By Jessica Padykula
Toronto Expert, about.com
[post_ads_2]Winter in Toronto can be hard to handle once the temperature drops, but that doesn’t mean hibernating indoors is the only option. There are many fun and affordable things to do in the city in the winter.
Go Ice Skating
Lace up your skates and go for a glide. There are plenty of indoor and outdoor skating rinks in Toronto
with public leisure skating available. Most of the rinks are free to
use and many offer skate rentals for a small fee. Popular rinks include Nathan Philips Square and Natrel Rink, but there are many others to choose from.
Visit Toronto Island
Toronto
Island isn’t just a summer day trip destination. Heading to the island
in the winter can also be a lot of fun (as long as you bundle up). The
beaches might be closed but you can still feel like you’re taking a mini
winter vacation simply by hopping on the ferry. Hike in the snow, go
cross country skiing and then warm up at the Rectory Café on Ward’s island, which is open year round and a welcoming spot for lunch or a hot drink.
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Far Enough Farm on Centre Island is open 365 days a
year (free admission) for families who want to check out the animals.
Keep in mind the only ferry that runs in the winter is the one to Ward’s Island.
Shop at a Farmers' Market
There
are a few year round farmer’s markets in Toronto where you can stock up
on local, seasonal goodies all winter. There are several markets across
the city that stay open through the winter. These include Dufferin Grove Farmers’ Market, St. Lawrence Farmer’s Market, Sorauren Farmers’ Market and Evergreen Brickworks Farmers’ Market.
Go Tobogganing
Whether
you have kids or you’re just a kid at heart, there’s nothing better on a
snowy day in the city than the rush of sliding down a snow-covered
hill. Some great spots for tobogganing in Toronto include Christie Pits
Park, Trinity Bellwoods, Riverdale Park and High Park.
Take a Dip[post_ads_2]
Swimming is an all season activity in Toronto. Did you know there are 65 indoor swimming pools
in Toronto? Not to mention several hotels where you can get a day pass
to dive in? If you want to escape the cold, pretend it’s still summer
and get some exercise, hit up one of the city’s pools.
Dine Out at Winterlicious
Take advantage of Winterlicious,
Toronto’s annual dining event where you can get three course prix fixe
meals at over 200 of the city’s best restaurants for much less than what
you’d normally pay. Lunches max out at $28 and dinners at $45.
Winterlicious is a great way to get to know new restaurants and try
foods you might not normally try.
Go For a Winter Walk
Even
though it might feel as if hibernating inside with Netflix is the only
suitable winter activity in Toronto, if you’re dressed for it, winter
walks can be a great way to explore the city. High Park and Trinity
Bellwoods are gorgeous after a snowfall, or choose a neighbourhood
you’ve never explored.
Check Out a Board Game Café
If
staying indoors is more your speed and you love board games, head to
one of Toronto’s many board game cafes. These venues provide a wide
variety of games free of charge (so long as you order drinks or food)
and comfy space to play them. Some good ones include Snakes & Lattes, Snakes & Lagers and Castle Board Game Café.
Go Skiing
Believe it or not you can ski right in the city. Toronto is home to two ski hills
including Centennial Park Ski and Snowboard Centre located in Etobicoke
and Earl Bales Park Ski and Snowboard Centre in North York.
Read a Bestseller
Sometimes hibernating is the only thing that feels right on a really cold day. But don’t do it alone – grab a book from your local library before curling up with a hot drink.
