We may have fewer places to gather and explore in Toronto right now, but thankfully this is a city with infinite choices of fun things to do. You’ll find plenty of unique activities you can enjoy safely both in the heart of downtown and in the suburbs, from snow tubing hills to outdoor Nordic spas to alpaca walks and more.
Here are 10 things to do during Ontario’s current restrictions that are actually fun. Now, grab your bestie or your S/O and start the car!
Hit up a rooftop skating rink
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The popular Sky Skate rooftop rink at The Porch is open for the winter season and it’s one of the most picturesque spots in town for gliding under the stars. The rink is located right in the heart of downtown, so you’ll be skating under the glow of twinkling lights, city buildings, and the majestic CN Tower.
You can reserve your skate ahead of time right now, which costs $14.95 per person for one hour. You can rent a pair of skates and a helmet on-site for an additional cost. You’ll also be able to warm up with a drink on the heated patio, which you can enjoy after your skate.
Where: 250 Adelaide St. W
Dine on a heated patio
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No city does patio season quite like Toronto. Even on frosty nights, you’ll still catch people dining and sipping their cocktails on patios next to heaters and fire pits.
If the last couple of years have given you a new appreciation for outdoor dining, you’ll be happy to know that there are tons of gorgeous heated patios in Toronto equipped with everything you need to stay toasty all season long.
Patios are currently permitted to stay open throughout the month of January and there are plenty to check out around the city. You may want to give them a call in advance to confirm their operating hours and make a reservation.
Where: Various locations
Go to an outdoor Nordic spa
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If you could use a little R&R, a brand new Finnish-inspired outdoor spa has opened just an hour outside of Toronto and it’s staying partially open through the current restrictions.
As of right now, Vettä Spa’s outdoor pools and relaxation areas are open and ready to enjoy, as well as the hot stone, and salt scrub rooms. The steam rooms and saunas and indoor dining area are currently closed.
You can even get a special discount of $69+HST until at least January 27th, and you can reserve your visit here.
Where: 3210 Line, 3 Line N, Oro-Medonte
Go on a breathtaking winter stroll
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We may have fewer places to go in Toronto right now, but one thing we can always enjoy is the great outdoors. Thankfully, this city is full of peaceful nature trails that are enjoyed by locals all year round, even in the colder months. We Ontarians aren’t deterred by a little wind chill — just throw on a few extra layers, grab a thermos full of hot chocolate, and you’re good to go.
It’s time to get back to the basics and appreciate the small things in life, like a sunny day, gently falling snow, and a few leisurely hours to slow down and soak up your surroundings.
Where: See Toronto’s best winter walking trails here
Fly down Ontario’s longest snow tubing hill
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There’s no such thing as being too old for tobogganing, and this experience takes it to the next level. Horseshoe Resort in Barrie boasts the longest snow tubing hill in Ontario and you can get tickets to it right now.
The magic carpet will whisk you to the top, where you can hop in your tube and fly down the hill without a care in the world. You’ve got to admit that it sounds like fun.
Where: 1101 Horseshoe Valley Road W
Take an alpaca for a walk
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Sick of people? Why not hang with fluffy llamas instead? Harmony Meadows is located about an hour and a half from Toronto and it’s home to tons of friendly alpacas who love to be taken on walks.
Book your visit in advance and spend a peaceful afternoon strolling outside with a four-legged companion by your side while you learn all about these special animals from the guides.
Where: 6185 Sixth Line, Belwood
See animals at the High Park Zoo
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You can see the adorable animals at Toronto’s High Park Zoo for free, but donations are always welcome online. Some of the creatures who call this place home include barbary sheep, bison, mouflon sheep, west highland cattle, yak, reindeer, and emu.
Spend some time observing these unique animals in their outdoor enclosures while taking in the beautiful surroundings of the park. You can even make a day of it and bring your skates to the High Park rink afterward.
Where: 1873 Bloor St W
Makes s’mores over a fire on a cozy patio
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S’mores, campfires, and boozy drinks in the middle of winter? We love the sound of that! Konzelmann Estate Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake is offering an outdoor experience called Fireside Flights all season long.
For just $30 per person, you’ll get to sample seasonal wines paired with a gourmet s’mores board which you can enjoy over your own private fire pit. Described as a “truly a winter wine country experience like no other,” this is definitely a day trip worth taking.
Where: 1096 Lakeshore Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Go on a dreamy overnight escape
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Winter views are best enjoyed in the woods, and luckily, there are infinite acres of pristine forests here in Ontario. Cabin and cottage getaways are what we do best in this province, and whether you’re seeking an off-grid getaway or a luxury cabin with Netflix, there are tons of choices on Airbnb this January 2022.
You can find vacation rentals of all shapes, sizes, and budgets in Ontario this winter with all sorts of activities to make the most of your surroundings.
Where: Various locations
Check out the new Cake Boss bakery
After months of anticipation, Buddy Valastro has finally opened the doors of his very first bakeshop in the north. Carlo’s Bakery is now up and running in Mississauga and it’s a must-visit for Cake Boss fans and pastry lovers alike.
With a spacious outdoor patio and a huge variety of mouthwatering eats straight from the Valastro family recipe book, Carlo’s Bakery is designed to be a neighbourhood staple where locals can get together and enjoy a leisurely lunch or a slice of cake in a vibrant outdoor atmosphere.
Where: 167 Lakeshore Rd W
