Entertaining Winter Activities in Toronto

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Each year when winter rolls around, Torontonians ask themselves how can I survive these next few months? Truth is, living in such a great city like this there is always something to keep you going and in the winter months there’s no exception. Below I will talk about ways people can keep themselves afloat during the chilly season. With so much to choose from you won’t even know where to begin.

• Everyone is familiar with the Christmas market during the holidays, but did you know the Distillery District turns into a light festival for the rest of winter? The Toronto Light Festival is held there from January 18^th to March 3^rd this year.
• for $5 or $10 rent skates and head on to the Bentway trail. Awesome views of the city under the Gardiner Express Way turned into a rink, for sure a great time for the whole family and friends.
• For the same price of renting skates, you can go to Nathan Philips Square on Saturday nights and enjoy skating with others at City Hall. DJ skate parties, music, laughter etc… it’s all there waiting for you to indulge. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday if you ask me.

• For $13(cost of renting skates) you can skate at Natrel Rink at the Harbourfront Center. It has the best views and lights in the city, while you skate. Sherbourne Common is another option, bring your own skates because this place is open 24 hours. This place also has amazing views of the 6ix. Both places are known to fill up on weekends so arrive on time.
• Head to Graffiti Alley in the winter months for awesome Instagram pictures in front of the many murals around. They are located along the back alleys of Queen Street West around Augusta Avenue and the surrounding areas. In this neighborhood you will see amazing art and some of the best talent the city has to offer. Best of all its free of charge, all you need is the camera on your phone and a friend. So, head on down as soon as possible before the warmer months come back around. Meaning you have less room to navigate, because it’s a popular destination in the summer.
• There are also plenty of events to check out on the Harbourfront, like many art displays to visit and view. Ideal for Instagram pics and videos.
• Art Gallery of Ontario is always open and ready for visitors. On Wednesdays you can check this place out for free between 6pm and 9pm
• Visit the Royal Ontario Museum every Friday night for a dance party with food and drinks provided. All this for only $17. Come see what Dinosaurs look like, when you are a little turnt lol.

• From Feb 21^st-24^th this year, along the Danforth there will be various music acts featuring rock, blues, jazz, urban roots music and more…This event is called the Winterfolk music festival.
• One true gem is the upcoming winter craft beer fest at the Roundhouse Park outside of the Steamwhistle Brewery. Tickets will cost you between 30$ and 40$. Freshly toasted marshmallows will be included along with crafted beer. How can anyone turn that down? More than 40 breweries will be on hand. As well as a DJ dance party you will not want to miss.
• There is always the option to go watch the Toronto Raptors play and or the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Scotia Bank Arena. That is always a nice time out and fun for everyone involved. Especially if the teams are winning lol.
• You can head on over to Tommy Thompson Park and check out the wildlife this place has to offer during the winter. Not to mention, you could even go tobogganing/tubing on the many slopes and parks across Toronto and the GTA.
• Some other great options include Winterfest at Canada’s wonderland and the Aurora Winter Festival at the CNE.
• You could take on Winterlicious, with a three-course meal for either lunch or dinner at some of the finest restaurants Toronto has to offer.  January 31^st to February 13^th at over 200 GTA destinations.

• Come out to Yorkville and Bloor Saturday & Sunday Feb 8-9 for the annual Icefest taking place in the area. At Cumberland Street and Bellair Street, this a free public event which welcomes people of all ages.
• Take the whole family and or friends to visit the Winter Stations Toronto has to offer. These are temporary art exhibits at the beaches put up to celebrate Toronto’s beautiful winter waterfront landscape.
• Toronto Comic Con will be held March 20^th-March 22^nd at the Toronto Metro Convention Centre. You could see Batman, Spiderman, or any other childhood Superhero to help keep those winter blues at bay and help bring out the kid in you.
• To end off winter head on over to Sugar Shack TO’s March event. Location will be at Sugar Beach March 14^th to 15^th and will celebrate all things Maple. (What is more Canadian  sounding than this?) The Event will include live entertainment, plenty of ice activities, delicious cheap eats, and who can say no to some yummy Maple Syrup to go along with all the fun. Finally, if it’s still cold out, warm up with some hot mulled cider served on site.  Sounds like a good time for everyone, if you ask me. Best of all, this event is free!!