Winter Fun: Things to do around Toronto in every direction
Every pocket of the city has something magical to share. And at the Pantages, you’re in the middle of it all.
So you’ve decided to brave a Toronto winter. Researching the fun things to do usually leads to the same few places: CN Tower; Queen Street West; the Distillery. While these destinations are great (and they’re all walk-able, even in heels), here are a few other hot spots in all directions that are sure to make your winter visit merry and bright.
CLOSE BY — A Yonge Street Boutique Crawl
For years, Yonge Street was considered the seedy strip of town: adult shops, sketchy taverns and “colourful” characters up and down the street. Not anymore. Inspired by the Eaton Centre $150 million renovation, Yonge Street has become a shopper’s paradise. The boutiques rival anything you’d see on trendy Queen West or King East; the food options are plentiful and delicious. And the crowd’s diverse and interesting to watch. Make sure to stop in for a bite of Thai at Salad King at 340 Yonge Street. You’ll wait for a bit for a table, but it’s so worth it.
WALK WEST — A Stroll In The Park
If you’re in town with your boo, High Park is one of Toronto’s oldest and most gorgeous green spaces for a hand-in-hand stroll. You could spend an entire morning on the pathways, sitting by the pond and taking in the brisk air. Have lunch in the Grenadier Cafe (we recommend the Spinach Walnut Salad), then stick around and do a bit of boutique shopping along one of the funkiest stretches of Bloor Street.
EAT EAST — A Greek Evening
Danforth Avenue is where Toronto’s thriving Greek community lives, and just like in Greece, when they go out to play, they go all out. The streets are lined with Greek language, Greek culture and some of the best Greek restaurants in North America. You can find a spot to suit any budget, but as with most international cuisine, you don’t have to spend a lot to be satiated. With that in mind, make sure to swing by Astoria at 390 Danforth and tell them we sent you.
SKATE SOUTH — Glide Across Nathan Phillips Square
Join thousands of Toronto winter warriors by strapping on the blades in front of City Hall. This skating rink has been around forever (as has the skate rental shop next to it). You’ll be surrounded by hot food and hot drinks, as well as holiday lights, impressive skyscrapers and the famous Toronto sign we got when we hosted the 2015 Pan Am Games.
NESTLE IN UP NORTH — Get away to Cottage Country
Yonge Street, just east of us, is the longest street in the world. We’re at the bottom of it, but follow it north (way north) and you’ll eventually find yourself in the famous Canadian shield. A trip up for the day is magic: gorgeous forests, beautiful snow-covered fields, wildlife and lots of maple syrup to sample. Mmmm.