25+ Things to Do This Winter 2025 in Downtown Toronto

Winter in Toronto doesn’t mean the city slows down. When the temperature drops, “the 6ix” offers a full schedule of events, indoor attractions, and outdoor fun. If you’re looking for ways to spend the colder months, this guide covers more than 25 activities and destinations for Winter 2025.

Top City Landmarks

1. CN Tower

Get a wide view of Toronto’s skyline from the observation decks. For a more adventurous visit, check out the EdgeWalk. The tower will be illuminated with festive lights for the season.

• Official Website: CN Tower
• Contact: (416) 868-6937
• Location: 290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto.
• Price: Staring from $45.

2. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

See thousands of aquatic animals in the heart of downtown. The underwater tunnel provides a floor-to-ceiling view of sharks and sea turtles. The aquarium often features holiday-themed decorations in January.

• Official Website: Ripley’s Aquarium
• Contact: (647) 351-3474
• Location: 288 Bremner Blvd, Toronto.
• Price: Starting from $50.

3. Casa Loma

Toronto’s historic castle gets a seasonal update with extensive decor and light displays. You can explore the grounds on a self-guided tour. Look at the official schedule for winter concerts and special dining events.

• Official Website: Casa Loma
• Contact: (416) 923-1171
• Location: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto.
• Price: Starting from $45.

4. Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

The AGO houses a large collection of art, from Canadian works to European masterpieces and contemporary pieces. Special exhibits are planned for Winter 2025, so check the gallery’s calendar for updates.

• Official Website: AGO
• Contact: (416) 979-6648
• Location: 317 Dundas St W, Toronto.
• Price: Starting from $30.

5. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

The ROM offers exhibits covering world cultures, art, and natural history. During the winter months, the museum may offer special programming and ticketing options for families.

• Official Website: ROM
• Contact: (416) 586-8000
• Location: 100 Queens Park, Toronto.
• Price: Starting from $25.

Outdoor Winter Fun

6. Toronto Island Park

Take a winter ferry to the islands for quiet, snowy landscapes. The trails are good for a peaceful walk or photography. Be sure to dress warmly.

• Official Website: Toronto Island Park
• Contact: 416-392-8193
• Location: Toronto, ON.
• Price: Ferry tickets from $5-10.

7. Nathan Philips Square Ice Skating

Skate for free in front of City Hall, right under the well-known Toronto sign. The rink occasionally hosts DJ nights. If you don’t have your own skates, rentals are available.

• Official Website: City of Toronto
• Contact: (416) 392-2489
• Location: 100 Queen St W, Toronto.
• Price: FREE

8. High Park Winter Trails

High Park offers a quiet escape within the city. Its trails are suitable for a winter walk or snowshoeing through the snow-covered landscape.

• Official Website: High Park
• Contact: (416) 338-0338
• Location: 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto.
• Price: FREE

9. The Distillery District Christmas Market

This area is famous for its Christmas Market, which runs until December 23rd. After the market closes, the district’s cobblestone streets and Victorian buildings remain decorated with lights, and its shops and restaurants host other events.

• Official Website: Distillery District
• Contact: (416) 364-1177
• Location: 55 Mill St, Toronto.
• Price: Starting from $17 (on Christmas season). General Admissions: FREE.

10. Bentway Skate Trail

This skating trail is located under the Gardiner Expressway. It’s a 220-metre figure-eight loop that often has pop-up food and drink vendors nearby. Skate rentals are available.

• Official Website: The Bentway
• Contact: (416) 304-0222
• Location: 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto.
• Price: FREE.

Seasonal Festivals & Events

11. Winterlicious 2025

From January 31st to February 13th, many Toronto restaurants offer prix fixe menus for lunch and dinner. Winterlicious is an opportunity to try different cuisines at set price points.

• Official Website: City of Toronto
• Contact: wintersummerlicious@toronto.ca
• Location: Book lunch and dinner dates now on your favorite restaurants.
• Price: Starting from Lunch: $20, Dinner $25.

12.DesignTO Festival

Celebrating its 15th anniversary, DesignTO is Canada’s largest design festival. From January 24th to February 2nd, it will feature over 100 exhibits, talks, and installations covering art, architecture, and industrial design.

• Official Website: DesignTO
• Contact: (647) 309-5494
• Location: 91 Pelham Ave, Toronto.
• Price: FREE

13. WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland

On select dates until January 4th, 2025, the theme park becomes a winter-themed attraction with light displays, ice skating, and live shows. It is located in Vaughan, a drive north of Toronto.

• Official Website: Winterfest
• Contact: (905) 832-8131
• Location: Vaughan, ON L6A 1S6
• Price: Starting from $29.99.

