Last Updated on: 16th April 2023, 12:00 pm

Toronto is the first destination most people think to visit in Canada, with Vancouver a close second. People picture the sunny skyline and the famous CN Tower.

But most people don’t consider what to do during a Toronto winter getaway weekend.

Since it snows four months of the year in Canada, it’s important to know how to spend your winter weekend in Toronto, from what to do, to where to eat, to how to keep warm!

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Good to Know: This guide to the perfect Toronto winter weekend comes to us from Nina Out and About, a Canadian travel expert.

This post has been edited by Stephanie Craig (blogger and girl in the sidebar), who has sprinkled in a few tips and recommendations as well.

What is Toronto in Winter Like?

Winter in Toronto is a special time. The city comes alive with outdoor skating rinks literally everywhere (although the longest outdoor skating rink is in Ottawa).

Tobogganing takes over every hill, no matter how small. We’re fortunate to get sun with our snow and to have underground tunnels to avoid freezing days.

Sure, it can be cold. But Toronto makes up for it with a lot of fun winter activities.

Keep reading for the best things to do for a winter weekend in Toronto complete with a detailed 3-day itinerary.

3-Day Toronto Itinerary in Winter: How to Spend A Winter Weekend in Toronto

Get ready for a magical winter weekend getaway!

Toronto Winter Itinerary: Day 1

Day one in Toronto starts off slowly, has an epic lunch, and then hits some iconic Toronto spots. It also includes a backup activity in case this winter wonderland gets a little too wintery.

Morning

Toronto winter mornings are great for taking it easy and enjoying the snow that’s likely covering the ground. 

Save the morning for travel, sleeping in, or exploring nearby cafes or coffee shops to slowly start your day.

Mid-Day

By mid-day, you should be settled in the city and ready to start making the most of your long weekend.

If you aren’t from Ontario or northern Canada, you might be a little bit cold already. Let’s warm you up!

You can officially kick off your winter weekend in Toronto with some amazing food. Head to Chubby’s Jamaican Chicken to enter a tropical paradise.

The incredible jerk chicken wings and lush, verdant decor will transport you to the islands.

Snack on the best Jamaican food in Toronto while you enjoy the snowy scapes out the large windows.

You’ll be the envy of all who walk by – especially the business people who love stopping in at Chubby’s for a long lunch.

Address: 104 Portland St, Toronto, ON M5V 2N2, Canada

Afternoon

After lunch, it’s time to leave the warmth behind and bundle up. Grab a warm (non-alcoholic) drink and wander the boardwalk.

Most tourists avoid the boardwalk in winter even on a weekend, but it’s one of the most beautiful spots in Toronto any time of year.

I always recommend visitors spend an hour or two walking along Lake Ontario, enjoying the sun and doing some people-watching.

In winter, the green spaces along the boardwalk are perfect for a quick snowball fight or making snow angels should you want for some outdoor adventures.

If you have more than three days in Toronto, you can spend hours wandering from Downtown to Toronto to Etobicoke or cycling to The Beaches (Toronto neighbourhood).

However, for your winter weekend, I’d stay closer to downtown and enjoy wandering around the docks.

Bad Weather Back Up

Unfortunately, bad weather can spoil any outdoor activity.

To make the most of your Toronto winter getaway, you need backup plans just in case the weather is too cold or too wet to spend time wandering outside.

Toronto has a secret: most of our downtown is made up of hidden tunnels underground.

It’s called the PATH system. In winter, it’s the perfect solution to a gloomy day.

You can explore the expanse of downtown Toronto without ever having to go outside!

Spend the afternoon shopping, people-watching in the food courts, or getting some snacks from underground grocery stores.

If you want more shopping, you can even connect to the biggest shopping mall downtown, the Eaton Centre, from the underground system.

It’s a great option to avoid losing a day in Toronto during the winter months, and it’s pretty cool to say you spent an afternoon underground in Toronto.

Most non-Canadians will have no idea what you’re talking about!

Night

End your first day in Toronto with a one-of-a-kind evening at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).

The ROM is known for its incredible displays of world history and antiquities. It’s an amazing spot to visit for larger-than-life exhibits that will transport you around the world.

On Friday nights, the ROM transforms into a club with a weekly event called Friday Night Live.

