10 Things to Do in Toronto in Winter

If you plan to travel to Toronto between December and March, you should consider that this is the winter season in Ontario, which is usually quite cold. Temperatures range from 5° to -10°, with slushy winds and snowfall. However, Canadians manage to have a good time and prepare gastronomic and cultural festivals. These include the Iced Wine Festival, the Toronto Festival of Lights and the Hamilton Winter Festival.

In addition, there is no excuse to stay at home, as you will be able to visit a subway city that interconnects the most important points. Get your gloves and warm clothes ready to enjoy the best things to do in Toronto in winter, such as: welcome the Chinese New Year in February, or appreciate the ice sculptures at the Ice Festival. Of course, you can't miss the skating rinks and snow wars in the main local parks.

Winter comes to Toronto with the best plans for the whole family, including the annual Winterlicious Food Festival. It is an ideal event for foodies, which you can enjoy if you are looking for things to do in the city in February, as it takes place the first two weeks of this month. You'll have the opportunity to explore French, Japanese, Canadian, Mexican, Middle Eastern cuisine and more.

Keep in mind that around 200 restaurants are participating with a wide range of flavor proposals. Culinary events are held, such as wine tastings, gastronomic tours of Toronto, themed dinners, food exhibitions and cooking classes. This festival has been organized in the city since 2003, so I recommend you reserve your place in advance. The cost of the experience varies depending on the number of restaurants and events you want to attend.

The festival will also take you on a tour of Kensington Market, located in the center of the city. Here you can learn more about Toronto's culinary history while sampling different types of dishes and snacks. It is an unforgettable culinary experience where you will discover typical food stalls, as well as Latin American and Asian options, as this colorful market has been the starting point for many immigrants who have established their businesses in the city.

Snowstorms can occur in winter, especially between January and February. Seeing a snowfall is a very special event, however at times it can be difficult to get around the city. In Toronto the fun doesn't stop, as there is a network of pedestrian tunnels, better known as the Underground City or Toronto's PATH. It is interconnected with Downtown and has an extension of approximately 30 kilometers. Special events are held in the winter.

The Underground City has more than 1,200 stores, as well as cafes and restaurants. It is a perfect place to stay sheltered from the cold and snow, without missing out on the fun. From the tunnels you can find exits to hotels, shopping malls, subway stations, train stations and some of Toronto's best museums.

On the street you will find at least 125 access points and in the subway part you will find signs indicating which street you are on. If you plan to be in Toronto for at least 3 days, I recommend taking a tour of this area of the city.

If you are in Toronto in winter, you should know that this season coincides with the Lunar New Year celebration. It is an event that brings together the Asian community and hundreds of tourists in Chinatown. It is characterized by lion dancing, Chinese calligraphy workshops, traditional food stalls, colorful lantern shows, tea ceremonies and typical rituals. In Chinatown you will also come across mahjong competitions, characterized by being a board game of this culture.

It is one of the best things to do in Toronto in January, as there are commemorative activities throughout the month. Each year a different animal is celebrated, according to the Chinese calendar. Additionally, you'll find many free events, such as LunasFest at the Varley Art Gallery in Unionville about an hour from downtown. It's a celebration dedicated to indigenous Chinese communities, with family entertainment and cultural performances.

If you're planning some activities to do in Toronto in January, I suggest you take advantage of a quick getaway to Niagara Falls to enjoy the Niagara Icewine Festival or Niagara Icewine Fest. It's a completely free wine and food event that turns Queen Street into a winter flea market. You can visit the Canadian wineries where Icewine is made and sweeten your palate.

This wine is made from semi-frozen grapes, which better concentrates the sweet and sour flavors. In addition to the tastings, you can enjoy live entertainment and attend special events, which offer guided tours through the vineyards and around the falls. There are also barbecues and bonfires that combine snacks, marshmallows and roasted chestnuts with wine.

There is also no shortage of winter villas and some people decide to go up to see the falls. In addition, there are skating rinks in the surrounding area which, of course, have the appropriate safety measures. If you go with children or pets, it is very important to avoid approaching the falls when they appear to be frozen, since in reality the ice does not solidify completely and can break at any movement.

If you're on the lookout for things to do in Toronto in February, you can't miss the Bloor Yorkville Icefest. The city's cultural district, it turns into a winter wonderland. Specifically, it takes place in the Village of Yorkville Park where the stars are the ice sculptures. This annual celebration offers ice carving classes and outdoor shows.

