Winter in Toronto is marked by several feet of snow and sub-zero, freezing temperatures, which makes it one of the ideal places to enjoy some of the best winter activities across Canada. Try local favourites such as dog-sledding, toboggan riding, and ice fishing or engage in traditional winter activities. These include skiing, snowboarding, and ice climbing. Here are a few winter activities to try out on your next visit to Toronto in winters.
Fantastic Skiing
Toronto and its surroundings get covered with a thick layer of deep, powdery snow, which makes it a world class skiing destination. Travellers can visit ski resorts to enjoy great skiing at Mount St. Louis (an hour from Toronto), Hockley Valley, Horseshoe Resort, and Glen Eden among others.
More Fun with Snow
Snowshoeing and snowboarding are other favourite winter recreations in Toronto. While snowshoeing can be gentle as well as rigorous, snowboarding requires a certain level of fitness and practice.
Midnight Skating
Indulge in a round of fun midnight skating at Harbourfront. Though, there are plenty of skating rinks in Toronto, but the Saturday midnight skating at Harbourfront is an absolutely not to be missed experience.
Ice Climbing
Adventurous travellers can go up a notch and try their hand at ice climbing. There are some great spots for ice climbing in or near Toronto, including southern Ontario (just one and a half hour away from Toronto).
Even Ice Fishing!
Canada is one of the world’s most popular ice fishing destinations and Toronto winters offer great spots for this activity. There are many resorts which offer ice fishing equipment and fresh bait at great spots to allow memorable ice fishing experiences.
Visit Toronto Cavalcade of Lights
One of the many winter light festivals hosted in Canada, the Toronto Cavalcade of Lights is more than 50 years old. The festival showcases some fine live music by local artists, fireworks display, and a skating party.
Explore Winter Farmers’ Market
Experience local Canadian culture up close and explore a winter farmers’ market. Visiting a winter farmer’s market involves long walks and chats with locals. There is much to see, do, and shop at these markets.
Enjoy Toboggan Ride
Enjoy spiralling downhill at exhilarating speeds as you try a toboggan ride. Toronto has plenty of snow-covered hills in winters that offer great Toboggan riding experiences. Visit the hills of Christie Pits, Riverdale Park, and Trinity Bellwoods Park for such experiences.
Hiking a Snowy Trail
No list of winter adventure/outdoor activities in Toronto will be complete without mention of a hike along one of the many snow-filled trails. Popular winter trails in the city are High Park Trails, the Sun Valley Trail, and the Beltline – all of which provide the much needed escapes from urban life and connects hikers to nature.
Still More Adventure Sports
Toronto is a haven for adventure sports enthusiasts. There’s the good old Dog Sledging or cross country skiing. Besides, one may also surf the ice-cold and stormy waters of Lake Ontario. You won’t run out of things to do even in the freezing winters of Toronto.