25 Best Things to Do in Toronto in Winter [2024-2025]

As Canada’s largest city, there are tons of fun things to do in Toronto in winter. Fortunately, Toronto is not a city that shuts down during the colder months. Instead, locals and visitors embrace the cold by enjoying the city’s endless year-round and winter activities.

The best part of winter in Toronto is that there’s something for everyone. The city has a great mix of free and inexpensive indoor and outdoor activities, and sports, entertainment, and seasonal events.

So, read on to find out what fun things you can do in Toronto in winter (from a local).

Best Things to Do in Toronto in Winter

Having lived in Toronto for over 6 years, I’ve experienced my fair share of Toronto winters, and the cold weather has never stopped me from enjoying the city. In fact, I love the range of unique and seasonal activities which the snowy season brings.

Toronto is Canada’s largest and liveliest city, with a huge entertainment scene, endless dining options, vibrant neighbourhoods, a beautiful waterfront, iconic attractions and tons of things to do at any time of year.

Luckily, the city is well-equipped for the colder months, with winter-themed events, free activities, and infrastructure designed to handle the cold and snow. This means you’ll always find people out and about in winter, enjoying the snowy scenery, ice skating, and visiting both indoor and outdoor attractions.

And to make sure you get the most out of the cold season, here are the best things to do during winter in Toronto, from a local.

1. Ice Skating

One of my favourite things about Toronto is that there are tons of free recreational and sporting facilities around the city. In winter, you will find more than 50 outdoor skating rinks across Toronto, which are available for everyone to use!

Most of these skating rinks are located in the city’s various parks. For these rinks, it’s best to check the skating schedules on the City of Toronto website. In addition to leisure skate sessions, these rinks also host specific programs for different age groups, like shinny.

However, some of the best skating rinks in Toronto are actually found in more urban settings. In particular, there’s nowhere more iconic to skate than at Nathan Phillips Square, in front of the Toronto sign!

Another unique place to skate in Toronto is the Bentway. This is a 220 meter figure-eight skating trail located under the Gardiner Expressway.

There are onsite skate rentals at both Nathan Phillips Square and the Bentway, as well as concession stands where you can buy hot drinks and snacks.

2. Go Up the CN Tower

The CN Tower is Toronto’s most iconic landmark. At 553 meters (1,815 feet) high, it towers above all other buildings in the city and offers panoramic views as far as the eye can see.

Going up the CN Tower is a must-do activity when you visit Toronto at any time of year. However, in winter, you could be treated to views of the city blanketed in snow. And, if it’s cold enough, a partially frozen lake Ontario, which is a particularly spectacular sight to see.

Additionally, as the sun sets earlier in the cold months, you can more easily time your visit up the CN Tower to catch the sunset, which is most vibrant in the winter.

By heading up in the late afternoon, you’ll be able to see Toronto in the daylight, followed by the colourful sunset, and then the landscape lit up by the city lights after dark. This spectacular trifecta is more difficult to witness in the summer, as the sun sets too close to the CN Tower’s closing time.

The CN Tower is open from 10 am to 9 pm daily, with adult tickets starting at $30. In winter, you can visit both the main observation level 346 meters up, and the SkyPod which is 447 meters above the ground.

And, for a unique dining experience, you can also eat at the 360 restaurant, which rotates as you dine. Plus, a reservation at the restaurant also includes your ticket up the tower in the price of your meal.

3. Tobogganing

Toronto is a city with plenty of parks, and some of them have excellent hills for tobogganing. Although there isn’t usually snow in Toronto all winter long, when it does snow these parks come alive with tobogganers of all ages!

One of the best places to go tobogganing in Toronto is Riverdale Park on the city’s east side. The park has two hills, on either side of the Don Valley Parkway. The hill on the park’s east side is the bigger, steeper and more famous of the two. Whereas the west side hill is smaller and more child-friendly.