The high-relief figures are impressive, usually castles, mermaids, dragons, carriages and other classic works that remain on display for several hours. There are also some based on inspirational stories, so it is worth knowing the background of each exhibit.

Additionally, you can learn more about the history of this cultural festival and appreciate the light shows during the evening hours. A good option is to participate in a tour of Toronto with a professional guide, to get to know the area and the surroundings of the city in depth.

The Distillery District is a very famous local area, where every winter the Festival of Lights takes place. Specifically, it takes place between the months of January to March and is inspired by the Amsterdam Festival of Lights. It is considered the largest art festival in the region, as in this season the days are shorter and darker and the glowing lights add color to the streets of the city.

Upon arrival you will find an open-air gallery with cultural exhibits, live entertainment and activities ideal if you are looking for things to do in Toronto with kids. On the other hand, many people come to see the great fire-breathing dragon, a metal sculpture that has sounds, lights and special effects.

Additionally, the distillery district is a very lively area, where you can take a tour to enjoy the Victorian architecture and learn more about what was once the largest distillery in the world. Even if you are looking for some things to do in December in Toronto, you have to take advantage of the Christmas market that is installed in its picturesque streets.

In Toronto, Christmas comes alive during the winter, which adds a magical touch. That's why you can't miss the Christmas markets that add color, flavor and joy to the city. You can sip mulled wine, buy roasted chestnuts or just do some Christmas shopping. Get ready to experience the local traditions, such as lights lighting, caroling, multicultural meals and more.

Without a doubt, it is the best plan if you are looking for things to do in Toronto at Christmas. Here are some options of flea markets you can visit at this time of the year:

• One of a Kind: an outdoor bazaar that has become a tradition for Canadians. You will find a variety of handcrafted products, as well as live art demonstrations. There is even a family program with activities for children.
• Kensington Market: a market where you can sample seasonal produce and fruits, as well as enjoy outdoor Christmas plays.
• Distillery District Christmas Market : a market that comes to life after the lighting of Christmas in Toronto. You'll find live entertainment, food tastings and mulled wine huts.

In Ontario there are many options for entertainment during the winter, so I recommend you drive to Hamilton, a city located forty minutes from Toronto by car. It is a mini port city, where Hamilton's Winterfest or Hamilton's Winterfest is held. It is the perfect opportunity to enjoy more than 50 winter activities, including tours of the city and its main parks. It is an urban event, ideal to enjoy a getaway and get to know the surroundings.

Additionally, to keep warm, Canadians hold beer tastings and gastronomic tastings. The presentations of live musicians are highly anticipated, as they are in charge of national and international artists. At this event I recommend you take advantage of the dance and cooking classes, as well as the arts and crafts booths, comedy nights, Valentine's Day party and small outdoor galleries.

Snow is the star of the Canadian winter, as snowfall usually arrives between January and February. Some people prefer to stay sheltered and seek plans indoors. However, adventurous spirits will surely want to go out and take a look at the white-washed city, which looks like something out of a postcard. Some people opt to enjoy snow wars, draw angels on the ground or make snowmen.

The best areas to enjoy these plans are the surrounding outdoor trails, public parks, winter villages and winter camps.

For example, Bluffers Park is a park in west Toronto where many people come as a family to ski or play in the snow. Centennial Park is another park that is snowed in during the winter and offers recreational activities for all ages. Of course, High Park is not to be missed, as it offers a vibrant atmosphere and you can rent snowshoes and skis to enjoy the snowfall.

Winter in Toronto is beautiful, however some days can be extremely cold. To keep warm, I invite you to tour the city in search of the best hot chocolate in the region. This traditional drink will help you relax after enjoying the winter activities. If you're near the St. Clair West neighborhood you can stop by Cocoalatte, a coffee shop with a variety of options such as hot cider, steaming chocolate and Chai Latte.

Also, if you are looking for things to do in the city in March, you can enjoy the Colombian Chocolate Festival in Missaugua. It is an event where samples prepared with strong and bitter cocoa are served, which gives a special touch to the drink. It is held at the Colombian Cultural House, where you will learn how to drink hot chocolate accompanied by bread and cheese.

You can also take advantage of some of the best food tours in Toronto, to immerse yourself in a chocolate route through the picturesque local streets.

• Be sure to bring warm clothes and warm clothing.
• On very cold days do not forget to use the Underground City, to move around comfortably.
• Transportation in the city is usually expensive, but you can save money if you use the daily or weekly passes, they are ideal if you plan to stay at least 3 days in Toronto.
• Be careful where you walk, there are slippery areas and ice formations that do not solidify completely.