The Top Things to do in the Winter in Toronto: Outdoor Adventures, Some Luxury Experiences, and Tons of Fun
I’ve put together this guide for how to make the most of winter in Toronto, whether you’re looking for outdoor experiences or a first-class trip. Many people avoid Toronto’s winter because of its reputation, but if you know where to look and where to go, it’s a season full of unique experiences worth celebrating.
Whenever I tell people I’m from Toronto when I’m abroad, almost everyone asks, “Wow, isn’t it freezing?” I simply respond that my childhood would not have been the same without those glorious winter activities in Toronto—and in those memories, I can barely recall the cold.
Now, as an adult who’s spent plenty of time visiting destinations across Canada in the winter like Winnipeg, Quebec City and Niagara Falls, I can appreciate the value in not only accepting the winter season, but embracing it. But just because I’m from this city, it doesn’t mean I’ve always inherently known the top things to do in the winter in Toronto. Exploring and understanding this city is an active pursuit, and ultimately it’s this pursuit which separates people who happen to call this city home from those who can appreciate what a privilege it is to live here in all seasons.
What I’ve always loved about winter in Toronto is that, if anything, there are always plenty of events on the docket. It’s as if mother nature is kindly telling Torontonians to politely stay indoors until spring, and in response we’ve figured out every trick in the book to disobey that order. And that’s part of what makes Toronto such a fun city to visit in the winter as a tourist.
Today, we’re talking about how to make the most of winter in Toronto. I’ve included everything from accessible outdoor experiences and festivals to a few more luxurious Toronto experiences, while also paying respect to some of the top winter attractions in Toronto. Make no mistake, at this point, Toronto is a four season city and, truthfully, the fun never stops.
Please note that this post contains affiliate links. This means that we may get a small commission from some of the recommendations in this article at no additional cost to you.
Where to Stay in Toronto in the Winter
It’s kind of overwhelming to pick a place to stay in Toronto! The are so many hotels in this city, and each neighbourhood, location and brand offers something distinctly different. I’ve had the pleasure of staying at plenty of hotels in this city, and here are a few of my favourites:
Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer: An excellent location, a Canadian- and family-owned brand, and all around a guaranteed great stay.
The Chelsea Toronto: A good location close to downtown, and my number one pick for affordability and family or group stays.
Gladstone House or The Broadview Hotel: Both great options in historic buildings connected to some of Toronto’s more intimate neighbourhoods of Trinity Bellwoods and Leslieville, respectively. These are perfect properties if you’re looking for a unique stay, good amenities and a dose of some of Toronto’s neighbourhoods—they don’t call Toronto “the city of neighbourhoods” for nothing!
Hotel X Toronto: Read my extended thoughts below about this luxury property!
Hotel X Toronto by Library Hotel Collection
The Lobby of Hotel X
In my humble opinion, Hotel X Toronto (a part of the Library Hotel Collection), is one of the top hotels in Toronto. It’s a little removed from downtown to give you the feeling that you’re in your own special space, while only being a short, 6 minute drive from Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport. If you’re visiting Toronto via Billy Bishop, this makes it an even better place to stay.
This is luxury done right, as it’s first class and elegant, but not arrogant. They have a sports centre that includes four tennis courts, a rooftop swimming pool (which is open and heated through the winter), excellent food, a library, and even a 250-seat cinema.
I loved my room here, but on top of the rooms and amenities, my personal favourite part of the hotel was the Kandy Gallery by Neil Dankoff. Over 800 of Dankoff’s finest travel photography landscapes are displayed across multiple floors of the gallery. Each floor features travel photography of a different region. My favourite floor featured Iceland, a country I instantly fell in love with from the capital of Reykjavik to its enchantingly magical landscapes.
The Best Winter Activities in Toronto
It feels like with each passing year there are more and more things to do in the winter in Toronto to celebrate the season. This list should serve as a great guide for you to start planning your own winter getaway to my hometown!
