It’s finally the long weekend and lucky for us, Toronto is brimming with fun activities and things to do. Wander your way along Toronto’s sandy shorelines for the opening weekend of the Winter Stations art showcase, then make your way downtown for a delicious hot chocolate festival. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity for the whole family or a late Valentine’s surprise for your S/O, there’s no shortage of things to do in Toronto this Family Day weekend.
Here are 10 of the best activities and events to check out around the city this long weekend.
Winter Stations
The annual international design competition at The Beaches is back and this year’s winners have been revealed. Winter Stations will run for six weeks straight and will showcase the six winning projects along the shoreline starting Family Day. This year’s winners took their creativity to new heights, transforming the lifeguard towers into northern cardinal birds, isolation pavilions, beehives, and more.
Where: Woodbine Beach, 1675 Lake Shore Blvd E
When: February 21st — March 31st
Winter Glow
A dreamy outdoor destination has popped up in North York. Winter Glow has taken over Toronto’s Black Creek Pioneer Village 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: 1000 Murray Ross Pkwy
When: Until February 27th
Hot Chocolate Festival
A celebration of all things chocolatey and sweet is now underway in Toronto. A 10-day Hot Chocolate Festival has taken over Stackt Market with an epic lineup of events, performers, and of course, delicious drinks. Plus, it’s completely free to attend! The festival will have endless chocolate pop-ups for you to check out, plus musical performances, s’mores kits, and drink specials to keep things warm and spicy during this frosty time of year.
Where: Stackt Market, 28 Bathurst St
When: Until February 21st
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Black History Month Market
Scarborough Town Centre is teaming up with Black Owned TO for a long weekend of local businesses, art, and community with the Black History Month Market. After you do a little shopping, you can venture over to the art exhibition on display at STC’s Shoppers Court, Scarborough Heroes: A History in Colour in honour of Black History Month.
Where: Scarborough Town Centre, Centre Court
When: February 18th — February 20th
Island of Warmth
Another interactive display is popping up in the city and it has delighted locals in cities all over the world. The installation, called Island of Warmth, is designed to resemble a campfire and uses movement and sound to keep its flames burning bright. The bonfire is surrounded by sensors placed on the floor and relies on the people around it to bring it to life. If you’re a fan of outdoor art, this one’s worth the visit.
Where: Yonge-Dundas Square
When: February 18th — March 20th
60 WORKS / 60 YEARS
Experience the evolution of our city through the eyes of Toronto’s emerging artists. The art gallery at the St. Lawrence Market is now showcasing 60 artworks acquired by the City from the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair over the past six decades. Do a little shopping at the market and then head upstairs to this free show and explore the ever-changing geographical and cultural landscape of our city.
Where: The Market Gallery, 95 Front St E
When: Until April 17th
High Tea at the Castle
Care for some tea? In celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Toronto’s historic castle is hosting an elegant high tea experience inspired by the Edwardian era. Savour the majestic atmosphere of the castle while you indulge in scones, pastries, sandwiches, and more.
Where: 1 Austin Terrace
When: February 19th — February 21st
Terra Lumina
Are you ready to be whisked away to the year 2099? Terra Lumina has returned at the Toronto Zoo for more nightly magic under the stars. The immersive light show features an illuminated 1.5 km trail designed to make you feel like you’ve travelled to a “radiant” future world.
Where: The Toronto Zoo, 2000 Meadowvale Road, Toronto, ON
Cost: Adult (18-64) $29.99 + HST
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Dune at the IMAX Cinesphere
The Oscar-nominated film that made a splash at TIFF in September is coming to the big screen at the IMAX Cinesphere this weekend. Sit back and enjoy the show at this unbelievable theatre on the waterfront. There are multiple screenings throughout the weekend too, and visitors are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance to guarantee their spot.
Where: 955 Lake Shore Blvd W
When: February 18th — February 21st
Fun-derful Family Day at Pingle’s Farm
Spend a day in the fresh air at Pingle’s Farm. This Family Day, the farm is hosting a family-friendly event with both indoor and outdoor activities, including bonfire pits, wagon rides, a delicious menu, a build-your-own hot chocolate station and plenty of activities for kids. The perfect spot for some wholesome Family Day fun.
Where: 1805 Taunton Rd
When: February 21st, 9 a.m. — 3:45 p.m.