Some other parks with excellent tobogganing hills in Toronto include Trinity-Bellwoods Park, Christie Pits, and Glen Stewart Park.

4. The Distillery Winter Village

If you’re in Toronto over the holidays, one of the best things to do is to visit the Distillery Winter Village. The village is essentially a Christmas market, located in the charming Distillery Historic District.

Here, you will find a wide range of unique stores selling seasonal and handmade products, food and drink vendors, Christmas activities (such as visits from Santa) and live entertainment.

There is also a huge Christmas tree lit up in the centre of the village, as well as lights and decorations adding to the festive atmosphere. This, combined with the district’s cobblestone streets and restored Victorian buildings, gives the winter village a distinct European feel.

The Distillery Winter Village is held annually from mid-November to early January. It’s usually free to enter, with the exception of evenings on weekends and during the prime holiday period.

5. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

Toronto has some of Canada’s best museums, including the country’s largest museum, the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum). And there’s no better time to visit than in winter, as you can easily spend a whole day escaping the cold to explore the museum’s extensive collections.

This impressive museum houses over 1 million cultural, historical and art objects from around the world. The ROM’s collection has everything from indigenous artwork to dinosaur fossils, historic textiles, archaeological artefacts, and items from the ancient world, such as Egypt, Greece, the Near East, and much more.

And, for an after hours museum experience, once a month throughout the winter the museum hosts ROM After Dark. This is an adults-only ticketed event held on select Friday nights from 7:30 to 11:30 pm. Tickets include entry to the entire museum, curated music, pop-up performances, visual arts and food and drinks.

6. Ripley’s Aquarium

Another fantastic way to escape the cold during winter in Toronto is to visit Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada.

Ripley’s is Canada’s biggest indoor aquarium and is one of Toronto’s most popular attractions. And with over 12,500 square meters (135,000 square feet) of interactive aquarium, it’s easy to see why.

Housing over 100,000 animals from 500 different species, the aquarium features a huge variety of marine life, such as colourful tropical fish, giant lobsters, 10-foot sharks, and one of the most extensive jelly fish exhibits in the world.

Plus, the aquarium hosts several events each day including live dive shows, penguin feedings and aquarist talks. And there are even stingray touch pools where you can interact with the animals!

Ripley’s is not only a fun attraction, it’s also a great learning experience for visitors of all ages. The aquarium strives to promote environmental education for all ages, as well as research and conservation work through its various programs.

And, for a unique aquarium experience, Ripley’s hosts Jazz Night on the second Friday of every month. This underwater musical adventure includes a live jazz band and cocktail bar for you to to enjoy while exploring the aquarium. The event is held from 7 to 11 pm and tickets must be purchased in advance.

Tip: Buy a Toronto CityPass for access to up to 5 attractions including Ripley’s Aquarium, the CN Tower, Casa Loma and more!

7. See a Hockey Match

Ice hockey is the quintessential Canadian sport and Toronto is home to a couple of excellent teams. The Toronto Maple Leafs are the city’s major league team, playing as part of the NHL (National Hockey League) at Scotiabank Arena.

Seeing a Leafs game might be the best sports experience you can have in Toronto. And winter is the time for it, since the hockey season runs from October to April. Although NHL tickets are usually on the pricier side and can be difficult to get.

Luckily, if going to a Leafs game doesn’t fit your budget or itinerary, you can still get a true hockey experience by seeing Toronto’s minor league team, the Toronto Marlies. In fact, many locals claim a Marlies game is even more fun than a Leafs game!

And going to a hockey match is much more than just watching the game. The excitement and energy of the fans, fast-paced nature of the sport, and overall atmosphere inside the arena makes for a fun activity everyone can enjoy, no matter which team you’re watching.

8. Hockey Hall of Fame

Another key hockey experience to have in Toronto (and a must-do activity for fans of the sport) is to visit the Hockey Hall of Fame.

