Think winter is boring? Think again! Though the weather outside may be frightful, more fun activities than we can count are happening in Toronto.
Whether you’re an outdoors enthusiast who doesn’t even notice the cold, or you prefer to use the winter months to take in a trade show or indulge in the city’s thriving cultural scene, we have the perfect snow day plan for you.
Aurora Winter Festival (Nov. 22 to Jan. 5)
The Aurora Winter Festival at Ontario Place is back, so get ready for more than a month of family-friendly fun! Explore a winter wonderland, complete with a tube park, skating rink, spectacular light displays and plenty of other activities. Discover mystical worlds like the Luminous Gardens (where you may catch a glimpse of a unicorn), the snowy Arctic Retreat, and the Whimsical Forest filled with quirky and wondrous creatures. Rides, games and a food garden mean the event has something to offer for all ages… you can even dance the night away in the Disco Den. PRESTO card holders receive a 15% discount, so leave the car at home.
DesignTO (Jan. 17 to 26)
Love design? The week-long DesignTO festival, now in its 10th year, shines a spotlight on Toronto’s creative talent. Featuring over 600 artists and designers, the event brings design out of the studio and into the streets, all with the objective of advancing design culture. Exhibitions, artists talks and more than one glamorous party, like the Designlines Magazine 2020 Designer of the Year Celebration, are perfect opportunities to mix, mingle and get inspired. Use the Festival Schedule to plan your visit.
Bentway Skate Trail (Dec. 20 to Feb. 17)
Bentway Skate Trail, one of Toronto’s newest skating rinks, is an urban winter wonderland under the Gardiner Expressway, and the city’s newest public space reclamation project. (The Bentway also hosts exhibitions events and even an artist residency throughout the year.) The 220-metre skating trail is perfect for an exhilarating workout or some weekend fun. Admission is free, and if it’s been a while since you laced up your skates, you can also take advantage of free lessons for kids and adults. Hot beverages are sold onsite and you can also get cozy in one of the warming stations if you start to feel a chill.
While you may still miss those glorious summer days, Toronto’s winter event lineup provides all the inspiration you’ll need to get out from under your cozy blankets and hit the streets.