If you’re trying to avoid having a boring and dreary winter, you’re in luck! Toronto has no shortage of fun things to do all year round – yes, even in the dead of winter. No matter what your personal definition of fun is, there’s at least one activity on this list for you. From ghost walks to hockey games, Toronto has it all.
Here are some fun things to do this winter in Toronto:
The FRIENDS Experience: The One in Toronto
If you’re a FRIENDS fan and haven’t been to The FRIENDS Experience: The One in Toronto – get moving before it’s too late! Located inside Yorkdale Shopping Centre, The FRIENDS Experience is an interactive installation where visitors can explore set recreations like Joey and Chandler’s apartment, Central Perk, and Monica and Rachel’s kitchen. Plus, there’s even a gift shop where you can pick up your very owned FRIENDS-themed goodies. It officially wraps on January 8, 2023, and you can shop for tickets here.
Royal Ontario Museum – ROM
What’s not fun and exciting about seeing actual dinosaur fossils? That along with the collection of 13 million artworks, cultural objects, and natural history specimens that the ROM has to offer. Spend a few hours exploring the ROM’s 40 gallery and exhibition spaces to be thoroughly entertained and learn a thing or two. An upcoming exhibition to look forward to is, T.rex: The Ultimate Predator starting March 11, 2023.
Skating
There are a ton of places to go skating within the city – and we’ve rounded up some free outdoor rinks for you to skate at here. Going skating is a great way to get out and get some physical activity in a fun winter-approved way.
The Haunted Walk
This one is for all of you who appreciate the spooky things in life. Toronto is full of awesome ghost stories, haunted locations, and dark history. Check out The Haunted Walk’s variety of ghost tours for an unconventional fun time out in the city.
Art Gallery of Ontario – AGO
Toronto is also home to the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), so take advantage of its prime location and plan a visit this winter! The gallery always has tons of fascinating exhibitions, and right now they’re honouring Leonard Cohen, exploring the photographs, artworks, notebooks, videos, and poetry of the legendary Canadian artist. Take a look at AGO’s ticket info here.
Bata Shoe Museum
Okay, maybe traditional museums aren’t your thing, but have you been to a shoe museum? The Bata Shoe Museum, located right here in Toronto is any shoe-lovers dream. It regularly displays over a thousand shoes and related artifacts showcasing over 4500 years of history.
Eataly
For all you foodies out there, specifically the lovers of Italian cuisine, sometimes wandering around Eataly will be time well spent! Eataly is a bustling Italian marketplace with 50,000 square feet overflowing with three restaurants, nine take-away counters, and a cooking school.
Ripley’s Aquarium
People from all over travel to Ripley’s Aquarium to experience the sea life it has to offer! Immerse yourself in a world of 20,000 aquatic animals and completely forget that it’s actually wintering right now. The best part in our opinion has to be the underwater viewing tunnel!
Leafs Game
The ultimate Canadian winter entertainment… hockey. Grab a ticket to a Toronto Maple Leaf game at some point this winter, even if you aren’t a die-hard hockey fan, going out to a game is always a good time!
Allan Gardens
Sometimes we all need a little pick-me-up in the winter. Get out of your home and visit Allan Garden’s indoor conservatory and soak in the colourful, seasonal plants the greenhouses have to offer for a little healthy escapism.
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It’s officially a new year, so why not spend the day doing something fun to start 2019 off on the right foot? Whether you want to stay in or get out, we’re rounding up the best things you can do this New Year’s Day!
Go Tobogganing
Instagram/ @tiaradanders
Almost every neighbourhood in the city has a hill where you can get outside and relive your childhood!BlogTO has an awesome list of hills across the city to help find the one nearest you. Adults and kids will both love this fun (and free) activity. Not only does it get you out of the house, but it’s a great way to spend the day!
Go For Brunch
Instagram/ @dinneratcartier
Whether you’re a little tired from your New Year’s Eve celebrations the night before, or just are looking for a great meal, why not meet your friends for brunch? Tons of restaurants will be open New Year’s Day. So, grab your first Instagram-worthy meal of 2019 at one of these delicious spots.
Visit a Museum
Instagram/@deehutch25
The Royal Ontario Museum will be open from 10 am to 7 pm on New Year’s Day, so you can check out the exhibits and learn something new! The museum has been transformed into a winter wonderland. They also have three special exhibitions going on so there is something for everyone! You can check out the Spiders: Fear and Fascination, Zuul: Life of an Armoured Dinosaur, and Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
Catch a Raptors Game
Instagram/@gemmarodao
The Toronto Raptors play the Utah Jazz on the home court this New Year’s Day. Tickets can be purchased online, so get your cheering voice and hometown spirit ready!
Go Shopping
Instagram/@cftoeatoncentre
Don’t let New Year’s Day get in the way of your shopping plan. Lots of shopping centres (like CF Toronto Eaton Centre, Square One Shopping Centre, and Toronto Premium Outlets) in the GTA will be open, so you can shop until you drop!