This iconic institution showcases a treasure trove of hockey memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and the historic Esso Great Hall, which houses all the major NHL trophies, plaques of honoured Hockey Hall of Fame members, and the original Stanley Cup.

At the Hall of Fame you will get to browse various galleries and exhibits, learn more about Canadian hockey history, play simulation games, and purchase hockey merchandise.

You will need around 2 to 3 hours to properly experience the Hockey Hall of Fame. So this is a great way to spend a chilly afternoon in Toronto in winter!

9. Explore St. Lawrence Market

Toronto has several excellent food markets. But most of them are outdoors and best visited in the warmer months. Luckily, this doesn’t apply to all of them. Toronto’s best and most famous food market is actually indoors, and is a great place to explore in the winter!

Located in the heart of the Old Town, Toronto’s iconic St. Lawrence Market has been around for more than 200 years. This historic market, is world-renowned and houses over 120 different vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal goods and hot food.

You will find everything here from fresh pasta and locally sourced honey to an endless selection of cheeses, meats and fresh produce, as well as specialty and international food vendors. So make sure to come hungry!

10. Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

Another fantastic museum to visit in Toronto in the winter is the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario).

The AGO is one of North America’s largest and most distinguished art museums, with a collection of more than 120,000 pieces. Across the gallery’s extensive exhibitions and collections, you can expect to see beautiful paintings, intricate sculptures, cutting-edge contemporary art and spectacular photography.

In addition to a range of international art, the gallery also has large display of work from Canada’s Group of Seven, as well as extensive works by emerging and established indigenous artists.

The AGO also offers various art programs and workshops for both adults and children, which can be a great way to spend a winter afternoon or evening!

11. Casa Loma Holiday Light Display

Casa Loma is Toronto’s very own Gothic Revival castle-turned-museum. Located in midtown, this one of a kind building is set amidst 5-acres of beautiful grounds and has a range of impressive rooms and gardens to explore.

And, although the gardens are most spectacular during the summer months, winter is actually also a beautiful time to visit. In December, Casa Loma lights up for the holiday season with a dazzling array of Christmas lights and decorations across the property.

To best experience this festive display, there’s a self-guided walking tour which visitors can take through the castle’s grounds. And on top of the picturesque scenery, Casa Loma also hosts various live performances, as well as Santa’s workshop in the castle, for the full holiday experience.

Casa Loma is open from 9:30 am to 5 pm daily, and tickets are required for admission.

12. Cross-Country Skiing

As Toronto is a very urban setting, you may be surprised to learn that you can actually do snow sports in the city! And one of those sports is cross-country skiing.

When there’s enough snow in Toronto, there are 5 places in the city with cross-country trails. On Toronto’s west side you’ll find trails in High Park, east of downtown there’s Tommy Thompson Park (on the Leslie Street Spit), and north of the city there’s the Beltline Trail and Don Valley Ravine Trails.

However, one of the most unique places to go cross-country skiing in Toronto is actually on the Toronto Islands!

During winter, you can still get the ferry over to Ward’s Island, to visit Toronto Island Park. On a cold day this is an experience in itself, as the ferry breaks its way through the icy water. Then, once on the island you can ski all the way from Ward’s to Centre Island and back!

13. Snow Shoeing

Snowshoeing is another winter sport which you can do in Toronto (weather permitting). When there’s enough snow in the city, the trails at High Park, Tommy Thompson Park, the Beltline, Don Valley Ravine and Toronto Islands can also all be accessed by snow shoe.

And, after a big snowfall, you can explore pretty much any of Toronto’s other parks and ravines with snowshoes too, as long as you’re up for breaking trail!

14. Ontario Science Centre (temporarily closed)

Visiting the Ontario Science Centre is a fun and interesting way to spend a winter’s day in Toronto. Plus, this is one of Toronto’s most family-friendly activities, as the centre has plenty of spaces designed specifically for children.

The Ontario Science Centre is one of the world’s first interactive science museums. During your visit, you will get to learn about science, technology and society through hands-on activities, experiments and games.