Cool Local Experiences

14. Polar Bear Dip

A New Year’s Day tradition at Sunnyside Beach. Participants run into the cold water of Lake Ontario to raise funds for charity.

• Official Website: Boost
• Contact: bondar@boostforkids.org
• Location: 755 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Toronto.
• Price: Starting from $30.

15. Snowshoeing at Tommy Thompson Park

Explore the winter trails at this park on the Leslie Street Spit. You can see views of the frozen Lake Ontario and the city skyline. Bring your own snowshoes or see if rentals are available.

• Official Website: Tommy Thompson Park
• Contact: (416) 661-6600
• Location: 1 Leslie St, Toronto.
• Price: FREE

16. Arcadia Earth

This indoor, multi-sensory journey uses augmented reality and large art installations to explore environmental topics. It combines education with entertainment.

• Official Website: Arcadia
• Contact: info@arcadiaearth.ca
• Location: 486 Front St W building C, Toronto.
• Price: Starting from $39.

17. Ontario Place Winter Light Exhibition

Walk through illuminated art installations set up along the waterfront at Ontario Place. Check the official website for the 2025 schedule and exhibit information.

• Official Website: Ontario Place
• Contact: (416) 314-9900
• Location: 955 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto.
• Price: FREE

Shopping Hotspots

18. Toronto Eaton Centre

A major downtown shopping mall with over 230 stores. The centre is decorated for the season and often hosts holiday-themed events to accompany your shopping.

• Official Website: Cadillac Farview
• Contact: (416) 598-8560
• Location: 220 Yonge St, Toronto.
• Price: FREE

19. Kensington Market

This neighborhood is known for its independent spirit. Here you can find vintage clothing shops, artisanal food vendors, and small boutiques. It’s a great area for finding one-of-a-kind items.

• Official Website: Kensington
• Contact: N/A
• Location: Kensington Market, Toronto.
• Price: FREE

20. Yorkville Village

Home to upscale boutiques and galleries, Yorkville Village is the perfect shopping destination for luxury lovers.

• Official Website: Yorkville Village
• Contact: (416) 968-8680
• Location: 55 Avenue Rd Suite 2250, Toronto.
• Price: FREE

Where to Eat

21. Canoe Restaurant

Located on the 54th floor of the TD Tower, Canoe serves a menu based on Canadian ingredients and offers wide views of the city. Consider booking during Winterlicious for their set menu.

• Official Website: Canoe
• Contact: (416) 364-0054
• Location: 66 Wellington St W 54th floor, Toronto.
• Price: $100+ per person.

22. The Senator

As one of Toronto’s oldest diners, The Senator provides a classic diner atmosphere. It serves breakfast all day and other comfort food staples, making it a good spot to warm up.

• Official Website: The Senator
• Contact: (416) 364-7517
• Location: 249 Victoria St, Toronto.
• Price: $20-30.

23. Odin Cafe + Bar

This cafe has a Scandinavian-inspired design. It serves specialty coffee, pastries, and other Nordic-style treats in a comfortable setting.

• Official Website: ODIN
• Contact: odincoffeeroasters@gmail.com
• Location: 180 John St, Toronto.
• Price: $20-30.

Entertainment HUBS

24. Scotiabank Arena

Home to the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL) and the Toronto Raptors (NBA). You can catch a live hockey or basketball game. The arena also hosts major concerts and other events.

• Official Website: Scotiabank Arena
• Contact: (416) 815-5500
• Location: 40 Bay St., Toronto.
• Price: Guided tours start from $30. Pricing depends on the event.

25. The Rec Room

This large venue combines arcade games, virtual reality, live entertainment, and food and drinks. It’s a solid choice for a group of friends or a family outing.

• Official Website: The Rec Room
• Contact: (416) 815-0086
• Location: 255 Bremner Blvd, Toronto.
• Price: Starting from $10.

26. The Theatre Centre

This venue on Queen West focuses on independent and innovative performances. The schedule includes plays, musicals, and other artistic productions.

• Official Website: The Theatre Centre
• Contact: (416) 538-0988
• Location: 1115 Queen St W, Toronto.
• Price: Starting from $15.

What are your top plans for winter in the 6ix? Share your favorite spots in the comments below. For more guides on Toronto events and activities, sign up for our newsletter.

More…

• https://www.blogto.com/radar/2024/12/things-do-winter-toronto
• https://www.todocanada.ca/things-winter-toronto-gta
• https://www.destinationtoronto.com/plan-your-trip/seasons/winter
• https://www.destinationontario.com/en-ca/articles/cool-things-do-toronto-winter