Fun-Filled Winter Adventures in Toronto
Published: Nov 28, 2024
Winter in Toronto is an enchanting time, transforming the city into a wonderland with various activities for you, your friends and loved ones. With many indoor and outdoor events, it's the perfect destination for winter fun seekers!
Travel on GO Transit to Toronto
Getting into Toronto is a breeze with GO Transit; enjoy fare options, such as the $10 One-Day Weekend Pass or the Weekday Group Pass, starting at $30. Plus, kids 12 and under always ride free, making travel convenient and economical for families. Check out all the unique experiences, the best activities for sports-lovers, special events, and the best food Toronto offers!
Unique Experiences in Toronto
Illuminarium: Worlds of Wonder
Illuminarium – Experience the Extraordinary
Step into a world of wonder at the Illuminarium. A place where you can experience the extraordinary. This immersive cinematic experience uses the combination of state-of-the-art technology such as 4K interactive projection, 360° immersive audio, in-floor vibrations and scent systems to bring you shows and experiences, unlike anything you’ve seen before! With PRESTO Perks, you can enjoy 15% savings online or in-person with code PRESTO15 on admission to Illuminarium's Lite Brite: Worlds of Wonder and Space: A Journey to the Moon & Beyond. For online purchases, please be prepared to show your PRESTO card upon entry. Offer expires March 31, 2025.
Create a Custom Lipstick
Discover the ultimate personalized beauty with the Lip Lab experience. At Lip Lab, you become the artist, crafting custom lipsticks, glosses or balms that truly reflect your personal style. Begin your journey by selecting the perfect product and collaborating with expert colourists to mix unique shades just for you. Once the shade is blended, name it and add a special engraving to your choice of case, making each product truly one-of-a-kind. Reservations are recommended to ensure you can make the most of your experience!
Get Permanent Bracelets
Celebrate your time in Toronto with a permanent welded bracelet from Leah Alexandra’s Spark Studio, located inside the Shangri-La Hotel. It's a beautiful and lasting way to commemorate your time together in Toronto. You can select your choice of bracelet from their range of solid 14k gold or sterling silver chains, and they’ll craft the perfect length for you. Open 7 days a week, book your appointment to create a memory that lasts forever!
Laugh it out at a Comedy Show
Ready for some laughs? The Second City features critically acclaimed live improv and sketch comedy shows on stage every night. For more than 50 years, The Second City has been daring audiences to laugh at our world, our shared troubles, and ourselves. It features the best up-and-coming comedic talent. With PRESTO Perks, you can save 20% off general admission on shows from Sunday to Thursday.
Second City
Winter Activities for Sports Lovers in Toronto
Score Big with Every Bite at Real Sports
Real Sports, located just steps away from the iconic Scotiabank Arena, is the ultimate destination for sports enthusiasts and food lovers alike. This premier sports bar and restaurant offers an unparalleled experience, whether you're catching a game before or after the big event. Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, Real Sports boasts a massive 39-foot HD screen that brings every thrilling moment to life, ensuring you never miss a second of the action!
Check out a Sporting Event
Winter is an exciting time for sports enthusiasts in Toronto, offering an electric atmosphere at various sporting events. The city’s passion comes alive as fans gather to support their favourite teams. You can watch the Toronto Raptors, Toronto Maple Leafs, or Toronto Marlies in action all winter long. Plus, take advantage of up to 30% off Toronto Marlies tickets with PRESTO Perks.
The Toronto Marlies
Get Outside and Skate
Embrace the magic of winter as you glide across the ice at some of Toronto’s most iconic outdoor skating rinks, such as Nathan Phillips Square, The Bentway and Harbourfront Centre Rink. Lace up your skates and breathe in the fresh winter air under twinkling city lights. Enjoy the festive atmosphere at Nathan Phillips Square with its illuminated arches, or glide along The Bentway’s unique figure-eight trail, set to open on December 21, 2024! Both rinks feature special events, themed skate nights, and holiday markets, offering music, food and local crafts. With rental services also available, these rinks cater to all skill levels. Warm up with hot cocoa and make some cherished memories!
