The GTA is a beautiful place in the winter with tons of exciting seasonal events and things to do. Whether you’re planning an outing for your family and want to stay on budget or are planning a night out with your colleagues, there’s something for you. Toronto is a relatively easy city to get around with the TTC system, but it’s not the fastest or most glamourous. To make your GTA winter outing a guaranteed blast, hire a private bus tour in Toronto to get you front point A to B (to C, D, and E) and back again. For some festive inspiration, here are 10 things to do when sightseeing in Toronto this winter.
1. Go Skating
There are a handful of epic outdoor skating rinks you need to check out this winter. Each has its own vibe and crowd-levels. In general, most rinks in the GTA are busiest on the weekends and in the evenings. If you can get away during the day, consider taking the family to one of these stunning outdoor rinks in the city:
– Nathan Philip Square
– Dufferin Grove Park
– Queensway Rink
– Riverdale Park East
Those are just some of the outdoor rinks in the GTA. See the city’s website for a full list, as well as more information on making the most of your skating outing.
2. Shop at the Christmas Markets
Tourists and locals alike wait all year for the St. Lawrence Market Holiday Event to start. Each year, they extend their holiday hours so we can all get our holiday shopping and syrup tasting in. You’ll find tons of exciting vendors and plenty of festive cheer.
However, St. Lawrence isn’t the only market to check out this winter. Make sure you plan a visit to The Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery District. You’ll find a main stage with entertainment, seasonal vendors selling handmade goods, and the stunning ambiance of the Distillery District in the winter. Although it costs money to get in on weekends, weekdays are free.
3. Enjoy the Holiday Parades
You can take your pick of holiday parades to check out in the GTA this winter. There’s more than enough to choose from! To start, the annual Kensington Market Winter Solstice Parade is one for the books. Put on by Red Pepper Spectacle Arts, expect to see creative artsts in all forms hit the streets. There will be clowns, fire performers, musicians, and impressive floats. Plus, most of the local vendors will have promotions in honour of the longest day of the year.
This winter will also hold the traditional Santa Claus Parade in various cities. Downtown Toronto will have one in addition to Mississauga, Etobicoke, Durham, Halton, and more. These are family-friendly events with lots of local vendors, entertainment, and festive cheer.
4. Visit Canada’s Wonderland’s WinterFest
To end off its season, Canada’s Wonderland throws one last hurrah for the holidays called WinterFest. The entire park is adorned with lights, decorations, and figurines. Workers dress like elves and nutcrackers and funnel cakes get served with candy cane sprinkles. Of course, many of the rides will be closed due to the temperature. However, you can still get your dose of adrenaline on the ones that stay open. Plus, there will be lots of special attractions only brought out during the winter. You’ll see special shows, Candy Cane Lane, the Elf Village, the Holly Jolly Trolley, Jingle Jazz Carolers, and more. Adults can even indulge in the Ice Wine Garden!
5. Marvel at the Toronto Light Festival
There are still festivities happening in Toronto when the holidays are over. Each January, Toronto hosts a massive Light Festival in the Distillery District. The historic streets of the Distillery are transformed into magical, sparkling lanes that take you on a visual journey. Light artists from all over the world display their exhibits for us all to ogle at. Not only is it free to attend, but there are lots of bars, restaurants, and cafes waiting to warm you up as you explore.
6. Sip Brews at the Winter Craft Beer Festival
Every February, beer lovers gather for the event of the year. Steam Whistle hosts the Winter Craft Beer Festival in downtown’s Roundhouse Park. There are over 40 local craft breweries present, along with lots of games and entertainment. You can warm up at the massive campfire and roast marshmallows or work up a sweat at the dance party. Tickets go on sale on December 1st, and the first 500 in line for the first day of the festival receive a special prize!
7. See The Nutcracker Ballet
If you don’t see The Nutcracker, did you really experience winter in the GTA? This award-winning ballet is performed at a handful of amazing theatres throughout the GTA. The largest performance is at the National Ballet of Canada, which has the legendary ballet dancer Greta Hodgkinson performing. You can also see it at the Toronto International Ballet Theatre as well as the Flato Markham Theatre and the Betty Oliphant Theatre. This classic holiday story is perfect for a night out with the family, your friends, and your colleagues.
8. Hit a Raptors or Leafs Game
There’s nothing like seeing a live Leafs Game in Toronto while the snow falls outside. It’s the quintessential Canadian experience that everyone should have at least once. You can score tickets to a Leafs game online; make sure you check Facebook marketplace and Kijiji for unwanted tickets for sale!
Despite Kawhi Leonard’s departure from the Raptors, this season is still one to watch. If you can get your hands on tickets to a live game at the Scotiabank Arena, even better. Our teams are what unite all of us across the GTA. Get in on the 6ix spirit and show your dedication courtside or rinkside. And, keep your eyes peeled for Drake, The Weeknd, or Justin Bieber in the stands!
Indulge at Winterlicious
Are you a foodie with a passion for the GTA’s culinary scene? Then Winterlicious is the event for you. Each year at the end of January, select Toronto restaurants host two weeks of food celebration. For a restaurant to be part of Winterlicious they must go through a strict vetting process, which means you know their dishes will be amazing. Each restaurant offers a three-course pre-fixe menu at an affordable price. Foodies can hop from one restaurant to another, tasting each one’s gourmet creations. Even if you’re not a foodie, this is an awesome opportunity to explore the GTA’s high-end restaurants.
Laugh Until You Cry with Toronto Fringe
Toronto Fringe hosts an annual mini-festival each winter called Next Stage. Buy tickets to any one of the 12 shows and prepare to laugh until you cry (or worse). There will be clowns, playwrights, comedians, directors, and actors at each show for you to spend an intimate evening with. Between shows, grab a pint at the Steam Whistle Festival Tent and mingle with your favourite comics. Not sure which shows you would enjoy most? Try Toronto Fringe’s show recommendation quiz!
The best way to enjoy your winter outing in the GTA is to have your transportation planned. Not only is this safer should you choose to imbibe, but it makes your experience all the more special. Parkinson Coach offers sightseeing in Toronto bus tours as well as private bus charters for your group.
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