Toronto’s a city where the fun never stops, even as frigid temperatures and restrictions threaten to rain on our parade. The streets are always bustling with busy people and there’s always something going on in any and every neighbourhood. It may not be the most eventful time of year, especially with COVID raging on, but there are still plenty of things to do in Toronto that are both fun and safely distanced.
Here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Toronto this mid-January work week.
STOCK UP ON RARE SNACKS
Cold days like these call for all of the comfort snacks, and this Queen West spot lets you stock your cupboards with sweet and salty treats you definitely won’t find at your local Loblaws. Trap Mart boasts the largest selection of rare snacks in Toronto, including cereal, chocolate, cookies, chips, drinks, candy, and more.
Where: Trap Mart, 702 Queen St W
When: Monday — Sunday, 10 a.m. — 10 p.m.
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
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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
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
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
SKY SKATE TORONTO
Another season of skating in Toronto’s skies is about to begin. The popular Sky Skate rooftop rink at The Porch is opening up at the start of December and it’s one of the most picturesque spots in town for gliding under the stars. There are heaters all around the rink to make your skate a bit more comfortable, but you’ll definitely still want to dress for a typical Canadian winter night. You’ll also be able to warm up with a drink at the bar afterward!
Where: 250 Adelaide St. W
When: Until March 2022
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FAIRWAY OF LIGHTS
Take a stroll on a sparkling trail through the woods this January at the Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham. Pets are invited to enjoy the 1 km trail every Sunday this month. The walk takes about 45 minutes to complete, so be sure to dress warmly. There are plenty of spots to snap photos along the trail too. If you didn’t get enough twinkling lights and magical vibes in December, this is definitely the place to go!
Where: 10080 Kennedy Rd
When: Until January 30th
HAVE A ROMANTIC DATE NIGHT IN
It’s been freaking chilly and on the worst days, there’s nothing that’ll get us motivated enough to leave the house – but alas, life goes on! Luckily, no thanks to the pandemic, there’s actually a whole that we can do from home, some of which can be pretty romantic. If you’re in a relationship, are trying to woo someone special or are looking for something new to do with your roommates, here are 10 indoor ‘date’ ideas for when it’s too darn cold outside – that isn’t just ‘watch Netflix.’
