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David and I are planning to take a winter vacation next December, but haven’t completely settled the details yet. We have significant changes coming up and want to celebrate. I’ve been doing some research on some hot destinations, and I think Toronto, Canada looks interesting.
Icefest
Icefest is like a free open-air ice-art exhibit! Watch as Toronto’s trendy shopping district, Bloor-Yorkville, becomes transformed into a magical winter paradise honoring Canadian history and culture. Chainsaw-wielding ice artisans sculpt 20,000 pounds of frozen water into spectacular ice statues. While it’s a free event, some of Bloor-Yorkville’s most excellent restaurants will tempt you with snacks and coffee. Proceeds from the event benefit the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and you know food eaten for a good cause has no calories, right?
Bloor-Yorkville is such a hotspot that many Toronto hotels are in this neighborhood.
Toronto Polar Bear Dip
The Polar Bear Dip is not for the faint of heart, but you get bragging rights for trying this Toronto winter activity! Imagine, visiting famous Sunnyside Beach in January. That’s not sand on the beach in your little daydream. Nope. That’s sparkling, gleaming snow! Also, that’s ice caps floating in the bay, not wave caps. Take off everything but your bathing suit and jump in! What a rush! Not only do you get to scratch this item off your bucket list, but you are also helping raise money for charity. Nothing like spreading a little love while on vacation!
Winterlicious Food Festival
Foodies, get ready for the Winterlicious Food Festival. Over 200 restaurants in and around Toronto participate in a Prix Fixe Promotion, but the festival also includes a variety of cooking and dining experiences. Artsy types can take in a little dinner theater. Foodies can partake cooking classes or pairing events. Also, enjoy themed dining events featuring Canadian traditions or Martinis from the Golden Age of Bartending.
Tea Festival
Escape the Canadian winter and enjoy a cup (or more) of hot tea at the Toronto Tea Festival. Sample hundreds of brews ranging from the everyday pick-me-up to the more trendy, herbal affairs. Learn and watch Asian cultural tea ceremonies. You can also sign up for seminars to learn about the history of tea. Tea’s health benefits, or learn the art of reading tea leaves. Oh! And there is shopping! Pick This is an indoor event hosted on the 2nd floor of the Toronto Reference Library on Yonge Street.
Winterfolk
Mark your calendar for the Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival. This three-day event features 150 artists at five different “weather-proof” venues. Music lovers revel in a blend of blues, rock, folk, and roots music. Purchase one wristband per person for access to all venues. Some shows require a separate ticket, though, so be sure to check the schedule. All five stages are within a two-minute walking distance from each other on Danforth Avenue.
…And So Much More
This is by not an exhaustive list. Toronto also offers film festivals and has a vibrant nightlife. The city offers a variety of performing arts exhibits and is deeply connected to its Canadian roots.
Alicia Taylor
We enjoy hosting parties and my husband and I are both avid gamers. You can find me on PS4 as SunshineFlaGirl. We also play tabletop RPGs and eurogames.
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15 Comments
Dave Clary
February 13, 2018 - 10:43 pmWhen it comes to keeping the kids entertained, Toronto’s got it covered; numerous attractions like the Toronto Zoo and the Ontario Science Centre are sure to keep the youngsters in good spirits. And if the When you’re in need of a break from the hustle and bustle of Canada’s biggest city, hop a ferry to the Toronto Islands.
Alicia Taylor
February 14, 2018 - 12:25 pmIt does sound like a fun place! So much to do – even in the winter!
Elizabeth O
January 17, 2018 - 2:03 pmToronto looks stunning, I have never been. The Icefest looks like so much fun! 🙂
Alicia Taylor
January 17, 2018 - 4:56 pmIt does, doesn’t it? I was a little forlorn to learn they actually canceled the Polar Dip this year.
Catarina
January 16, 2018 - 5:45 pmI have never been there before but I will keep your post 😉
theworldthroughascholz
January 16, 2018 - 4:14 pmThis sounds awesome!!! I would totally do the dip!
Emily Fata
January 16, 2018 - 2:20 pmI live here in Toronto myself, and I absolutely adore this city in every season! Sometimes you forget how amazing your own city is. 🙂
Le
January 15, 2018 - 9:28 amToronto is on my list to visit during the summer !
Alicia Taylor
January 15, 2018 - 3:56 pmI bet they have so much to do then, too!
fashionmommywm
January 6, 2018 - 6:02 pmI love how Toronto really embraces Winter, I would love to see all the ice sculptures.
Alicia Taylor
January 7, 2018 - 10:30 amI would, too! But the hot tea festival looks like fun, too! Nothing like a cup of hot tea in the winter.
RachelFerrucci (@RachelFerrucci)
January 4, 2018 - 10:10 pmCanada is so beautiful and the winter is amazing there. I haven’t been to Toronto but want to get there. It’s funny how you don’t mind the cold and snow when there are fun things to do! I’d never do the Polar Plunge lol
Alicia Taylor
January 5, 2018 - 10:21 amI lived in Minnesota for a while which has similar weather to Toronto. I always minded the cold – which is why these itinerary items (for the most part) are all indoors!
parth rathod
December 25, 2017 - 4:13 amI will be shifting to toronto soon and thank you for this helping me
Corinne and Kirsty
December 22, 2017 - 6:50 amI have never been to Toronto but I would love to! It really sounds like a super nice city! And all the things you can do there!