Host a Movie Marathon
If you don’t feel like going out, why not host a movie marathon at home? You can have friends and family over to watch all of your favourites. Just make sure to stock up on popcorn since it will be tricky to find an open grocery store! New Year’s Day will be a good time to put these Netflix hacks to good use.
Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Instagram/@ripleysaquaca
The super popular aquarium will be open on New Year’s Day and is fun for the entire family! Kids and adults alike will be mesmerized by all the different sea creatures they’ll see. And if you have a Presto card, you can score an extra discount on tickets.
Go Skating
Instagram/@thebentway
If you’re looking to get active, why not take advantage of the city’s multiple free outdoor skating rinks? It’s the perfect way to burn extra calories and spend time with your loved ones!
Visit the Toronto Zoo
Instagram/@thetorontozoo
The Toronto Zoo’s 12 Days of Enrichment event is on with all kinds of indoor pavilions, adorable animals, and scenic walking trails. This event will be fun for the entire family!
Check Out the Winter Flower Show
Instagram/@liannapisani
If you want to get out of the house without spending a bunch of money, check out the Winter Flower Show at Centennial Park Conservatory and the Allan Gardens Conservatory! They have incredible floral scenes made up of thousands of colourful flowers, vines, and plants from all around the world. Plus, these events are completely free!
Check Out the Winter Light Exhibition
Instagram/@jojoecono
This free event is definitely worth checking out! There are 18 different light exhibits as well as other fun activities like free public skating and community bonfires.
Featured Image: Pexels
With spring quickly approaching us, it’s safe to say that the worst of winter is over and we can start looking forward to warmer weather and plan lots of fun events. Luckily, there are so many things to do in and around Toronto this spring. Check out the list below and ease yourself out of your winter hibernation.
- Cherry Blossoms in High Park
Visit the gorgeous cherry blossoms in High Park this Spring.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf97SBFhByI/?taken-at=228569492
- TIFF Kids Film Festival
Between March 9th and March 18th watch the fantastic work of filmmakers, both Canadian and International, with your family.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf3_Z4eBv6q/?tagged=tiffkids
- Fashion Art Toronto
Between April 17th and 21st, visit and explore Fashion Art Toronto, a week celebrating arts, fashion and contemporary design.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcVfaBwFhAe/?taken-by=fashionarttoronto
- Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors
The iconic Infinity Mirrors exhibit is coming to the Art Gallery of Toronto on March 3rd to May 27th. Hopefully, you grabbed yourself some tickets!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfqenVoFmn6/?taken-by=agotoronto
- Spring Flower Show
Stop by Allan Gardens this Spring from now until April 29th for a collection of fresh flowers, with a special East show from March 25th to April 29th.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYx6v6CAjJv/?taken-at=228925005
- AGO First Thursdays
Every first Thursday of the month, the AGO hosts an evening party across the gallery, so gather your friends this Spring and head over.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfzrCyAHoKF/?tagged=agofirstthursdays
- Blue Jays Game
The spring vibes feel real when the Blue Jays come back to the field. Grab your tickets, wear your Toronto gear, and head over to the Rogers Centre to support the Toronto Blue Jays this season.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf_njlIgrxj/?taken-by=bluejays
- Doors Open Toronto
Visit over 100 of Toronto’s significant buildings at Doors Open on Saturday, May 26 to Sunday, May 27, 2018.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfgXyfnn_dq/?tagged=doorsopentoronto
- PhoebeNewYork Solo Exhibit
New York street artist is hosting her first solo show in Toronto during the month of March at Gallery 181. Exhibit hours are Wednesday to Saturday between noon and 6pm.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfyrjbKFHyt/?taken-by=phoebenewyork
- Canadian Music Week
Between May 7th and 13th, celebrate a week of music around the city with artists like Sloan, Madison Beer, and Said The Whale.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb2iem-jM9N/?taken-by=canadianmusicweek
- Power Ball XX: Carousal
Toronto’s iconic party is back at The Power Plant on May 31st with a carnivalesque theme!
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bfx5c77n0RA/?tagged=powerballxx
- Toronto Art Crawl Spring Pop-Up
Head over to the historic Great Hall on April 8th for a day of art, music, and great shopping. Tickets are $5 online and $8 at the door.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf8UQawFqHJ/?taken-by=torontoartcrawl
- Digifest 2018
For startup and tech fans, Digifest is taking place at Corus Quay this April from the 26th to the 28th.
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- Veggielicious
Dine in Toronto finest restaurants tasting plant-based meals between May 4th and 21st.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BFaBzEotdvU/?tagged=veggielicioustoronto
- Coffee and Tea Expo
Coffee and tea lovers unite this April 14th and 15th at the Coffee and Tea Expo held at the Evergreen Brick Works!
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf3ZoK-gfId/?taken-by=torontocoffeeandtea
Did we miss any of the top things to do this spring in Toronto and the GTA?
Featured image: Instagram/ @estelar_