Fairs and festivals keep the city colourful through the darker months of the year.
Photograph: Torontonian/Alamy Stock Photo
In Toronto, winters are for gallivanting around the city and turning the chill into festive memories. From ice-skating under the stars to snowshoeing on the islands perched just off of the harbour in Lake Ontario to sipping down mulled wine – the colder months in this city are breathtaking and action-packed, so let it snow.
Toronto Christmas Market at the Distillery Historic District
Transport yourself into your favourite holiday romcom with a visit to Toronto’s Christmas Market at the Distillery Historic District. A sensational winter village, the cobble-stoned streets, once home to a 19th-century whisky distillery, are now buzzing with restaurants, shops, and cafes that bring out that nostalgic holiday spirit. With Christmas lights strung along the lampposts and a 15-metre Christmas tree, the market dazzles in the night sky. Head to the stage for a carolling performance, or let the alleyways guide you to the local artisan crafts stores. Need some refreshment? Stop for a piping cup of hot cocoa with a side of sticky, sweet maple taffy. Another way to warm up is to enjoy a mulled wine or a winter cider on one of the many heated patios. Cheers!
Harbourfront’s Ice Breakers
Turning the cold weather into artwork. Yes, that’s what Toronto does. Sitting on the frosted edges of Lake Ontario, visitors are invited to interact and engage with artwork and installations by local artists at Harbourfront’s Ice Breakers exhibition. This year’s theme is Signal Transmission – an exploration of data, knowledge, and connectivity. The exhibits run from 19 January to 24 February, so make sure to bundle up for an eye-opening, artistic experience.
Aurora winter festival at Ontario Place
Skating underneath the stars? Check. Santa Claus? Check. A giant tube slide to make you feel like a child again? Check. At the Aurora winter festival, people of all ages are invited into a winter wonderland beaming with Christmas lights and endless fun. From DIY arts and crafts in Santa’s workshop to a magical merry-go-round ride atop reindeers, it’s an endless playground full of holiday cheer. Pro tip: end your night on the ferris wheel for a breathtaking panoramic view of Toronto in all its glory.
Bloor-Yorkville Icefest
Don’t try this at home. From ice picks to chainsaws, some of Canada’s most talented ice carvers put their tools and creativity to the test at Icefest, held in the buzzing shopping precinct of Bloor-Yorkville. What can these ice artisans sculpt? Anything from Poseidon, the god of the sea to Excalibur, King Arthur’s sword, the ice-carving sculpture competition is an unmissable event. This year, go celeb hunting as Hollywood North – the theme for 2019 – makes it way to Yorkville, with over 70,000-pounds of ice ready to be carved. Bonus tip: need a break? Freshen up in the Icefest lounge and groove along to live music and signature festival cocktails to get into the spirit.
Skating at DJ Skate Nights at Natrel Rink
Skating is a favourite winter pastime for Torontonians – so it should be no surprise that the city boasts an abundance of ice rinks. You can start at iconic Nathan Phillips Square in front of the Toronto sign, or mix things up at a DJ skate night at the Natrel Rink. Boogie down on a Saturday evening to selections from great local DJs under the disco lights. Skate rentals start at about £3, so you have no excuse but to get your groove on.
Light festival at the Distillery District
Just because the holiday season is over doesn’t mean the lights have to go out. At the Toronto light festival in the city’s heritage Distillery District, old meets new as lighting innovators meet up at the Victorian-aged whisky distillery to display their inventions. From neon signs to fire-breathing dragons, the festival, which runs from 18 January to 3 March, is an extravaganza of all things bright and luminescent. Get your phones ready, because this is an Instagram op you don’t want to miss.
Winterlicious
Wondering where to eat? Look no further than Toronto’s annual Winterlicious festival, which brings together the city’s best eateries at affordable prices – they offer reduced three-course prix fixe menus for lunch and dinner. Check out five-star restaurants such as Canoe, which is famous for its inventive modern Canadian fare and panoramic city views from the top of the TD Bank Tower. Meanwhile, down by the waterfront you’ll find Miku, which serves up the city’s finest high-end Japanese and its lunch menu will only set you back about £20 during the festival. With hundreds of participating restaurants across the city, you can explore the diversity of Toronto’s culinary culture – a must-do for foodies and hungry winter appetites.
Allan Gardens
Escape the winter chill and head to a tropical oasis nestled in the middle of the city. Allan Gardens, a beguiling all-year-round greenhouse in Toronto’s east end, is a welcome haven from the cold. Bring a book and grab a seat on one of the many benches as snowflakes fall around the iconic dome roof. A proud landmark of the city, the conservatory dates back to 1858, and has since been a popular destination for plant enthusiasts and travellers alike.
Snowshoe through frosty trails in the city
Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the snow is so delightful. Some of Toronto’s most scenic winter escapes can only be really explored by donning a pair of snowshoes. Just a short transit ride away from the city centre, High Park is criss-crossed with walking trails, rolling hills and towering trees, perfect for a proper urban hike. For the adventurous, take the Toronto ferry and watch the ice break over the frozen lake. Then snowshoe across the charming Toronto Islands, a peaceful, natural wilderness with the best view of the Toronto skyline.
The Bentway
Need to get away from the crowd? Do what the locals do and head to the Bentway, an ice rink built beneath the city’s Gardiner Expressway. In a hip, industrial setting, the figure-of-eight ice rink features art exhibits and a winter village with snuggly blankets, hot beverages, and sweet snacks. With skate rentals at just £3, glide next to the highway murals and meet new friends in this intimate winter playground.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning a visit to the winter wonderland that is Toronto with Canadian Affair
