Toronto, Canada, is a diverse place to live and visit, and there are plenty of things to do, especially in the winter. The city is stunning this time of year — from the lights and decorations at the beautiful Casa Loma to the aerial view of the city dusted in bright snow from the skyline at the CN Tower.
But remember, winter in Toronto can be quite cold, so bundle up when you arrive. And if you're looking for fun indoor activities in Toronto to try out during the chilly weather, we've got you covered.
What To Expect When Visiting Toronto in the Winter
When you visit Toronto in the colder months, it can be a magical time, complete with ice skating and drinking hot chocolate by hotel fireplaces. There is plenty to do indoors during the winter — perhaps even things you missed out on if you visited in the summer and spent the days outside soaking up the sun. And if you enjoy shopping or want a bite to eat, Queen Street and Eaton Centre are both good spots to check out in the winter months.
The 5 Best Indoor Activities in Toronto During Winter Weather
There is no shortage of fun rainy- or snowy-day activities in Toronto for you and your family to enjoy. If you are looking to burn some energy in Toronto, you could try an indoor playground or escape room. Or you could spend a whole day shopping and tasting this city's abundance of foods from different cultures.
And the good news is, if you are on vacation, there is always something fun to do for all budgets, including our top five indoor activities in Toronto listed below.
View the Royal Ontario Museum's Exquisite Collection
Dating back to 1914, the Royal Ontario Museum is Canada's largest museum. You can explore art, natural history, cultural artifacts, and more. With 40 different galleries, there are always plenty of fascinating exhibits worth checking out.
The Royal Ontario Museum is a national landmark with a permanent collection of about six million items. The vast collections make it one of the leading cultural museums in North America. You can peruse the gallery of Chinese architecture, the most extensive collection of its kind outside of China. The impressive art museum also has an extensive collection of artifacts from Ancient Greece and Rome.
When you visit, you can also check out the boutique gift shop. Here you'll find a collection of one-of-a-kind items that look like they, too, belong in the museum.
Marvel at Creatures of the Deep at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
You should definitely plan to visit Ripley's Aquarium of Canada if you love aquatic wildlife. It's the largest aquarium in Canada and is home to many colorful species. The Rainbow Reef exhibit closely replicates the coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific Ocean. You'll spot all the rainbow colors in that exhibit, from the bright blue Tang fish to the orange and blue Harlequin Tuskfish.
Dangerous Lagoon is the aquarium's largest exhibit and the only underwater gallery. You ride a moving sidewalk to reach it. There, you can get up close and personal to a green sea turtle or the gray angelfish — not to mention the sharks you might find.
Explore Your Inner Scientist at the Ontario Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre is a technology and science museum with interactive exhibits that immerse you in science. The center has a hands-on science arcade that offers fun for visitors of all ages. There is also a sizable IMAX dome theater where you can learn about different natural environments with high-quality sound and pictures.
The Ontario Science Centre has an exhibit known as the Space Hall, where you can find genuine meteorites from Mars and learn more about outer space. There is also a rainforest to explore. And if you work up an appetite during your visit, you can get an extra boost of energy at the different restaurants and the coffee shop located within the centre.
Tour a Real North American Castle at Casa Loma
Casa Loma, also known as "castle on the hill," is a majestic castle in Toronto. Built by financier Sir Henry Pellatt in the early 1900s, the home is famous for its grand size. Casa Loma has even been the set of several films.
The castle has many elegant rooms, secret passages, underground tunnels, and stables to visit, all set in the lush five-acre gardens. If you stop by, be sure to catch a glimpse of the antique car collection and see all 98 exquisite rooms in this palatial home, completely furnished with the elegance and beauty of the Edwardian era.
After you tour the mansion, you can even enjoy an upscale meal on the property at the BlueBlood Steakhouse.
See Amazing Views of Downtown Toronto at the CN Tower
Towering above the city at 1,815 feet, the CN Tower is one of Toronto's most popular places to visit. You can ride up to the top floor in the glass elevators to experience breathtaking views of Toronto's downtown area from all three observational levels.
From up there, you can spot Centre Island. You can also view The Hockey Hall of Fame, which is a short distance from the CN Tower. If you decide to stop in there after your time high above the city, you can learn about the history of ice and air hockey.
And if you enjoy a restaurant with a spectacular view, you can dine at the CN Tower's 360 Restaurant.
Save on Toronto's Top Indoor Attractions With a Ticket Bundle
If you are planning a winter wonderland trip to Toronto, you will want to see some of these iconic landmarks. You can save money if you go with CityPASS® tickets.
CityPASS® tickets for Toronto include Toronto's top five activities and can save you compared to individual admission prices. You might even want to use the money you save to treat yourself to a meal at one of Toronto's countless noteworthy restaurants.
Lodging in Toronto
Need lodging for your trip to Toronto? Use this map to find the right lodging for you:
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