Toronto in the winter can actually be a wonderful place. I know it doesn’t come top of mind when thinking of a winter destination to travel to – and don’t get me wrong I love escaping the wintry cold – but if you live close by it’s such a great city to explore in any season.
This winter actually has been incredibly mild for Toronto. We’ve only had really a handful of really cold days so if you’ve got some some vacation time banked and some extra funds, grab your bags and book your trip to Toronto! A lot of the hotels will have great deals and specials, especially between Feb 1 – March 31st when the weather usually isn’t great. If you’re looking for a cheaper trip but not sure what to do hopefully these activities below will help you plan your itinerary.
Winterlicious
Every year in February the Toronto hosts Winterlicious, a food ‘festival’ of sorts where select restaurants throughout the city participate by having preset menus. These range from $25, $35 to $45 for three course meals. It’s a great way to try a number of restaurants in the city (and to save money). There are even better prices if you choose to dine at lunch.
Outdoor Skating Rinks
The city has a number of ice rinks that are open all winter long. They are well kept and make a great date night (if you’re looking for ideas). Because it’s been a pretty mild winter, skating outside has been particularly nice. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better way to enjoy the winter season in Toronto then lacing up your skates, grabbing a hot chocolate and doing a couple laps around the rink at Nathan Phillips Square.
Hit up a museum
Generally I’m not one to choose to visit a museum when I’m travelling if the weather outside is really nice so visiting a museum in the winter seems like a pretty good bet to me. Toronto has several museums that you can visit but two of my favourite are the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) and the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum). Both are very centrally located and easy to get to from anywhere in the city. The ROM usually has some pretty great exhibits year round so make sure to check out their website to see what’s happening when you visit.
Go up the CN Tower
Duh. If you’re visiting Toronto for the first time this is a must. Heck I know so many Torontonians that haven’t been up in the CN Tower since they were little, if at all. It’s a bit expensive to go up but if you’re looking for something memorable to do in Toronto, this is a good one. Definitely get a snapshot of you standing on the iconic glass for as well, where you look directly onto the new Ripley’s Aquarium.
Catch a sports game
During the winter season you can catch either the Toronto Raptors (basketball) or the Toronto Maple Leafs (hockey) playing. Both are bound to give you a great night – and hopefully one to remember. While the Toronto Maple Leafs haven’t been doing all that well this year, the Raptors certainly have and they are absolutely worth the ticket prices. If you’re looking for cheaper tickets you can always check out a game with the Toronto Marlies. They are the backup team for the Maple Leafs and while the caliber of hockey may not be NHL standard, it’s still really great – and the tickets are super cheap!
Eat Poutine
There’s really no better way to stay warm than lining your stomach with gravy, cheese and fries. Plus it’s one of the best things you’ve ever eaten. It may not look all that appetizing or pretty but trust me once you take your first bite you’ll be hooked. My recommendation is Smoke’s Poutine or Poutini’s. You won’t be disappointed. A little note for the club-goers out there, poutine makes THE best drunk food.
Snowshoe or cross-country ski on the Toronto Island
I’ve written about the Toronto Island before, it really is one of the best places in Toronto no matter what the season. While you can’t really enjoy the beaches in the winter you can however get some great snowshoeing and cross country ski paths to enjoy. The ferry ride over might be a bit chillier than you think but it’s worth it once you get there!
There you have it – if these didn’t give you some ideas or inklings on what to do in Toronto in the winter season I’m not sure what will!
I find the real treat for skating in Toronto is on the ponds. Sadly this year has only given us one good weekend to do that. https://ontariocamper.wordpress.com/2016/01/25/pond-skating-in-toronto/
I definitely agree! My hometown has the cutest pond to skate on but I’m not sure if it’s even been open once this year!
Love the blog name and winter tips you’ve suggested in this post. My husband and I are currently considering moving to Toronto as he works for Porter Airlines a pilot.
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
Thanks! You’re so lucky – I LOVE Porter. .. flying with them tonight actually to Chicago – maybe you’re husband will be my pilot! :). I’m biased but I strongly suggest you move to Toronto it’s the best city!
Awesome article! After reading this, Toronto is the firs in my destinations list.
It’s definitely a good one 😉 Get yourself over here!