You can visit the galleries or head to the dance floor. It’s probably the only time you’ll ever get to dance in a museum (without being asked to leave by security).

To get here, skip the Uber or taxi for this one. Instead, take the TTC underground to Museum Station to see the most beautiful subway stop in Toronto.

And by going at night, you save a little money since tickets are discounted from the daily rates!

From 7 PM onward, you can visit the ROM for just under $20 CAD.

Get there early, as spots are limited. It helps to buy tickets online.

Good to know: You must be 19 or older to go to Friday Night Live.

Address: 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6, Canada

Toronto Weekend Itinerary: Day 2

The second day of your getaway weekend includes some of the best food in the city, unique neighborhoods, shopping, winter festivals, and exciting Toronto nightlife possibilities.

Morning

On day two, prepare to wake up early to start your day by 8 AM.

Head to St. Lawrence Market in Downtown Toronto for the best weekend breakfast in the city. It was even rated the best food market in the world by National Geographic.

The St. Lawrence is a Toronto institution that features unique pastries and dishes made from the highest quality ingredients. And with multiple dining options to choose from, there’s something for everyone in your group here.

The reason you need to get up early is to snag some chocolate croissants from the lower level. They’re absolutely delicious, but they sell out fast every morning.

Pair your pastry with a coffee from the famous Balzac’s Coffee Roasters across the street (or apple cider if, like me, you don’t do caffeine) and wander the market while you eat your breakfast.

You’ll get to see Torontonians shopping for the week ahead and find some local delicacies that are perfect for souvenirs. Consider bringing home a bottle of ice wine from a nearby winery, local maple syrup, or even hand-crafted jewelry.

Pack a tote bag so you can pick up some snacks for later in the day, too. I recommend the local cheese, mustard, or freshly smoked salmon for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Even in the harsh Toronto winter, you can get fresh produce, so consider picking up a few fruits or veggies to munch on as well.

Save some room for the official food of Toronto: a peameal bacon sandwich. The best ones are from Carousel Bakery.

Carousel Bakery used to only bake bread and serve their peameal bacon sandwiches as samples. They quickly realized that people were coming more for the peameal, so they switched their business plan.

If you’re not from Canada, you may know peameal as “Canadian bacon” or “back bacon.” Here, it’s served fried on a bun. Add some mustard or honey to complete this Toronto delicacy.

Address: 93 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1C3, Canada

Good to know: There are guided food tours of the St. Lawrence, like this Canadian Food Discovery Tour if you want a guided experience.

The tour meets ten minutes away, outside of the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Check tour availability and prices.

Mid-Day

From the St. Lawrence Market, take the TTC or walk thirty minutes to the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). The gallery features art by the Group of Seven and indigenous artists, among others.

The AGO is a must-see while you’re in Toronto, even if you’re not into art.

Skip the extra paid exhibit and head to the second floor to a glass and wood room that stretches the length of the building.

Take a seat on the bench and look out at the winter landscape. It’s a one-of-a-kind view. There’s even an espresso bar if you want a snack while you enjoy the scenery.

The beautiful wooden room is one of my favorite spots to enjoy winter in Toronto. It was modeled after the interior of a ship’s hull, giving it an incredibly majestic feel.

You’ll get the perfect view of snowy Grange Park while sitting warm and cozy with a snack.

It’s known as one of the most Instagrammable places in Toronto, so be sure to pack a camera and a cute outfit to make the most of it.

Tickets are $20 CAD for adults. The AGO is open until 5:30 PM on Saturdays.

Get tickets to the Art Gallery of Ontario!

Address: 317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4, Canada

Afternoon

When you’re done at the AGO, head over to the famed Distillery District. The red brick style of the Distillery makes it a beautiful place to walk. It is like a piece of Europe in Toronto.

There is an eclectic mix of stores if you’re looking to do some shopping.

In the winter, there is nothing better than wandering the Distillery District with a hot chocolate from SOMA. It is the best chocolate place in the Distillery – maybe even in Toronto.

If you think you can handle it, get the Mexican hot chocolate for a bit of added spice! 

Before you leave, stock up on chocolate bars and truffles to take home (if they make it that far!).