Special Events and Activities in Toronto
Royal Ontario Museum - Chinese Temple
Exciting Concerts and Shows
Don’t miss the festive magic at Massey Hall! On December 11, enjoy the Good Lovelies Annual Christmas Concert, featuring their harmonious mix of folk and holiday tunes. Then, laugh your way into 2025 at the New Year's Eve Comedy Extravaganza on December 31, hosted by Bruce McCulloch with top Canadian comedians. Grab your tickets now and enjoy a 30% discount with PRESTO Perks. Celebrate the season with Toronto’s vibrant cultural scene!
Holiday Market
Experience a picture-perfect holiday setting at The Distillery Winter Village, where you can explore charming vendor cabins, indulge in unique holiday shopping, and savour festive dining options. Enjoy seasonal highlights, such as the enchanting Tree Lighting Ceremony and delightful visits with Santa. This magical destination offers a cozy atmosphere, perfect for creating unforgettable holiday memories.
Winter Exhibits at Royal Ontario Museum
Escape the winter cold and explore a world of wonder at Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) with its captivating exhibits. "The Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibit" showcases stunning images capturing the beauty and raw power of nature, offering visitors a visual journey through diverse ecosystems. "Nature in Brilliant Colour" presents an awe-inspiring display of bright flora and fauna, taking you on a kaleidoscopic journey through the vibrant hues of our planet. With “Auschwitz: Not long ago. Not far away.” experience an unprecedented exhibition that examines the history and legacy of Auschwitz. Enhance your visit with a 15% discount on regular admission using PRESTO Perks!
Junction’s Window Wonderland
If you are in the mood for art, head over to the Junction for a FREE outdoor art gallery, the Junction’s Window Wonderland, featuring 20 spectacular augmented reality (AR) window installations and ten murals, all designed by local and international artists. The event runs from Nov 29, 2024 – Jan. 31, 2025.
Satisfy Your Tastebuds in Toronto
Distillery District
Winterlicious
Indulge in Toronto’s vibrant culinary scene during Winterlicious, a gastronomic festival that promises to fascinate your taste buds from January 31 to February 13, 2025. This year, over 220 of the city’s finest restaurants will showcase their culinary mastery, offering three-course prix fixe menus that cater to every palate and pocket. From contemporary fusion dishes to traditional favourites and exotic international flavours, there are cuisines for everyone to explore. Discover new dining spots or revisit cherished favourites, all while enjoying the flavours that make Toronto a culinary hub!
Delicious Food Options in the Distillery District
Embark on a culinary journey in the iconic Distillery District, where various dining options await. Start with Boku, celebrated for its exquisite Pan-Asian cuisine, perfect for a satisfying lunch. For those seeking upscale dining, Cluny Bistro offers a taste of French-inspired dishes in an elegant setting. If casual bites are more your style, stop by El Catrin, known for its vibrant Mexican flavours and lively atmosphere. For a unique culinary experience, visit the Distillery District's hidden gems, like Spirit of York, where you can pair local spirits with artisanal snacks!
Do a Brewery Tour
Step into the heart of Canada's brewing heritage with a Brewing Tour at Steam Whistle Brewing, the country's largest single-brand independent brewery. This immersive experience offers unique insights into the art and science of brewing, allowing you to explore the historic Roundhouse facility, a landmark filled with stories of Toronto’s past. During the tour, you'll witness the meticulous brewing process firsthand and enjoy tastings of their renowned pilsner. Make the most of your visit by taking advantage of a 20% discount on tours and a 15% saving on merchandise in the Tap Room, exclusively with PRESTO Perks.
Steam Whistle Brewing
Winter Adventures in Toronto
Toronto in the winter offers various experiences that perfectly blend adventure, culture, and fun. Gather your family and friends and make lasting memories in this vibrant city. Whether you're exploring the Distillery District or cheering at a sporting event, there's no shortage of activities to keep everyone entertained. Enjoy the perks of travelling with GO Transit and the savings with the One-Day Weekend Pass or Weekday Group Pass and make the most of your trip to Toronto!
Land Acknowledgement
Metrolinx acknowledges that we connect communities by building and operating transit within the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee and the Huron-Wendat peoples, for whom these lands continue to have great importance.
Treaties between First Nations and governments cover these lands, and the promises contained in these Treaties remain relevant to this day.
Metrolinx and its employees are committed to understanding the history of these lands and the continued impacts of colonization and take responsibility for actions to advance reconciliation.
Metrolinx will continue to seek the knowledge, expertise and experience of Indigenous partners and commits to doing business in a manner that is built on a foundation of trust, respect, and collaboration.