The Distillery Winter Village (Formerly Toronto Christmas Market)
If your winter trip to Toronto falls between mid-November and early January, then visiting the Distillery Winter Village is a must.
There’s a reason that The Distillery District served as long-running a movie set before it was reincarnated as one of the most popular tourist areas in the city. It’s incredibly picturesque with its cobblestoned streets, historic brick buildings, and many independent shops and restaurants highlighting largely Canadian brands like Hatley, Mill Street Brewery, The Ordinary and Balzac’s Coffee Roasters.
It’s very charming to visit during the holidays, and if you’re looking for a Christmas-market style picture on your trip to Toronto, this is the place for it. There are countless vendors with both European Christmas style and international cuisine food stalls, specialty seasonal drinks like mulled wine, delicious snacks like giant pretzels and meals, and some locally made crafts, accessories and one-of-a-kind finds for yourself or to give as a gift.
Depending on the day of the week and the time of your visit, you may need to purchase a ticket to enter. Admission is generally free with no tickets required from Mondays to Thursdays, but Fridays to Sundays after 4PM are typically paid, ticketed entry only, with kids 9 and under being free of charge.
For more details about tickets and to plan your visit, you can head to their website.
Experience The toronto santa claus Parade
The Toronto Santa Claus Parade is a Canadian tradition that has started the city’s holiday season all the way back to the first parade in 1905.
Watch in wonder as intricate floats, bands, dancers, marchers, celebrity clowns and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus entertain the crowds! At this point, it's a part of Toronto folklore, and often considered the can’t miss winter event in the city, especially for families.
The parade date and route can change, but it typically takes place on the fourth Sunday of November around noon, beginning in Christie Pits and ending at the St. Lawrence Market. You can find all the up-to-date details here.
Visit casa loma During the Holidays
Toronto’s very own castle, Casa Loma, is brilliant at outfitting the castle for every occasion or season. During Halloween, they’re famous for their “Legends of Horror” and right afterwards, they gear up for the holiday season in Toronto.
Where the Halloween season is definitely geared more towards older kids and adults, I would say their holiday season is more kid and family-focused. They offer a variety of shows pretty much non-stop, which are ideal for the whole family. I watched one show that was focused on magic, and kids of all ages were involved. They even have ice skating shows, with local, talented figure skaters performing for visitors.
At Casa Loma during the holidays you’ll also find Santa’s castle workshop, plenty of large, decorated holiday trees, and you can walk through the beautiful holiday light displays in the gardens during “Casa Loma…after dark!”
Enjoy the Views from Toronto Island
Given the numerous summer activities available, you might overlook the Toronto Islands as a winter destination—but we’d suggest you don’t count it out.
After a short, 15-minute ferry ride from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal near downtown through the icy waters to Ward’s Island, you can go for a winter walk around the snow-covered islands.
Just know that most (if not all) of the few businesses and restaurants on Ward’s close in the winter, so this will be a quiet, self-sufficient way to spend a half-day. Bring a few snacks and use garbage cans or bring any waste back when you return downtown.
Go Ice Skating at Nathan Phillips Square
As a born and raised Torontonian (who grew up skating on the city’s outdoor rinks), I can hands-down say that skating in Nathan Phillips Square in winter is probably the iconic Toronto winter activity, bar none. Even if you aren’t too comfortable on skates, plenty of skaters of all levels head for at least one skate on the ice here each season—just be safe, and have fun.
Whether you come by day or by night, in my opinion, this is Toronto winter done right. The annual Cavalcade of Lights display also lights up the square once the short winter days come to an end. The iconic “Toronto” sign also makes it one of the most alluring places to get a photo during your winter trip to the city of Toronto.
You can actually rent skates every day (weather permitting) in Nathan Phillips Square from late November until mid-March here in the square.
Head to the Holiday Fair in the Square
This free, 10-day holiday market used to run in Nathan Philips Square, but now takes place a little further north in Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square).
