We’re just about halfway through January and that means winter’s almost over, right? Wishful thinking perhaps, but at least there are plenty of things to do in the city to make these frigid months more bearable. From happy hour on a heated patio to drinks at a rooftop speakeasy inside a shipping container, you might be surprised by all the places you can still hit up around town right now, even during the current restrictions.
Here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Toronto this week!
HIT UP A WINTER WALKING TRAIL
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.
Where: See Toronto’s best trails here
DINE ON A HEATED PATIO
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: See Toronto’s winter patios here
GET A NAUGHTY WAFFLE
One of Toronto’s most unique food pop-ups just opened its doors at a brand new and permanent location. Members Only NSFW waffles took Toronto by storm last August with all sorts of provocative Instagram posts that were pretty ingenious. You might just want to check it out. If you have the balls, that is.
Where: 252 Queen Street West
Hours: Various times
Recent Posts
3 unexpected Ontario cities top the list of Canada’s most popular places to move this year
12 of Toronto’s prettiest & coziest winter patios to check out this month
View this post on Instagram
DINE IN A GOLDEN SHIPPING CONTAINER
Looking for a unique new spot for dinner and drinks in the city? How does a gold shipping container with skyline views sound? Presented by St-Rémy, GoldInn is an eye-catching double-decker structure with a curated dining experience on the bottom floor and a speakeasy cocktail bar on the rooftop, which is still permitted to run under the current restrictions. Just be sure to make your reservation in advance here!
Where: Stackt Market, 28 Bathurst St
TAKE A VIRTUAL WORKOUT CLASS
January is usually a month to start fitness routines, and the physical closures in Ontario for the next few weeks shouldn’t stop you. Many local Toronto studios and gyms are currently offering virtual classes, which is a great way to kick off that fitness goal while supporting a Toronto business.
Where: See Toronto gyms with online classes here
WINTERLIT
Take a dreamy winter stroll under the stars and the glow of twinkling lights and campfires. This special experience is a great excuse to enjoy the fresh air and nature and snap some adorable photos while you’re at it. Enjoy the art installations displayed along the trail, live performers, food and beverages, and of course, breathtaking scenery.
Where: Mountsberg Conservation Area, 2259 Milburough Line
When: Until February 20th
CROKICURL
Toronto’s very first Crokicurl rink is open for the season and you can rent it out to play with friends. This Canadian-made game is a blend of cornhole and curling and it’s loads of fun. Your reservation comes with 45 minutes of game time and two tables on the heated patio. You can even upgrade your experience with a fried chicken feast, drinks, and neon toques.
Where: Stackt Market, 28 Bathurst St
When: Multiple dates
View this post on Instagram
THE BENTWAY SKATE TRAIL
Toronto’s iconic skating trail under the Gardiner Expressway is open for the winter season. The 220 metre, figure 8 loop has skating lessons, rentals, sharpening services, special events, and art installations throughout the season. You can also warm up with a free hot chocolate every Thursday evening, but drinks are available for purchase on-site every day of the week.
Where: 250 Fort York Blvd
When: Until February 21st
FLY DOWN ONTARIO’S LONGEST SNOW TUBING TRAIL
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
WINTER FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
It’s still the season of all things merry and bright in Niagara Falls with its annual Winter Festival of Lights! Known as Canada’s biggest free outdoor light festival, the 8-km trail is now open with millions of lights on display for even longer than before. This time around, the festival will run for 101 nights all the way until the end of February.
Where: Niagara Falls, Ontario
When: Until February 21st
