Things To Do Around Toronto in Winter for Outdoor Lovers

With skyscrapers, bustling Yonge Street, and endless city-related attractions, it’s hard to imagine Toronto as a hub for snowy adventures. But nestled within and just outside the rows of businesses and busy streets sit a collection of open spaces tailored for outdoor activities. You may be under the impression that there’s not a lot of things to do in Toronto in winter, especially when it comes to adventure, but we’re here to prove your thinking wrong!

Read on to find a list of Toronto winter activities, gain insight into winter weather in this popular eastern Canadian city, and find some unreal deals for accommodations and snowy adventures. Our Toronto hiking route guides cover the city’s trails year-round.

Best Outdoor Winter Activities in and around Toronto

If you’re heading to Toronto for a business trip, a family gathering, or some event, and you find yourself getting antsy, don’t worry! We can assure you that there are things to do in Toronto in winter for outdoor lovers.

Take a look at the following fun things to do in Toronto in winter, pick your favourites, and off you go for some fresh air and lanes of snow-laden trees, immersed in a canopy of white - away from city lights.

Opening hours and rink schedules change from season to season, so check the websites below before you set out.

What’s New in 2026

• Toronto’s outdoor rinks generally run from late November to mid-March, weather permitting. Skating at city rinks is free, and several offer skate rentals for a fee.
• The Bloor-Yorkville IceFest is held over a weekend in the winter each year. Dates are announced closer to the event.
• The Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery District charges admission on peak evenings and weekends, and tickets are cheaper bought in advance than on the day.
• Ontario’s ski hills near Toronto typically open in December and run to mid-March, depending on snow and temperatures for making it.

Snowshoeing

Surprisingly, you can find a vast network of snowshoeing trails around Toronto!

One of the closest and easiest trails near Toronto is the 1.2 km Bronte Coronation and Battery Park Trail. You can access this short route via public transit. It's great for a quick dose of fresh air and glimpses of stunning, snowy scenery. The 1.6 km King's Mill Park Trail offers a similar experience! Get a short snowshoe before getting on with your day.

Not into these options? The Edwards Garden Trail winds through 4 acres of snow-sprinkled gardens. Side note: if you're here in the spring, you'll want to come back and check out the 12 gardens peppering this area!

More dedicated snowshoers who don't mind mixing up historical city views with nature will love the storied 7 km Cedarvale Ravine and the Beltline Trail. Get some exercise while you explore Ernest Hemingway's 1920s neighbourhood. This fun route starts at Rosedale subway station and finishes at Davisville station.

For more routes outside of Toronto, check out the Christie Lake Conservation Area or Unionville Valleylands.

Skating

Train to become the next great forward on the Toronto Maple Leafs by skating at one of the many rinks dotting this city. (Or, maybe it’s better to imagine you’re good enough to play with the Maple Leafs or to train like Canada’s favourite figure skaters: Tessa and Scott.) Lace up your skates in one - or all - of the following rinks:

Barbara Ann Scott Skating Trail: This is an artificially cooled skating rink situated in the thick of downtown Toronto! You don’t have to worry about this rink melting on warmer winter days.

The Bentway: Weave in and out around concrete pillars! And whenever you want a break, you can sip some alcohol-infused hot chocolate or mulled wine at Winter Village.

Greenwood Park: Now, this is where you can train to become the next Toronto Maple Leaf (or pick another NHL team - one that will actually win a Stanley Cup)! You can play shinny here, and there’s a roof to help keep you comfortable if it rains or snows.

Fat tire biking

Fat tire biking is the perfect answer for avid bikers seeking natural views and thrilling trails when snow covers the land. Thankfully, you can find some exciting routes in and near Toronto. Some of these trails include the 20 km Eldred King, the relatively easy 8 km Whitchurch trail, the more challenging 35 km Durham Forest and 20 km Glen Major. The best part is that these trails are all free.

Frozen water surrounding downtown Toronto in winter

Walking

Don’t own snowshoes, a fat bike, or cross country skis? Lace up your boots, dress in winter-friendly layers and get ready for one of the best outdoor activities in Toronto: hiking (or walking since the trails below are pretty chill). Don’t expect crazy inclines on the following tracks, making them easier to navigate in slippery conditions.

Sun Valley Loop in Crothers Woods: Escape into nature within the heart of Toronto on this short but enjoyable 2.4 km walk. Begin your snowy walk at the Loblaws entrance.

Scarlett Mills Park: Walk along Humber River on this gentle trail that winds through stunning scenery. You may even spot some small waterfalls!

Rouge National Urban Park: For more of a hiking experience (rather than gentle walks), head to Rouge National Urban Park, where you can find a range of easy to intermediate routes. Our Rouge Valley Loop route guide covers one of the best routes there.

Sledding

By far, sledding is one of the best things to do with kids in Toronto! And you have to admit that it's pretty fun for adults too. Feel the brisk wind slapping your face as you fly down hills at Christie Pits, or High Park. Our High Park trail guide covers the park in more detail.