There are also a wide range of exhibits and displays to explore, covering topics like physics, biology, climate change, space, the human body and much more.

And for those seeking some extra entertainment, the centre also hosts live science demonstrations, as well as IMAX films played in Ontario’s only OMNIMAX Dome theatre.

The Ontario Science Centre is located northeast of downtown Toronto. It’s easily reached by car, bike or public transit and is open from Tuesday to Sunday.

Note – Due to safety issues with the building’s roof, the Science Centre has been closed until it can be moved to a new, state-of-the-art facility.

15. Day Trip to Niagara Falls

You can’t visit Toronto without taking a day trip to Niagara Falls. This impressive Canadian landmark is one of the biggest waterfalls in the world and is only a 1.5 hour drive from Toronto!

Taking a day trip to Niagara Falls during the snowy months can be a particularly beautiful experience, as the falls and surrounding landscape transforms into a winter wonderland. During the height of the winter, you may even get to see the falls partially frozen, as icicles form along the edges, and sometimes a crust of ice covers sections of the flowing water.

While some attractions may have seasonal closures, there are still plenty of things to see and do in Niagara in winter. In particular, the Journey Behind the Falls, Skylon Tower observation deck and Niagara SkyWheel are all open throughout the winter.

And, Niagara also hosts its Winter Festival of Lights from mid-November to early January. The festival includes over 75 colourful displays of light at the falls, Dufferin Islands, and along the Niagara Parkway, which you can explore at your own pace. Plus, there’s a Hot Chocolate Trail along the way, so you can stop to warm up by trying different variations of this chocolatey drink.

The easiest way to get the full Niagara Falls experience from Toronto is by taking a day tour. This will include all transport, visits to key sites in the Niagara Region, time to explore the falls, and even tickets to popular attractions and activities.

16. Holiday Fair in the Square

The Holiday Fair in the Square is a festive winter event which, until recently, was held downtown, in Nathan Phillips Square.

However in 2023 the event moved to a new location in Mel Lastman Square in North York. Although this is a little further away from downtown, it’s actually still very easy to reach by taking the yellow Subway line to North York Centre Station.

The fair is a winter wonderland with rides, performances artisan market stalls, festive food and Santa’s village. Plus there’s a fireside lounge where you can toast s’mores and enjoy a mulled wine or hot chocolate.

The Holiday Fair in the Square is held daily throughout most of December. Spending an afternoon at the fair is an especially fantastic activity to do if visiting Toronto over the holidays with kids.

17. Shopping at the Eaton Centre

There’s no better time than in the winter to indulge in some retail therapy. Although you won’t struggle to find excellent shopping districts in the city, the best place for shopping in Toronto is the Eaton Centre.

This huge shopping mall, located right by Toronto’s bustling Yonge-Dundas Square, is one of Toronto’s most popular attractions. And it’s actually the busiest shopping centre in all of North America!

The mall attracts millions of visitors each year to its 230+ shops, services and restaurants. There’s something for every type of shopper here, from big brands and specialty stores, to small boutiques and everything in-between. You can easily spend a whole day (or more) browsing everything this mall has to offer.

And even if shopping isn’t your thing, the Eaton Centre is still worth a visit to marvel at its impressive architecture. Most famously, the centre is known for its huge glass ceiling and iconic “Flight Stop” sculpture of a flock of Canada geese flying high above shoppers.

18. See a Comedy Show

Although not quite as famous as Montreal for its comedy, Toronto also has an exciting comedy scene and is the place where many famous comedians first started out in the business!

Seeing a comedy show is a great way to spend a cold night out in Toronto. Most shows are hosted in cozy underground venues, where you can order food and drinks, and enjoy some laughs in a relaxed environment.

There are several popular comedy clubs across the city, including The Second City, Yuk Yuk’s, Absolute Comedy, and Comedy Bar.