The square fills with food stalls, entertainment, Santa’s Village, a fireside lounge and bar, and an artisan craft market. It’s a great spot to do a little holiday shopping, or just to feel a part of the holiday season in Toronto.
It’s planned for December 10th to 20th this year. For full details, check out their website.
Go Shopping in One of Toronto’s Neighbourhoods
If you don’t love the cold, then this might be one of the winter activities in Toronto you’ll appreciate most because you’ll be spending much of your time indoors.
There are a ton of neighbourhoods in Toronto that I appreciate for a variety of reasons that are great for shopping. Whether that’s to just feel a little more connected to Toronto’s multitude of communities or to do a little shopping for yourself of holiday gifts, here’s a list (in no particular order) of a few great neighbourhoods to head to for some cafe-hopping and shopping include:
The Ossington Strip: Ossington Avenue between Dundas St. W. and Queen St. W is quickly becoming a favourite corner of the city for bars and restaurants, but there are some great shops here and in the neighbourhood of Trinity-Bellwoods, too.
Roncesvalles Village: A thriving village within Toronto that’s filled with some great spots to shop on your trip to Toronto. Plan to walk up and down Roncesvalles Ave. between Queen St. W. and Howard Park for a variety of boutique, specialty shops.
Leslieville: A beloved neighbourhood in Toronto’s east end, Leslieville has a variety of unique shops, restaurants and cafes stretching along Queen St. E, more or less from Broadview Ave. to…really until forever, but around Logan Ave. is a good place to finish.
Kensington Market/Chinatown: It’s become more of a food, restaurant and bar hub over the years than a market strictly with shops, but there are still some really fun and unique thrift, one-of-a-kind and anything goes-style stops between Spadina, Bathurst, Dundas and College. Don’t forget to stop by the famous Garden Car!
Bloor-Yorkville: Often compared to the likes of Fifth Avenue in NYC, Yorkville has some of the priciest real estate, not only when it comes to homes, but in shops, too. From Yonge and Bloor to Yorkville and Avenue Rd. is where you’ll find most concentration of upscale stores and boutique shops, and it’s decorated beautifully over the holidays. If you’re looking for a unique activity, Kandl Artistique offers a luxury candle-making experience in their Lab.
Of course there are so many great neighbourhoods to shop in on a visit to Toronto, but you need to save time for other winter activities in Toronto, too!
Miracle Toronto Christmas Pop-Up Bars
The Miracle Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bars might be the most fun I’ve had indulging in some holiday themed beverages in Toronto.
The only problem is that the rest of Toronto knows that, as well. As such, it’s not uncommon for there to be a several-hour wait for walk-ins at their holiday bars. I’d recommend using their online reservation system in advance of your visit.
But with all of the fanfare around Christmas-themed bars, it’s worth noting that $1 from every cocktail goes towards Nellie’s Women’s Shelter in Toronto, and since Miracle started in 2018, they’ve raised $250,000 for Nellie’s. So that’s a really nice reminder for the holiday season.
They have two locations open this year called Miracle on Bloor (19+ Only, Bloor & Ossington) and Miracle on Harbourfront (All Ages, Queens Quay & Simcoe), and both open in mid-November.
If you’re looking for something that a group of friends can get excited about, and can really tether themselves to to embrace the holiday cheer in this city, well this might be it! More details about their pop-ups and reservations can be found here.
Go Skating at Harbourfront Centre
The “Skate by the Lake” program at Harbourfront Centre is just as it sounds—their skating rink is right beside the beautiful shoreline of Lake Ontario, making their rink a fun place to skate on a trip to Toronto.
Whether you bring your skates or rent them onsite, this spacious urban rink is rarely crowded and has stunning views of the waterfront and the CN Tower.
If you’re up for a little party (or at least something a little more upbeat), it’s worth noting that on Saturday nights you can also enjoy live music and stunning light displays.
