even in winter, there’s no shortage of things to do. Unlike a lot of Toronto’s plant life, here are some evergreen suggestions for things you can do in Toronto come wintertime. No matter how chilly or snowy things are like outside, these are things you can always give a go!
ICE SKATING AT THE NATHAN PHILLIPS SQUARE
Arguably the most iconic thing to do in Toronto in the winter, this is the quintessential, classic wintertime Toronto activity. Suitable for people of all ages, looking for an evening out for any reason, from date night to celebrating a birthday, and best of all? It’s absolutely free (well, if you bring your own ice skates, anyway).
ST. LAWRENCE MARKET AWAITS
Obviously St. Lawrence Market is open the entire year, but there’s something extra special about finding yourself inside its doors, huddling in the warmth against the bitter cold outside, as you have some freshlu prepared treats, the aroma of the very many meals and things to eat wafting into your nostrils. One might even argue that no winter visit to Downtown Toronto is really complete without a stop at the Market and nabbing yourself your usual comfort food.
THE DISTILLERY WINTER VILLAGE
A true Christmas winter wonderland in the heart of Toronto, the Distillery Winter Village has cozy lights, small shops, hot chocolate, and seasonal vibes. If you haven’t already finished shopping for Christmas, it’s also a great place to nab some artisanal trinkets or great sweets. Definitely a great winter spot, especially for couples!
THE HARBOURFRONT
Walking at the Harbourfront, seeing the sun set over Lake Ontario, or the clouds in the distance, is a time honored Toronto tradition. Now obviously, this works best during Summer, but even in the Winter, especially when it’s freshly snowed, a walk at the Harbourfront can be incredibly beautiful. The city feels quiet, and it almost feels like you’re in a bubble separate from everything else. Try going right after it’s snowed and the lake has frozen over – it’s the Harbourfront in a guise you’ve never seen before.
SLEDDING AND SKIING
Go to Riverdale Park, High Park, or Centennial Park right after it snows, and go sledding or snowshoeing. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can go skiing at Blue Mountain or Earl Bales Ski Center as well – though these require you to go just a little out of your way to outside the city first. It’s well worth it, though! … at least if you have the balance and coordination to pull it off (which I personally may or may not do).
HOCKEY HALL OF FAME
If you’re in Toronto or really, in Canada in general, chances are you greatly love hockey. But even if you don’t, the Hockey Hall of Fame in Downtown Toronto is worth a visit. It’s extremely interactive, has lots of interesting exhibits and trivia about the history of the sport, the players, and the evolution of hockey over the decades, and really, it’s pretty much the most Canadian thing you can be doing. Plus there’s loads of neat souvenirs you can nab for yourself from their gift shop too.
INDOOR ATTRACTIONS
Toronto has so much to do that keeps you indoors – from checking out the Royal Ontario Museum to catching the Toronto Symphony Orchestra at Roy Thomson Hall, checking out Casa Loma to watching a movie at the TIFF Lightbox, there’s simply no end to things to do in Toronto even when it’s brutally chilly and snowy outside. Keep an eye on websites like AdmitONE to stay up to date on events and things happening in and around Toronto, and you will always have a bunch of warm, indoor activities to look forward to as well.