In November and December, the Distillery District transforms into Toronto’s most popular Christmas market.

They put up a massive Christmas tree, decorated with a blinding amount of lights. Bands play music every day (Saturdays feature pop music).

Warm up at a beer garden with glüwein, hot toddies, or beer. If you are in the market for Christmas presents, check out the vendors that sell knitwear, ornaments, soap, and food.

The Distillery District is free to enter, but the Christmas market costs $6 CAD. Book online to get an admission time slot and skip the line. Once you’re in, you can stay for as long as you want.

The Christmas market is open until 9 PM. It typically runs from mid-November until December 23rd and is one of the most popular winter festivals in the city.

If you’re visiting in January or February, I still recommend a visit to the Distillery District. It’s another amazing spot for Instagram shots.

Check out the gorgeous LOVE statue or pose in front of the old walls of a whisky distillery for a glam shot.

SOMA Address: 32 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4, Canada

Dinner

You don’t need to leave the Distillery District for an amazing dinner.

The restaurants are all upscale, with incredible menus that are well worth the price.

I recommend visiting Boku Noodle Bar for Japanese, El Catrin Destileria for Mexican or Pure Spirits for excellent oysters.

You really can’t go wrong with a meal in the Distillery. So choose whichever type of food you’re feeling and prepare for a delicious experience.

El Catrin Destileria Address: 18 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4, Canada

Evening

By Saturday evening you may be ready to head back to your room to unwind and enjoy a quiet night in.

But for those, like me, who try to fit 7 days’ worth of activities into a long weekend trip, I’ve included some activities to keep the day going a little longer.

We’re going to play a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure game for the evening since I couldn’t decide between two of my favorite things to do in Downtown Toronto in winter.

Option 1: Unique Theatre

Take in a show at Soul Pepper, the theatre company in the Distillery District. The theatre is smaller and does unique performances like A Christmas Carol in theatre in the round.

I grew up visiting Soul Pepper with my drama class and fell in love. To this day, they’re my favorite performers in Toronto.

They perform classics in stunning ways. Even those who aren’t big on plays will find something to enjoy, even if it’s just the comfy chairs.

Tickets are much more reasonable than other shows in Toronto. See their schedule and pre-book tickets here.

Address: 50 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4, Canada

Option 2: Aquarium After Dark

If you’ve had your fill of the Distillery District, head to Ripley’s Aquarium for a unique night out.

Book “Sharks After Dark” tickets and plan to get to the aquarium after 7 PM to save a few dollars on admission. Adult Shark After Dark tickets cost $30 CAD.

The aquarium is open until 11 PM so there’s no rush (and less of a crowd), making it the perfect time to visit.

Ripley Aquarium is one of the best winter Toronto activities because it doesn’t matter if it is freezing or dark outside to enjoy the warm vibes inside. The event features live music, a bar, and the ability to touch (some) of the fish!

My favorite part is the Dangerous Lagoon, an automated walkway that winds you through (and beneath) the shark tanks.

It’s a pretty amazing thing to do on a winter evening. Being surrounded by sharks or glowing jellyfish tanks will transport you far from the cold outside.

Address: 288 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9, Canada

Toronto Winter Itinerary: Day 3

Your last day in Toronto is about enjoying the best of Toronto, from great food to relaxing spa experiences to a classic outdoor winter activity.

Morning

I made you get up early yesterday, so have a lie-in and start the day a little later with brunch. A fun, sophisticated city brunch is the perfect way to start the final day of your long weekend.

If you’re feeling classic, head to School in Liberty Village. The brunch is so amazing, you’ll feel okay about going to school on a weekend (bad joke aside, the food is seriously impressive!).

Brunch starts at 10 AM. School doesn’t take reservations, so you may have to wait a bit for a table. The earlier you get there, the better.

Address: 70 Fraser Ave, Toronto, ON M6K 3E1, Canada

If you’re looking for a more unique breakfast, head over to Rol San in China Town for the best dim sum in Toronto.

The food is very reasonably priced (i.e. 4 dumplings for $6). The menu is more of an order form, but it has English names for each dish listed. If you don’t know what a dish is, take a shot in the dark or ask a server for help.

I usually do the point-and-hope method, which hasn’t failed me yet!

