Winter can sometimes feel like a drag and all you want to do is stay in, cozy up with your favourite blanket and a cup of hot chocolate, and watch your favourite holiday movie, but there’s more to winter than that! Since we have to put up with winter for a good chunk of the year we might as well make the most of it, so here’s a list I put together of some fun activities that will get you out of the house.
Polar Winter Festival
This self guided walking tour of the festive ground at Bandshell Park on the Exhibition grounds that will take your breath away. With all the holiday decor, vendor markets, rides – which includes a festive carousel and a trackless train, and the X lounge which features holiday cocktails by the fire, you’re sure to find something to do with your friends, partner, or family! The best part of the Polar Winter festival is there’s no set exit time, so you can enjoy it at your own pace. Head to their website for more information!
Dog Sledding in Muskoka
The Winterdance Dog Sled tours is an opportunity for you to be able to take a step back into time when people relied on huskies to get around. They offer various packages for you to choose from, and all the packages sound amazing and will provide you with a very unique experience. It’s great for special occasions or even if you just want to try something new and different this winter! Be sure to check them out here!
Miracle Toronto – Pop-up Christmas Cocktail Bar
Want to feel like you’re part of a hallmark holiday movie? Then you need to visit Miracle Toronto, the pop-up holiday Christmas cocktail bar, where they serve holiday cocktails in a warm cozy festive atmosphere. They started this pop-up bar in 2018 and typically find unique locations throughout the city to open up, and this year it will be located at Bloor and Ossington. Be sure to add them to your holiday bar hop this holiday season!
Holiday Lights Tour at Casa Loma
Casa Loma is going to be very festive again this year, and you’ll have a chance to tour the grounds as well as the tunnels. There are two packages that are available, general admission which is $40 (Nov. 25 – Dec. 12) / $45 (Dec. 13 – 30), which will give you access to the ground and tunnels as well as see some live performances, and for $125 (Nov. 25 – Dec. 12) / $150 (Dec. 13 – 30) you can purchase for the VIP Package, which admits 2, and allows you to bypass the line, and receive a food and beverage credit, which includes 2 drinks and 2 food items!
Canada’s Wonderland’s Winterfest
Canada’s Wonderland has really stepped up their game, they’ve been doing something almost every season to keep people entertained. I can’t really do roller coaster anymore without wanting to throw up and leaving with a massive headache, but I do love Canada’s Wonderland, maybe its the nostalgic feeling I get when I visit, so Winterfest is honestly something I’d love to go to. Winterfest is an immersive holiday experience that features skating on Snow Flake Lake, cookie decorating in Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen (extra cost), and various live shows and holiday entertainment. If you get hungry while you’re there make sure you visit one of their many festive restaurants for a festive dinner and drinks, then walk around Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree Lot, and don’t forget to drop off your letter for Santa at the North Pole post office. Visit their website to see what they have to offer and to get your tickets!
Niagara Falls Christmas Market
You’ve probably visited Niagara Falls a bunch of times in the past year and a half, but the Christmas market is something else, with all the beautiful interactive art displays and festive lights! There are up to 50 local vendors that will be operating out of Christmas cabins and 30 light structures, which includes interactive art displays, string lights, glow swing in addition to 4 light-up seesaws, you’ll be able to get all the instagram pictures you need. The market runs every weekend and will end on December 19th. It is an outdoor market so be sure to dress accordingly and if you are getting cold you can have a seat at the Muskoka chair surrounded by the fire pit!
IGLOOsive Experience at Proof Bar
The Yorkville Royal Sonesta Hotel in Toronto is offering a dining experience in heated transparent igloos, where you’ll be able to stay warm and cozy while you enjoy the curated tasting menu. You can choose between 2 different types of Igloos, ‘Dining Dome’ or ‘White Dining Dome’, the white dining dome provides a 3 course meal and 1.5 hour seating, whereas the dining dome provides an appetizer and dessert and a 90 minute seating. The menu looks really good, and I can’t wait to check this place out!
Tobogganing at Riverdale Park
I know this is a classic, but it’s honestly our favourite thing to do in the city. The view from Riverdale Park is just breathtaking and the hill itself is incredible and pretty steep (in a good way!) Yes the climb back up may cause you to pass out, but hey, you get a great workout in!
Let us know some of your favourite activities to do during the winter?
