Many people might not think of Canada when thinking about things to do in the winter. It is time for people to start rethinking that and plan for a trip to the great white North. Most specifically, Toronto. Toronto is Canada’s largest city and echoes the same hustle and bustle as New York City. This metropolitan city happens to be one of the most diverse cities in the world. Food, culture, art, theater abound in Toronto. There are many things to do in Toronto in the winter. So get that winter coat out of storage and start venturing North.
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Winter Things To Do In Toronto
Ice Skating
Toronto has its very own “Rockefeller Center” complete with an ice rink and holiday decorations. Nathan Phillips Square’s ice rink is one of the most treasured activities for Toronto residents. Locals and guests love the large ice rink with the surrounding urban skyline.
Interested in something with fewer tourists? Take your skates to the Bentway. During the winter, the Bentway transforms into a 220-meter skate trail. Skate underneath the Gardiner Expressway. Skating on the Bentway is like taking a hike on skates. The more you skate the more you see.
The Toronto Christmas Market
Of course, one of the things to do in Toronto in the winter is to visit a Christmas Market. If you are a big fan of the holidays then one of the things you need to do in Toronto is to visit the Toronto Christmas Market. This is one of the most festive things to do in Toronto and the Toronto Christmas Market is massive. With a 50-ft Christmas tree, a ferris wheel, many holiday-themed vendors and activities, and its own transit system.
Tip: This is a paid event, but it is worth every penny.
Holiday Shopping
Interested in more traditional shopping? You can visit either Eaton Centre or PATH. Eaton Centre is like a regular shopping mall, except for the fact that it is humongous. Eaton Centre also happens to be the busiest shopping mall in North America.
PATH is the world’s largest underground shopping complex with some of the best shops and services Toronto can offer. This might be a good place to walk to your next destination while you warm up from the winter’s day.
Want to do some culinary shopping? The St. Lawrence Market was built in 1850 and houses meetings spaces, groceries, and culinary experiences. Try something delicious at the Market Kitchen or buy some groceries to make your own homemade meal.
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Ontario Place
There is always something happening in Toronto’s Ontario Place. Ontario Place is a waterfront activity and events center right by downtown Toronto. There you will find classic movies playing at the Cinesphere, Cirque Du Soleil, live music and festivals all year long. Even in winter, you can bet that something fun will be happening at Ontario Place.
Theater
Toronto has theater and lots of it. For those that enjoy a night on the town, you have so many shows to choose from. Some of the best theatrical performances have made a home here, like Hamilton or Harry Potter and The Cursed Child.
Is Come From Away playing while you are finding things to do in Toronto? Do yourself a favor and get yourself a ticket. Come From Away is based on a collection of stories that took place on September 11, 2001, in Gander, Newfoundland, Canada. It is a heartwarming tale that strikes a chord with every audience member. Not to mention, you might as well see a musical based in Canada while you are in Canada.
CN Tower
The CN Tower is North America’s tallest free-standing structure and makes for a perfect viewpoint to see all of Toronto. There are two ways to properly enjoy the CN Tower and the view. For the brave at heart, make an appointment for the EdgeWalk. Walk free-handed 1168-ft up in the air, while attached by a harness to the Tower. This is the first of its kind in North America and once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Looking for something more traditional? Make a reservation at 360, the restaurant on top of the CN Tower. 360 offers a locally-sourced and delicious menu, Canadian wine options, and gorgeous views.
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The Great White North Outdoors
You might only think about staying in the city while you are in Toronto, but do not pass up the opportunity to see the beautiful Canadian wilderness. The Blue Mountains region is only two hours away and offers plenty of winter sports options. Tobogganing, snowshoeing, and skiing are all available. Not to mention, some classic ski resorts that might keep you inside in the spa. With only a short drive from Toronto, it would be silly to pass up the opportunity to see the Great White North.
Casa Loma
Just by walking around Toronto you might notice this sticking out like a sore thumb. Casa Loma is a 19th-century mansion in the middle of Toronto. This mansion is a popular tourist spot for anyone interested in architecture and gaudy interior design. The Gothic-style mansion has 98-rooms, including 30-bathrooms, a massive library, and wooden chandeliers. You might just have to see it to believe it.
Maple Leafs, Marlies, and Raptors
Toronto has lots of great sports teams. While you are in Toronto during the winter, you happen to be there during prime ice hockey and basketball season. You have multiple options when seeking out ice hockey. Toronto has two great teams – the Maple Leafs and Marlies. If you are more of a basketball fan, then find a time to see the Raptors. They won the NBA Championship in 2019, so you know that you are in for a good game.
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Royal Ontario Museum
The equivalent of New York’s Natural History Museum, The Royal Ontario Museum has tons of galleries and intriguing traveling exhibitions. During a cold Toronto day, a museum is a perfect place to be. You can warm up and pick the exhibition that excites you the most. You might even learn something.
Niagara [Frozen] Falls
You have not seen the Niagara Falls unless you have seen them from the Canada side. People argue, but it is true that Canada is home to the most beautiful views of the falls. Being that you are traveling to Toronto in the winter, you will get the extraordinary opportunity to see the falls frozen. One of the best things to do in Toronto is to see frozen Niagara Falls. You will not regret the experience.
Toronto has so much in store for any visitor during any season. Finding things to do in Toronto is easy when the city already offers so much. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your layers and head for Canada.
WANT TO READ MORE?
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