Skiing and snowboarding in Toronto

You won’t find top-notch skiing and snowboarding super close to Toronto, but you can find some areas within three hours outside of the city. They may not be tailored for experienced riders, but the slopes give anyone a chance to enjoy a day immersed in nature with a sprinkle of thrill.

Take a look at three ski resorts that are between 1-1.5 hours from Toronto:

Horseshoe Resort: You’ll find an excellent combination of Green, Blue, and Black Diamond runs here across a hill that suits beginners and intermediates well. It takes around 1.5 hours to reach this resort from Toronto.

Lakeridge Ski Resort: Just 60 km to 70 km from Toronto sits the Lakeridge Ski Resort. The 23 trails spanning this park meet the needs of all levels. Challenge yourself on their two terrain parks!

Don’t feel like driving? Consider these two beginner-intermediate-friendly ski resorts in Toronto: Centennial Ski Resort and Earl Bales Park (you’ll find more intermediate trails here). They are only 25-30 minutes away from downtown.

Cross country skiing around Toronto

Glide through lanes of snow-frosted trees on cross country skis without travelling crazy distances to woodland areas! You may not consider cross country skiing when you’re in the thick of the city, but it’s one of the most popular Toronto winter activities for outdoor enthusiasts. For a trails network, head to High Park, Tommy Thompson Park, Don Valley Ravine Trails (Crothers Woods, Sun Valley, Cottonwood Flats), the 9 km Beltline Trail, or Toronto Island Park. You’ll have to take a ferry to reach Toronto Island Park.

Outdoor ice skaing rink in downtown Toronto in winter

Ice sculptures

Toronto puts on an ice sculpture spectacle once a year! Head to Bloor-Yorkville Ice Fest to marvel at dazzling, soaring sculptures and for an epic scavenger hunt.

Toronto Christmas Market

Get into the holiday spirit by visiting the cheery, uplifting, festive Toronto Christmas Market! Visit Santa’s House, walk amid shimmering lighting and fun decor, go on a distillery district walking tour, admire the massive Christmas tree, and so much more.

You have to pay for admission on weekends. Tickets are cheaper in advance than on the day, and it is still one of the biggest Toronto winter attractions.

Best Winter Deals In And Around Toronto

You won’t want to miss out on the best winter deals in and around Toronto when you’re stopping by for a few days! Take advantage of the following:

Best Accommodation Deals around Toronto

Chelsea Hotel Staycation Package: This staycation deal includes a lot: choose your room, 15% off food and drink at Market Garden, free parking, and they also cover the taxes!

Fairmont Royal York Canadian Residents’ Rate: Take advantage of this deal. When you use this offer, you get 10% off the best available rate, $25 daily dining credit, a room upgrade (depending on availability), self-parking, and late checking (depending on availability).

Best Ski Deals around Toronto

Ski and Stay at Horseshoe Resort: Receive one night’s accommodation, a Day N’ Night Lift Ticket per guest per night, and a bonus lift ticket for each guest on arrival day!

Buy One, Get One Coupon Booklet: With this booklet, you get 7 coupons for either Buy One, Get One or Half Price Day or Night Lift Ticket, and 2 coupons for Buy One, Get One or Half Price Day or Ski or Snowboard Rental Equipment. You can’t redeem these coupons on Boxing Day, New Years Day, or Family Day.

Best Outdoor Deals around Toronto

Tubing parties at Mount Chinguacousy Ski Area: Just 50 minutes from Toronto, this ski area offers night tubing and party packages! You can call their office at 905-458-6555 ext 63707 to find out more about this thrilling winter activity.

Toronto Christmas Market outdoor winter carnival carousel in Toronto Canada

Winter Weather in Toronto

When Toronto gets cold, it’s the type of chill that sifts through your skin and torches your bones. Being close to Lake Ontario, the weather is humid, making 0°C to -10°C in Toronto feel colder than the same reading in a drier climate. The winter weather in Toronto is biting! Don’t let the thermometer fool you, and come prepared with layers and layers of clothes.

On average, the Toronto winter temperature varies between 3°C and -7°C.

What to Wear during Winter in Toronto

Considering what to wear during winter in Toronto boils down to one word only: layers. When walking around downtown, it’s totally okay to rock jeans, but try to layer your upper half with a long-sleeved shirt, fleece or sweater, and a winter jacket on top. Do wear a toque, scarf, and mittens, too.

For outdoor adventures, wear similar clothes on your upper half and layer your legs with long johns and moveable waterproof pants or pyjamas and snow pants (if you’re boarding, skiing)!

Fun Winter Facts about Toronto

Tell the following fun winter facts about Toronto to your friends and family as you travel:

• In 1943, Toronto recorded its lowest temperature ever without wind chill at -31.3°C.
• Toronto averages around 301 days of measurable sunshine, with December recording the least at 19.
• This isn’t a winter fact, but Toronto has over 10 million trees!
• And another non-winter fact: Yonge Street runs about 56 km through the city and was long, but wrongly, credited as the longest street in the world.
• Toronto has 52 outdoor skating rinks.

Toronto may be a thriving city, but its glittery winter atmosphere makes any visitor feel cozy and welcomed!

More Winter Ideas

• Where to see fall colours in Southern Ontario
• How to stay safe in winter