Stay active this winter and get outdoors safely with activities from ice skating to disc golf.
By Arienne Parzei
Psst, want to know the secret to getting the most out of the winter months in Toronto? Head outside and get active! Even during lockdown and pandemic restrictions, it’s important to get outside both for your physical and mental health. And lucky for us here in Toronto, there are a number of activities that are both fun and safe to do. Read below for five winter activities you can do in Toronto this season.
As soon as the weather gets cold enough, Torontonians start flocking to their local ice skating rinks. There are 50+ artificial rinks run by the City of Toronto, so if you’re local, you’ll find one close to home. From classic rectangular rinks to figure eight and even loop trails, our ice varies as much as the neighbourhoods you’ll find them in.
For the 2020/2021 winter season, a maximum of 25 skaters is allowed on the ice at one time. To manage this, the City of Toronto has implemented an ice skating reservation system. Simply go online, find your desired ice rink, and make a reservation for a specific time slot. Make sure to arrive 15 minutes before the start of your scheduled reservation. You’ll then have 45 minutes to enjoy the rink.
Having a hard time making a reservation? Showing up may be your best option. Five of the 25 spots are set aside for walk-ins. After a skating session has begun, if there are any no-shows for reserved spots, they’ll be given away to walk-in skaters. Also note that masks and face coverings are required while on and off the ice, waiting in line and in indoor public spaces such as washrooms that are open in winter.
There’s something about speeding down a snow-covered hill that brings out the child in everyone. Tobogganing is an exciting winter activity that tends to be enjoyed mainly by kids, but adults can be seen getting in on the fun too. Toronto has over 25 City-approved toboggan hills, those that are free of hazards like trees, rocks and nearby roadways.
You don’t need fancy gear to go tobogganing but you will need a bit of stamina to climb up the hill each time before racing back down. In addition to maintaining physical distancing on the toboggan hills, it’s important to also practice safe tobogganing—wear a helmet, sit or kneel on your toboggan and make sure your route is clear before you go.
Disc golf is an activity that’s typically played during the warmer months but this year the City of Toronto is highlighting the six disc golf courses found across the city for wintertime play, including a temporary course at Scarlet Woods Golf Course.
Played similarly to classic golf, players use a range of discs (driver, mid-range and putter discs) to reach a basket in as few throws as possible. The player with the least number of throws after nine baskets (half-game) or 18 baskets (full game) is the winner. It’s free to use the disc golf courses, you’ll just need to supply your own discs.
After a big, fresh snowfall, snowshoeing can be a fun alternative to going for a hike. And you don’t have to leave the city to do it! There are a variety of trails across Toronto that cater to snowshoeing. Head out to High Park, Tommy Thompson Park, or the Toronto Island Park and snowshoe the established trails.
Make a visit to the Don Valley ravine system and explore the intricate network of woodland trails, follow the 9 km former railway line along the Beltline trail, and enjoy eight loop trails that span 1.5 to 2 km in length that have been set up at the five City-run golf courses. Rental services are currently paused at outdoor recreation retailers, so you’ll have to supply your own snowshoes.
Don’t have a pair of snowshoes but want to enjoy those Toronto trails? No problem! You can still head out and stretch your legs with a good pair of winter or hiking boots. There are so many trails to choose from across the city including ones found in Rouge Valley, Moore Park Ravine and the Humber River. So if you find one is busier than you’d like, it’s easy enough to hop over to another spot.
See it. Snap it. Share it. In every neighbourhood, around every corner, through every door
there's something that begs to be discovered in Toronto.
See it. Snap it. Share it. In every neighbourhood, around every corner, through every door there's something that begs to be discovered in Toronto.
#OPENYOURCURIOSITYMore Insights & Ideas from Locals
A Foodie’s Guide to Toronto’s Gerrard Street East
15 of the Best International Desserts in Toronto
6 Hotel Rooftop Bars with Epic Views of Toronto
Best Hot Chocolate Spots in Toronto
31 Celebration-Worthy Restaurants Offering Takeout
Around the World with Toronto Food Trucks
9 Kid-Friendly Breweries and Beer Bars in Toronto
Local Faves: Top 10 Spots for Comfort Food in Toronto
Make these Toronto Cool-Weather Cocktails at Home
Plan the Perfect Day in Gerrard Street’s Little India
You Only Live Once: 9 Over-the-Top Toronto Experiences
Stories from the 6ix: Sasha Exeter
Stories from the 6ix: Ryan Silverstein
Stories from the 6ix: Chloe Wilde
Stories from the 6ix: Adeyemi Adegbesan
10 Cheap and Cheerful Winter Activities in Toronto
Jump into the Junction: A Neighbourhood Guide to Toronto’s Hip Hotspot
Romantic Views: Toronto’s Scenic Winter Strolls
Back for More: Tips for Repeat Visitors
Glamorous Girls’ Weekend Getaway in Toronto
7 Summer Favourites You Can Experience Now
From Love Beads to Lamborghinis
Keen on Kensington: A Neighbourhood Guide to Toronto’s Eclectic Market
Welcome to Leslieville: A Guide to the East End Neighbourhood
Let the Fringe Festival Guide You Through Toronto
Festivals and Exhibits that Will Make You Love Winter
15 of the Most Instagrammable Street Art in Toronto
Literary Toronto: Guide for Book Lovers
Art Galleries to Visit This Fall
A Foodie’s Guide to Museum Hopping
Can’t-Miss Music Festivals (And the Must-See Venue) of the Summer