Rol San opens at 9:30 AM. They don’t take reservations (a pretty common occurrence for brunch in Toronto). Try to get there no later than 11 AM to avoid the rush of hungover students looking for a (delicious) cheap breakfast.

Address: 388 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 2G5, Canada

If you eat at Rol San, spend some time exploring China Town before wandering across the street to Kensington Market.

Kensington Market is a historical district with some interesting shops to explore and beautiful historic buildings as you work off brunch.

Stop in at Wanda’s Pie in the Sky for a sweet treat to have for later.

Address: 287 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2M2, Canada

Mid-Day

On your last afternoon in Toronto, head to Nathan Phillips Square. 

It is now known as the site of the Toronto sign, but it has long been home to an open-air ice skating rink in the winter months.

This is a great activity for friends, couples, families, or just you! Even Torontonians appreciate that skating at Nathan Phillips Square us is one of the most fun things to do in Toronto in winter.

Didn’t bring skates? No problem! Rent them for $10/two hours. Helmets only cost $5/two hours. The rental stand is open from 10 AM to 10 PM daily.

Warm up with Beavertails and hot chocolate afterward – a classic Canadian pairing!

Address: 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N1, Canada

Afternoon

Leave your winter weekend in Toronto feeling warm and relaxed with a visit to the spa.

Choose between a classic hot stone massage at Elmwood Spa or a Hammam experience in Toronto.

Elmwood is a classic spa to visit in Toronto. They offer incredible treatments, including the best facials I’ve ever gotten.

Spa services over $100 grant you free access to the indoor pool, whirlpools, and steam rooms. They recommend arriving an hour before your services to fully enjoy the pools.

Elmwood Address: 18 Elm St, Toronto, ON M5G 1G7, Canada

Evening

If you have time for a final dinner in Toronto, close out your three-day weekend with a delicious final dinner.

Amano Pasta at Union Station is a delicious dinner option. They specialize in homemade pasta that may be the best I’ve ever had (outside of Italy, of course).

Amano frequently changes its menu and warns you not to get too attached to the current fare. Try to get a seat near the pasta-making area for some great entertainment while you eat.

Located inside Union Station, Amano is easy to get to from the TTC or the underground PATH system. The restaurant is on the smaller side, so make a reservation to be safe.

The prices are very reasonable for such great quality pasta and rather large portions (about $20 CAD for a main).

It’s a great option to get before your train ride home or to the airport.

Address: Union Station, 65 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5J 1E6, Canada

Toronto Winter Itinerary: Optional Day 4

If you are lucky enough to have a four-day weekend (or longer) here are some ideas on how to turn this into a 4 days-in-Toronto itinerary.

Take a Day Trip

You can go on an outdoor adventure and indulge in some true winter sports.

There are ski resorts and small towns within a few hours of Toronto that make the perfect winter day trips for skiers, snowboarders, and winter athletes.

There are options to go nordic skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, dog sledding, fat biking, snow tubing, and even winter camping.

You can enjoy sleigh rides, hiking trails, snowshoe trails, skating trails, and ski hills.

You can select from the best ski resorts near Toronto for your day trip. Make sure to pick one with equipment rentals so you don’t need to drag a ton of gear with you.

Popular Ontario winter spots near Toronto include resorts like Hockley Valley Resort, Deerhurst Resort (near Huntsville), The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa, The Blue Mountain Resort (in Collingwood), and Hidden Valley Highlands.

Or you can take a day trip to small towns like Niagara on the Lake and Kawartha Lakes or provincial parks like Algonquin Provincial Park and Arrowhead Provincial Park.

These are great day trips year-round, but they have specific winter activities to indulge in.

See Iconic Toronto Sites

You can go to the top of the CN Tower, stroll High Park, tour Casa Loma, or people-watch in Yonge-Dundas Square.

For family-friendly activities, take a trip out to the Ontario Science Centre or the Toronto Zoo (just bundle up!).

Go on a Tour

You can add a guided tour to your itinerary. Toronto has some amazing tours. Here are a few highly-rated tours:

Night Tour with CN Tower or Harbor Cruise (Likely to sell out)

7-Minute Helicopter Tour over Toronto (On my bucket list!)

