It’s the freakin’ weekend, Toronto! It’s time to enjoy our hard-earned freedom and this weekend, there are plenty of choices. From Super Bowl Sunday viewing parties to unique Valentine’s Day events to a hot chocolate festival, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do in Toronto this mid-February weekend.
Whether you’re celebrating the single life or looking to impress your Valentine, here are 11 of the best things to do in Toronto this weekend.
Hit up a Super Bowl viewing party
Super Bowl LVI is coming up this Sunday and with bars and restaurants open again in Toronto, you won’t have to spend it on the couch this time around. There are so many spots to catch the big game around the city, with games, giveaways and live music to make things even more exciting. Whether you’re a football fanatic or you’re just here for the vibes and the halftime show, there are plenty of spots where you can catch all the action.
Where: See the best viewing parties here
Go on a romantic staycation
The most romantic occasion of the year is just around the corner and destinations around the city are pulling out all the stops to make it the best one yet. Restaurants and hotels are offering all kinds of Valentine’s Day specials in Toronto, including romantic spa packages, prix fixe menus, decadent desserts, and sumptuous suites.
If you’re still on the hunt for the perfect surprise for your true love, there are plenty of Valentine’s Day hotel stays and dining specials you can still book.
Where: See Toronto’s best Valentine’s Day specials
Valentine’s Night Market
Looking for something unique to do in the city this month? Toronto’s Valentine’s Day night market has a lineup of local vendors, live entertainment, and even professional tattooing if you’re feeling spontaneous. A variety of performers including standup comedians and spoken word artists will take the stage at the event, so if you love discovering new local talent, this will be your jam.
Where:Â 434 College St
When: Friday, February 11, 7:30 p.m. — 11:59 p.m.
Hot Chocolate Fest
An entire festival dedicated to warm and chocolatey goodness in a cup is kicking off this Friday in Toronto. Head over to Stackt Market for a “night full of live music, DJs, drinks, snacks, s’mores, good vibes,” the description says. Soulful live music by Ray Robinson will fill Bailey’s Patio as you toast s’mores over a fire pit and enjoy some delicious hot cocoa.
Where:Â 28 Bathurst St
When: February 11th — 21st
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moonGARDEN
A unique travelling art installation is lifting spirits in Toronto for the next four weeks. The moonGARDEN is now open and it’s a dreamy illuminated experience right in the downtown core. Visitors will get to walk between the spheres as they glow and transform through animated and immersive shadow theatre designs.
Where:Â 120 Adelaide St W
When: Until March 5th
Climb a frozen waterfall
Why admire Ontario’s frozen waterfalls from afar this winter when you can strap on a harness and climb your way to the top? Ice climbing may seem like an activity that only seasoned pros can do, but there are actually beginner-friendly climbs you can do with all of the gear and instruction you’ll need.
Specially created for beginners, this 60-foot ice climbing route takes you up Ontario’s historic Elora gorge. No prior experience is necessary but a moderate activity level is required.
Where: 24 Henderson St, Elora
Cost:Â $350 per person
Try a themed spin class
This boutique fitness and wellness studio houses all the workouts under one roof. If you want to challenge your early fitness goals to a workout while singing off the top of your lungs, check out their themed spin classes throughout the week and weekend. Saturdays usually include Britney rides, and during the week expect a mix of everything from Taylor Swift to Blink 182 rides.
Where: Sweat and Tonic, 225 Yonge St
La Poutine Week
Restaurants across Canada are participating in a poutine festival known as La Poutine Week including so many Toronto spots. There are dozens of poutine dishes to try around Toronto during the festival. Many of them come with toppings that are far more unconventional than cheese curds and gravy, including mac n’ cheese, buffalo chicken bites, hot dogs, pickles, and even shepherd’s pie.
Where:Â Various locations
When: Until February 14th
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Nordic Lights
Something magical is happening at the Harbourfront Centre. An immersive light experience straight from Scandinavia is lighting up the waterfront, with six glowing displays for you to explore. The interactive exhibition, called Nordic Lights, features six interactive light works from artists from Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark.
Where:Â 235 Queens Quay W
When:Â Until February 13th
Winter Glow
A dreamy outdoor destination is coming to the city this weekend. Winter Glow is coming to Toronto’s Black Creek Pioneer Village this February and it’s all the things we love about the season combined into one magical experience. Walk or drive along a 1.8 km trail as you take in the gorgeous wintry sights synchronized to music. Some of the attractions you’ll see along the way include ice sculptures, snow carvings, life-sized snowglobes, illuminated structures, and more.
Where:Â 1000 Murray Ross Pkwy
When: Until February 27th
Visit Toronto’s new wellness oasis
If you’re looking to improve your self-care routine and make some new friends while you’re at it, this new retreat is the place to do it. Now open in Toronto, Othership occupies a massive space in the heart of downtown and offers a chance for you to connect with yourself and others through relaxing rituals.
Othership is “a one-of-a-kind oasis in the city built for social connection and transformative experiences through a sauna and ice bath circuit,” the description says. Plus, the sauna is big enough to fit 50 people and will host “unique guided programming that will spark insight and keep your inner flame burning bright.”
Where:Â 425 Adelaide St W
