A City Guide to Toronto in Winter: Places To Visit Near Toronto

Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the fourth most populous city in North America. It is the provincial capital of Ontario and is often referred to as the “cultural capital of Canada” due to its diversity and vibrant art scene. The city has a rich history and is home to a variety of attractions, including the world-renowned CN Tower, the University of Toronto, the Royal Ontario Museum, and much more.

For those seeking an exciting winter escape, Toronto offers plenty of activities and sights to explore. From outdoor winter sports and festivals to cozy pubs and restaurants, there’s something for everyone in Toronto. In this guide, we’ll share some of our favorite places to visit near Toronto during the winter months.

History of Toronto

Toronto has a long and fascinating history. The city began as a small fishing village on the shores of Lake Ontario in 1750. It was first incorporated as a town in 1834 and later became a city in 1834. Throughout the 19th century, Toronto developed rapidly, becoming an important economic and cultural hub. By the turn of the 20th century, it had become the fourth largest city in North America.

Today, Toronto is a vibrant and diverse metropolis with a population of over 2.7 million people. It is home to numerous universities, museums, galleries, and parks. The city is known for its vibrant art scene and its many festivals, including the Toronto International Film Festival, Pride Week, the Canadian National Exhibition, and more.

What to Do in Toronto

Toronto has something for everyone. From outdoor winter sports and festivals to cozy pubs and restaurants, here are some of our favorite activities to do in Toronto during the winter months.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Toronto has a number of excellent ski resorts within an hour’s drive from the city. Blue Mountain Resort, located just outside Collingwood, has more than 40 runs and features a variety of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Mount St. Louis Moonstone Ski Resort is located nearby and offers terrain parks and night skiing. Other popular ski resorts near Toronto include Horseshoe Resort, Dagmar Resort, and Mount St. Louis Moonstone Ski Resort.

Outdoor Ice Skating

Toronto is filled with outdoor ice rinks that are perfect for skating during the winter months. The Harbourfront Centre hosts a series of free outdoor ice skating rinks along the waterfront each winter. Other popular outdoor skating rinks include Nathan Philips Square, Evergreen Brick Works, Colonel Samuel Smith Park, and Dufferin Grove Park.

Festivals & Events

Toronto is home to numerous festivals throughout the year, but the winter months offer some of the city’s most exciting events. The Toronto Light Festival takes over the Distillery District each February, while Winterlicious offers gourmet meals at some of the city’s top restaurants each January. The popular Winter Craft Beer Fest takes place each December at Ontario Place and features some of Ontario’s best craft beer offerings.

Shopping & Dining

Toronto has numerous shopping districts that are perfect for exploring during the winter months. The trendy Queen Street West district is filled with independent boutiques, while Yorkville is home to luxury brands like Prada and Tiffany & Co. For those looking for a cozy evening out, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from throughout the city, ranging from fine dining establishments to cozy pubs and bistros.

Tours & Activities in Toronto

In addition to exploring the city on your own, there are also numerous tours and activities available in Toronto that are perfect for those looking for an unforgettable experience. Here are two popular tours that we recommend:

CN Tower EdgeWalk Experience

The CN Tower EdgeWalk experience takes visitors on a thrilling journey around the top of the CN Tower. Participants will be outfitted with a safety harness before their guided walk around the circumference of the building’s uppermost level. This unforgettable experience offers breathtaking views of downtown Toronto and Lake Ontario from heights of up to 116 stories above ground level. For those looking for an even more thrilling experience, participants can opt for an EdgeWalk by Moonlight option or an EdgeWalk with a Camera Flyer option. Book a CN Tower EdgeWalk Experience today!

Lake Ontario Sightseeing Cruise

Take in the sights of Toronto from a different perspective on a sightseeing cruise on Lake Ontario. On this three hour tour, visitors will cruise past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Casa Loma, Harbourfront Centre, and more. The tour also includes a visit to Toronto Island Park where participants can explore the island’s beaches, gardens, trails, and more. Guests can also enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages as they take in the sights of downtown Toronto from the comfort of their boat seat. Book a Lake Ontario Sightseeing Cruise now!

Conclusion

Toronto is a vibrant and exciting city that offers plenty of activities and sights to explore during the winter months. From skiing and snowboarding at nearby resorts to exploring downtown shopping districts and dining at cozy restaurants, there’s something for everyone in Toronto during wintertime. Be sure to check out our recommended tours for an unforgettable experience you won’t soon forget!