Small Group Niagara Falls Tour From Toronto with Winter Activity (Best-rated winter tour)

Toronto Walking Food Tour (Likely to sell out)

Kensington Market Food Tour (Likely to sell out)

Turn this Itinerary into a Romantic Getaway

If you are coming to town with a partner or date, you can spice this itinerary up a bit by adding in more luxury experiences like spending time in your hotel’s hot tub, jacuzzi, or sauna, heading to the Scandinave Spa at Blue Mountain, or get a hotel room in a boutique hotel with a wood-burning fireplace.

Where to Stay for a Weekend in Toronto

Toronto is full of hotels, so it can be really difficult to decide where to stay.

Skip the stress of hotel hunting by staying at one of these pre-selected spots downtown. You’ll have easy access to all of the winter activities in this itinerary, be near the TTC, and enjoy brilliant accommodations.

Residence & Conference Centre – Toronto Downtown (Budget)

Holiday Inn Express Toronto Downtown (Mid-Range)

Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown (Mid-Range)

Fairmont Royal York (Luxury)

Downtown Toronto CN Tower Suite (Vacation Rental)

What to Wear in Toronto in Winter

Toronto’s winters get cold.

Many people show up either dressed for the Arctic or dressed for a New York winter.

To avoid freezing during your weekend, check out some of the essentials that will ensure you have a great weekend.

You can see recommendations for what to wear in Toronto in winter in my Toronto packing list.

Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Toronto in the Winter (FAQ)

Here’s what travelers ask the most before their Toronto winter getaway.

How cold does it get in Toronto in winter?

Toronto is the southernmost city in Canada. That means that it’s not Arctic temperatures like you might see in Nunavut or the Yukon. However, it still gets properly cold.

Temperatures in winter in Toronto average between 0C to -10C. It can get colder, with winter in 2020/2021 hitting -20C a few times.

The cold is made worse by windchill and heavy snowfalls.

On the other hand, winter in Toronto sees some truly gorgeous days. The sun will shine so brightly that you can actually get sunburned even when the ground is covered in snow.

What is the coldest month in Toronto?

February is the coldest month in Toronto. Although the most frigid day is usually one of the last three days of January, and February has the longest sustained cold weather in Toronto.

We often joke that February has the worst weather so it’s so short to bring spring faster.

What are the best things to do in Toronto in winter?

Here are the ten best winter activities in Toronto:

-Tour the ROM and AGO

-Stay warm in the underground PATH

-Wander the lakeside boardwalk

-Visit a spa

-Take in the theatre

-Explore the Distillery District

-Eat your weight in amazing food

-Visit the St. Lawrence Market

-Marvel at fish at the Aquarium

-Stay in stunning hotels, warm and curled up in a comfy bed

How Many Days Do You Need in Toronto?

Three days is the perfect amount of time to take in Toronto. While you can easily fill a 1 or 2-week vacation with things to do in the city, a long weekend allows you to see the highlights.

I recommend visiting Toronto for a long weekend twice: once in summer and once in winter.

Three days will give you the perfect amount of time to see the best parts of the city without getting bored while seeing the city in both its summer and winter glory will show you both sides of Queen City.

How to Get to Toronto From Ottawa?

If you’re visiting Canada, you’ll want to hit both of Ontario’s most famous cities: Toronto and Ottawa.

There are a few options for transportation.

I recommend renting a car if you – like me – enjoy stopping on a road trip to see cute towns and stopping at bakeries on the way.

If you prefer a direct and budget-friendly route, take the bus from Ottawa to Toronto and vice versa.

The fastest way is to fly. It’s a 45-minute flight.

Closing Thoughts on Winter in Toronto

I was born and raised in Toronto, so I’ve had a lot of winter weekends here to consider the best things to do.

Admittedly, more than a few of my weekends have been spent at home dreading setting foot in the snow. But whenever I venture out, I always have a ton of fun, most of which is centered around the great winter activities in Toronto’s Downtown.

I tell everyone that Toronto isn’t what you expect. I mean, it’s not the capital of Canada. It’s more than the CN Tower or poutine – seriously, why does the world think we only eat poutine?

Follow this guide to spend 3 days in Toronto discovering another side of this amazing city, one that most tourists never get to see.

Enjoy your winter weekend in Toronto!

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