Think of everything there is to love about Toronto, the parks, the individual neighbourhoods, each loaded with personality, the festivals, and perhaps more importantly, the food and the shopping.
Now, imagine all of it against the canvas of glistening snow and a festive warmth in the air! Winter is upon us, and we can’t wait to see the city come alive with a host of activities and excitement. Grab your coat, hat, and gloves, and explore with us all that Toronto offers during the frosty season!
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A Modern Wonderland
Our first stop of the day is at one of Toronto’s many parks. Take your choice, there are over 1500 of them, and each offers an unbelievable sight when covered in snow. If you like to get out and explore nature, now is your chance to see it in a whole new light.
Not every winter day in Toronto is frigid, by the way. Sometimes, the weather here can be quite mild, which means it’s a great opportunity for a stroll through a nature trail. Alternatively, you could take a walk or a bike ride down the Martin Goodman Trail or along Kew Beach. The colder months allow you to fully appreciate the sights and sounds of the waterfront, all without the massive crowds you encounter during the summer.
Other underappreciated landmarks include:
The Guild Park & Gardens, a former artist colony that is now a collection of stunning sculptures. Then there’s Graffiti Alley, the famous three-block stretch full of street art and murals. During the rush of summer, you hardly have a chance to stop for a photo. In the winter, you have all the time in the world.
Toronto Island is another surprising must-visit destination in the winter. It’s not just the lack of crowds that makes it all worthwhile; it’s the pristine, unspoilt beauty of nature as you peacefully explore the trails, bike paths, and waterfront boardwalks. Just be sure to bring a thermos of hot drinks and snacks as many of the regular facilities are closed for the season.
Toronto boasts many great neighbourhoods, and we can’t really say that any one area is “the best.” But you might find the best spot for you by reading a few of our community spotlights below:
- Everything You Need to Know About Roncesvalles
- 5 Things We Love Most About Mimico
- All Eyes on King West Village!
Every Day Winter Fun
Grab your ice skates and head to Nathan Phillips Square for a truly iconic winter experience. That might be our most famous rink, and it is stunning to watch kids and the kids at heart glide around to the backdrop of the giant “Toronto” sign. However, there are many incredible places throughout the city to lace up, so many, in fact, that we have a whole blog devoted to the topic of skating in Toronto!
Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snow sculptures are all part of the fun, and you don’t have to leave the city to enjoy it all. High Park, Tommy Thompson Park, and the Don Valley Ravine are all spectacular after a snowfall, especially if you don’t mind carving your own path. We even have a small hill for downhill skiing and snowboarding, complete with a beginner slope and three larger runs accessible by a chairlift.
If your idea of winter excitement includes holding on tight as you race down a hill on your sled, Toronto has some truly epic tobogganing spots, most notably in Riverdale Park.
An Explosion of Festivities
With a non-stop parade of fun events, Toronto is pretty much the life of the party every day of every month of the year. The winter is no different, and there is a series of events we can all look forward to. ‘Tis the season for fun, laughter, and lights! Winter wouldn’t be winter without countless shimmering lights that sparkle to life the moment the sun goes down.
The Distillery Winter Village begins in mid-November, kicking off the festivities with hot beverages, including mulled wine, an abundance of delicious treats, music, and holiday-themed vendors. The quaint, cobblestone streets provide a warm and charming atmosphere for the huge Christmas tree in the centre of the historic village.
Cavalcade of Lights usually begins in late November to kick off both the holidays and skating season in one massive party. This event isn’t just about lighting up Toronto’s official Christmas tree; it’s also about food, live performances, and sometimes even fireworks.
Do you want to warm up while still making the most of the winter season? The posts below will give you a few ideas:
- Let the Music Play: A Guide to Toronto’s Incredible Venues
- Hiking in the East End: Our Favourite All-Season Trails
- 5 Places To Get the Perfect Bottle of Wine Tonight
Warm Winter Escapes
Toronto winters are as fun as they are beautiful, but sometimes, we all want a break from the ice and snow. You could hop on a plane and spend a week or two in a tropical destination. However, you don’t have to go far to find a way to warm your soul this winter. For example:
The Allan Gardens Conservatory boasts a giant botanical garden indoors, complete with five greenhouses of colourful foliage. Whether you’re visiting in the heart of winter or want to get a head start on spring, the sight of flowers and plants will lift your spirits anytime. Unlike booking an all-inclusive, admission to the gardens is free of charge!
Toronto’s network of museums and art galleries presents a great way to escape from the cold and into a fascinating world of art and history. The Royal Ontario Museum and the Ontario Art Gallery may be the most famous examples. However, you could always check out the exhibits at Spadina Museum, The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, Colborne Lodge, or one of many smaller venues throughout the city. Once again, many offer free admission.
The PATH is a massive, underground network of shops, restaurants, and services. You can perform your daily errands while staying warm and dry, or enjoy an afternoon shopping spree without ever venturing out into inclement weather.
The list of indoor activities in Toronto is endless. Whether visiting a museum or spending an afternoon playing board games at a cozy cafe, there is always something to do and enjoy. Spring will be here before we know it, so we hope you will join us in making the most of every moment this winter.
Are you curious about what’s going on in Toronto or what it’s like to live here? We are happy to give you the whole story! Reach out to us at erica@ericareddy.com or call 416.443.0300 with any questions.
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