Your ultimate guide to wonderful winter in Toronto and the GTA

It may have taken a little longer than usual, but winter has finally taken hold in hogtown! A city that refuses to hibernate, Toronto keeps the pulse pumping through the coldest months of the year with fantastic festivals, amazing arts, great gourmet, and more.

So, layer up and head out – there’s a whole city of events and activities to explore this winter! Here are our top five choices to help get you through to spring.

Winterlicious l Jan 26-Feb 8: Winterlicious offers attendees the chance to dine in some of the city’s finest restaurants at a reduced price, with over 215 restaurants in Toronto participating. Most lunches and dinners have a three-course prix fixe menu at a set price, giving foodies a feast of culinary delights at a fraction of the cost! What more reason do you need to bundle up and head out this winter?

Toronto Black Film Festival l Feb 14-19: Held annually during Black History Month, this festival gives unique voices in cinema the opportunity to present audiences with new ways of looking at the world. A dynamic, refreshing and audacious festival that aims to encourage development of the independent film industry, and promote films focused on the reality of Black people around the globe.

Bloor-Yorkville Icefest l Feb 18-19: Held annually in Toronto’s Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood, Icefest transforms the area into a winter wonderland full of awe-inspiring ice sculptures created by professional artists. The event offers interactive displays, live entertainment, winter treats from local vendors and food trucks, and the opportunity for visitors to try ice carving themselves!

Toronto Winter Stations l Begins Feb 19: An annual art and design showcase that transforms the city's Beach lifeguard stations into temporary art installations. The free event aims to bring creativity to the waterfront, featuring creations from global designers and artists. These works often reflect themes related to the winter experience, creating an outdoor gallery along the shoreline that encourages people to get outdoors and enjoy the city’s beautiful lakefront during the coldest months of the year.

Toronto Comicon l March 15-17: Get your cosplay ready! Toronto’s annual celebration of comics, sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, and more draws thousands of fans every year. The event offers a chance for attendees to participate in engaging panels with industry experts and celebrities, autograph sessions, and opportunities to connect with their favourite creators.