Tickets to comedy shows generally range from about $15 to $30 CAD. So, not only is this a fun way to spend an evening, but it’s also a very budget-friendly night out.

19. Visit the Theatre

Toronto is Canada’s capital for performing arts. As such, the city has a thriving entertainment district which includes a rich theatre scene.

Whether you’re looking to see a play, musical, comedy, opera or ballet performance, there’s bound to be something of interest to you at one of the city’s various theatre venues.

Some of the most significant landmark theatres in Toronto include the Royal Alexander Theatre, the Princesse of Wales Theatre, Roy Thomson Hall, the Ed Mirvish Theatre, and Massey Hall.

Some of these venues even host Broadway productions and critically acclaimed performances. And there are always plenty of different shows on throughout the winter season to choose from.

20. Explore the PATH

Toronto is actually pretty easy to get around in the cold weather, as the city has 30+ kilometres (19 miles) of underground pedestrian tunnels which connect most of the city’s key sites.

Known as the PATH, this pedestrian network links various public transit stations, office buildings, shopping centres, food halls and key tourist attractions in Toronto’s downtown core. So you can stay warm and indoors while visiting many points of interest around the city.

The tunnels also have endless food vendors and retail stores, so there’s plenty to explore on the way too. In fact, the PATH is actually the largest underground shopping complex in the world!

Using the PATH network is the best way to navigate Toronto on a cold or snowy day. However, finding your way can be a little tricky and overwhelming at first. Therefore, a great way to see all the key sites is to take a PATH walking tour.

This is an especially great way to experience Toronto in the winter if you’re short on time and looking to fit as much in as possible.

21. Museum of Illusions

For a unique and family-friendly museum experience, visit Toronto’s Museum of Illusions. This is the ideal activity for adults and kids who are interested by optical illusions. Plus it’s a great way to escape the cold outside for an hour or two in the winter.

The museum will have you questioning reality with perspective-changing rooms, puzzling installations, holograms and various illusion rooms. Not only is this a fascinating experience, but it’s also an immersive and educational one, ensuring you leave with a better understanding of how illusions can play tricks on your mind.

To fully experience the museum’s exhibits, it takes around 45 to 60 minutes. Although this may seem short, it’s definitely more than enough time to shock your senses and satisfy your curiosity!

22. Go For a Winter Walk or Hike

Toronto is a great city to explore on foot at any time of year! Even in the winter, this is one of my favourite activities to do here.

Although it can get very cold in the winter, Toronto is usually walkable, as the city is quick to clear the snow and salt the sidewalks. Although, keep in mind that some sidewalks can still be icy, so always be more cautious when walking in the winter.

Or, if it’s too cold or icy outside, you can always use the city’s underground pedestrian network (the PATH) to get around.

But Toronto’s urban areas are not the only places you can explore on foot in winter. There are actually tons of trails in parks, ravines, forests, and along the waterfront, which are popular walking and hiking spots throughout the year.

Some of the best places to go for a winter hike in Toronto are High Park on the west side, the Don Valley to the north, and Rouge National Urban Park east of the city.

Or, if you’re up for heading further away, there are several fantastic conservation areas and provincial parks within easy reach of Toronto. Crawford Lake Conservation Area, Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, and the Dundas Valley Conservation Area are some of the best spots for winter hiking within a 1 hour drive of downtown.

23. Eat Delicious Food

Toronto is a foodie city. And, as the world’s most multi-cultural city, you’ll find cuisine here from every corner of the world.

The city is known for having one of Canada’s best food scenes, from world-class fine dining, to delicious street food and unique hidden gems. There’s something for every type of foodie in Toronto.

And, when it’s cold outside, there’s no better time to indulge in a hearty meal inside one of Toronto’s 7,500+ restaurants.

Plus, each winter at the end of January and early February, the city hosts Winterlicious. This annual winter food festival has over 200 participating restaurants, which each offer affordable three-course prix fixe menus. This is a great way to explore the city’s vibrant food scene and try some of Toronto’s best restaurants on a budget.

