Global Gaze
Don’t hibernate, get out and celebrate winter in Toronto
Bryen Dunn
Whether you’re working on your New Year’s resolutions, prioritizing self-care, or just looking to enjoy all the season has to offer, see below for some suggestions on how to make the most of the winter in Toronto.
Enjoy the great outdoors
Toronto doesn’t show signs of stopping when snow hits the ground. The frosty foliage and sparkling snowflakes make the perfect backdrop for quintessential winter activities like tobogganing, ice skating and snowshoeing. Bundle up, grab a cup of hot chocolate and explore the great outdoors, Toronto-style.
- Catch the ferry to Toronto Islands—snowshoeing and cross-country skiing await!
- Skate up a storm at Nathan Phillips Square, or any of Toronto’s skating rinks
- Bundle up and explore the snowy trails of Rouge National Urban Park or Evergreen Brickworks
- Capture the wintery relics in Guild Park & Gardens, or take your camera to the Waterfront for more winter views
- Get some fresh air with a brisk open-air workout
Explore Toronto’s neighbourhoods
As one of the most diverse cities in the world, Toronto has over 140 neighbourhoods, each with its own unique style and vibe. And if you think you’ve seen it all, think again—each neighbourhood completely transforms in the winter, bringing a new, magical feel to the city.
- Wander the quaint cobblestone streets of the Distillery Winter Village
- Have a quintessential Toronto experience in the South Core
- Feel the winter magic in family-friendly Cabbagetown
- Take a winter workcation in the Financial District
- Treat that special someone to a romantic date night in Chinatown
- Bundle up for a day of indoor and outdoor fun on Yonge Street
Warm up with food & drink
Toronto’s culinary scene is hot, no matter the time of year. Take advantage of the cooler temperatures and indulge in comfort foods that warm you up from the inside. Whether you’re in the mood for Eastern European eats or a taste of Tibet, you’re sure to find a dish to satisfy any palette in the 6ix.
- Warm up with a bowl to Toronto’s best ramen
- Brunch with your besties in Toronto’s locally-loved neighbourhoods: Liberty Village, Cabbagetown, Riverside, or Bloor West Village
- Cheers to the winter season with a cool-weather cocktail
- Explore the iconic eats of Kensington Market
- Dine in style with those you love by booking a much-needed group dinner
Winter experiences you won’t want to miss
Toronto is not a city that hibernates. When the temperatures drop, the city gets innovative and finds new ways to celebrate all it has to offer. Whether you’re bundling up for a winter festival or staying cozy in a museum or world-class attraction, you’ll find something to surprise and delight you every day, around every corner, in Toronto.
- Marvel at the dazzling light displays at Casa Loma — North America’s only castle
- Spend an evening at the AGO (admission is free on Wednesday)
- Take in the sparkling lights of the Distillery Historic District at the Toronto Light Festival
- Explore what’s going on in Toronto’s arts and culture scene with NowPlayingTO
Practice self-care
Winter is the perfect time to take care of yourself, both physically and mentally. Instead of hibernating, there are many ways to keep your spirits up and stay on track with your New Year’s resolutions. Here are some ideas for how to make the most of your winter wellness routine in Toronto
- Sip on a mocktail, or another non-alcoholic beverage
- Treat yourself to some pampering at a hotel spa
- Stick to your New Year’s resolution with a winter workout
- Nourish yourself with a plant-based meal
Sign-up for Pass TO Savings
Create new memories, connect with loved ones and enjoy exciting moments in the city together. With the Pass TO Savings, you can get up to 20% off of some of Toronto’s best attractions and experiences!
Visit Destination Toronto for more fun ideas all year round!
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About the Author
Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist based in Toronto with a focus on tourism, lifestyle, entertainment and community issues. He has written several travel articles and has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He’s willing to take on any assignments of interest, attend parties with free booze, listen to rants, and travel the world in search of the great unknown. He’s eager to discover the new, remember the past, and look into the future.