Eat at Some Notoriously Comforting Restaurants in Toronto in Winter
Naturally, the Toronto restaurants which you think are the best are going to be a reflection of your tastes, and like hotels, there is an overwhelmingly incredible selection of restaurants in this city. But I wanted to highlight some restaurants that will nicely coincide with some of the winter activities I’ve suggested here:
Mother's Dumplings has been a staple of Toronto’s Chinatown neighbourhood for over 20 years. It’s family-run, and the perfect cozy and warm escape from the winter weather. You can’t go wrong ordering anything on their menu, but dumplings is a must. And you can see your dumplings and other dishes being made for you through their open kitchen, and it’s one of my favourite restaurants to recommend to visitors.
Bellwoods Brewery is a great, casual option for local craft beer and comforting food options on the Ossington Strip. It’s been a favourite brewery in Toronto for years, and their expanded dining room has made it a great place to visit with ample seating year-round.
Fat Pasha isn’t too far from Casa Loma. It offers many comforting Middle Eastern fusion dishes with unique twists, and if you’re visiting with a group I can’t recommend the Fat Pasha Feast more.
Bar Reyna is a great option in Yorkville. The heated back patio makes you feel like you’re cheating winter in Toronto, and the Mediterranean inspired food is scrumptious. The cocktails are also excellent! I can firmly stand behind this choice and let you know that you aren’t going to be disappointed.
What Are Some Other Things to Do in Toronto in Winter?
The Bentway Skate Trail: This affordable and intimate skating experience is fun for any trip to Toronto. You can rent skates for a few hours and skate the trail, which is located beside Fort York National Historic Site. Weather permitting, it typically runs from December to February each year.
Head to Ripley’s Aquarium (plus breakfast with Santa!): An underwater breakfast with Santa taking place on a few select mornings in November and December. If you can’t make it to breakfast, consider even visiting the aquarium while you’re in Toronto. It makes for a great indoor activity in winter, even in the midst of a snowstorm.
Bring out the Ol’ Toboggan: Toronto is one of the best cities in the world to go tobogganing, and my childhood can attest to that. See if you can get hands on a snow craft or Magic Carpet and blaze down some of Toronto’s hills. Some of my favourites are Riverdale Park East and Christie Pits.
Experience Winterlicious: For two weeks—typically from the end of January to early February—nearly two hundred Toronto restaurants offer three-course lunches and dinners for a fixed price. It’s a wonderful way to explore Toronto’s diverse culinary scene.
Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame - I mean, it only makes sense to appreciate winter’s game during the winter season, right?
Go to a Maple Leafs Game: If you’re a hockey fan, the Maple Leafs are one of the teams you need to see in their hometown. We Torontonians are mad about our Maple Leafs, which explains our ticket prices.
Find the Winter Event That’s Right For You: The City of Toronto does an excellent job of keeping track of and posting winter exhibits and events to ensure that winter in Toronto is anything but boring. I can only imagine there’ll be something you’ll like this winter.
Even More Toronto Winter activities to consider
If the weather is a little too intense, get your culture on at the Royal Ontario Museum, or The Art Gallery of Ontario.
See Canada’s cities and landscapes in miniature at Pocket Planet Canada (formerly Little Canada).
Grab at famous peameal bacon sandwich at Carousel Bakery in the St. Lawrence Market
Peruse the Toronto Eaton Centre, which quietly attracts more visitors than any other Toronto attraction. It also has a massive Christmas tree light show at various times throughout the holiday season.
Appreciate wintery, waterfront views of Toronto’s skyline at the newly opened Biidaasige Park.
So, in a Nutshell, That’s Winter in Toronto
Winter in Toronto is something special, and that’s mostly because there’s always something going on.
From holiday-themed markets, outdoor gatherings, festivals and activities, to plenty of ways to cozy up in local shops, cafes, and restaurants, I’m really proud of this city, and learning that fine folks like yourself are coming to visit makes me happy.
This winter, if you do make it to my hometown, may your hot chocolate always be hot, your smile wide, and your heart warm.
I want to thank Destination Toronto for hosting me as media on some of the experiences included in this article. All opinions expressed are my own.