24. Challenge Yourself at an Escape Room

In recent years, escape rooms have become one of the most popular indoor activities to do in Toronto, with venues popping up all over the city.

Tackling an escape room is a great way to spend a cold evening as a family or with friends in Toronto. And the city has some amazing immersive experiences with impressive decor, engaging storylines and even live actors. Plus, many venues also have an onsite bar and lounge to enjoy a drink before or after the challenge.

Some of the best escape rooms to visit at the moment are Escape Manor in the entertainment district, E-Exit and Proxima Command just north of downtown, and Daydream Adventures on the east side.

But for one of the most impressive escape rooms in the city, I recommend booking Secret City Adventures. Although a little more expensive than Toronto’s other escape rooms, Secret City has the most theatrical live actors and is hosted in the beautiful castle setting at Casa Loma.

25. Explore the Frozen Waterfront

Toronto has a picturesque waterfront which is not only great to explore in summer, but also has some stunning frozen views in winter.

During the height of winter, the foliage along the shoreline can freeze, creating dramatic natural ice sculptures. Plus, in particularly cold years, parts of Lake Ontario even freeze. This contrast of the frozen lake against the city skyline is one of the best winter views of Toronto.

And, sunny winter days are a great time to stroll along the waterfront’s Martin Goodman Trail. The trail comes alive when the sun’s out, with locals and visitors alike enjoying the snowy landscape, waterfront views and crisp fresh air.

Winter in Toronto FAQs

How cold does Toronto get in winter?

In winter, Toronto temperatures are typically around 30 to 14°F (-1 to -10°C). However, there are sometimes colder periods where the temperature dips lower than this. The coldest it will usually ever get in Toronto is around -22°F (-30°C) with the wind chill.

Does it snow a lot in Toronto?

It does snow in Toronto, but not as much as in many other parts of Canada. Especially in downtown Toronto, as the snow tends to melt fairly quickly due to traffic, road clearing and salt. Usually you can expect at least a couple of good snowfalls each year, as well as more frequent lighter snowfalls or flurries.

Is December a good month to visit Toronto?

December is a great month to visit Toronto as the city comes alive for the holidays! This is the best time to enjoy festivities and events like the Distillery Winter Village, Casa Loma holiday light display, and the Holiday Fair in the Square.

Can you visit Niagara Falls from Toronto in winter?

Yes, you can visit Niagara Falls from Toronto at any time of year. Winter is a great time to take a day trip to the falls, as they look especially magical when surrounded by snow and ice.

Is Toronto walkable in winter?

Toronto is a walkable city all year round. In the winter, the city is usually quick to clear the streets and salt the sidewalks after a snowfall, so traffic and pedestrians can get around easily. Although sidewalks can still be slippery in places, so you should always be extra cautious when walking in the winter.

And when it’s too cold or icy to walk outside, there’s an underground pedestrian tunnel network you can use to get around Toronto’s downtown core.

What is the best thing to do on a snowy day in Toronto?

The best thing to do on a snowy day in Toronto is to go tobogganing! The city has several parks with excellent tobogganing hills, including Riverdale Park, Trinity-Bellwoods, Christie Pits, and Glen Stewart Park.

How should I dress for winter in Toronto?

The best way to dress for winter in Toronto is in layers, so you stay insulated from the cold, but can take layers off when you get inside. You should wear a warm winter coat, hat and gloves, as well as boots with good grip. And if you’ll be doing outdoor activities, or it’s especially cold, it can be a good idea to wear a thermal layer under your clothes.

Final Thoughts on Winter in Toronto

So, there you have it, the best things to do in Toronto in winter! With tons of indoor activities and attractions, a vibrant food and entertainment scene, and infrastructure designed for the cold, Toronto has plenty of fun things to do in the winter.

And hopefully this list has inspired you to visit Toronto during the colder months, or given you some ideas for what to do in the city this winter.

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