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Embracing the Frost: What to do in Winter in Toronto

Toronto, Canada's most populous city, is a vibrant urban playground even during the harsh winter. Despite the plummeting mercury levels, Toronto offers diverse activities from mesmerizing light festivals to scintillating skating rinks. Here are the top 10 things you can do in Toronto during the winter.

Visit the Toronto Christmas Market

Getting into the holiday spirit is high on the winter to-do list. A visit to the Toronto Christmas Market located in the Historic Distillery District should be your starter. The market is adorned with sparkling lights, Christmas trees, and transforming the Victorian-era distillery into a winter wonderland. Apart from shopping, you can enjoy live music, food and drink, and the warmth of the outdoor fire pits.

Experience Holiday Lights at Toronto Light Festival

This free annual event is held in the Distillery Historic District from January through March. Art installations are illuminated with mesmerizing LED lights, generating captivating images that are a night photographer's paradise. It's a visually striking way to chase away the winter blues.

Skating at Nathan Phillips Square

Get your skates on and hit the ice at Nathan Phillips Square. The popular city square found right in front of City Hall converts into a free public skating rink in winter. If you do not own a pair of skates, rentals are available on-site.

Discover Winter Wildlife at Toronto Zoo

Experience Toronto Zoo in a different light during winter. Some animals, like Siberian tigers and snow leopards, are more active. The zoo also offers a great indoor tropical pavilion where you can escape the cold for a while.

Enjoy Snowboarding at Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre

If you're a thrill-seeker, then head to the Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre. This outdoor sports center located on Bathurst Street offers skiing and snowboarding slopes for all skill levels.

Explore Ontario Place Winter Light Exhibition

Another great event that celebrates light during the winter months is Ontario Place's Winter Light Exhibition. This free event features a variety of light installations created by local artists, providing a winter landscape like no other.

Winter Hiking at Rouge National Urban Park

Those who love the great outdoors shouldn't miss a winter hike at Rouge National Urban Park, the only national park in Toronto. The snow-covered trails and frosted flora of the park offers a unique experience.

Visit the Art Gallery of Ontario

Escape from the cold into the world of art at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). Besides its magnificent collection of artwork, AGO also hosts thematic exhibits, workshops, and talks to enhance your cultural understanding.

Attend a Toronto Raptors Game

Keep warm indoors by engaging in the exhilarating action of a Toronto Raptors game. The Raptors, Toronto's NBA team, have a passionate fan base and the games are always exciting.

Warm up at the Allan Gardens Conservatory

Take a tropical break right in the heart of the city at the Allan Gardens Conservatory. The historic park and indoor botanical garden offer a warm shelter from winter's chill, housing tropical plants from around the world. In conclusion, don't let the winter's cold keep you indoors. Grab your winter gear, embrace the frost, and explore the wonders of Toronto during the snowy season.