Whether you want to spend the weekend celebrating a belated New Year through festivities with friends, taking in some art or tearing up an ice rink, you have your pick of fun things to do in the city this weekend – here are seven of the best events to check out.
Go for a skate at one of Toronto’s outdoor rinksÂ
The Porch is voted one of the best rooftops in the city, and they’ve brought back Sky Skate, which allows patrons to glide around while taking in an awesome view of the CN Tower. They also have a full food and drink menu that can be enjoyed during skate time. For more family-focused skating rinks, famous free skates at Evergreen Brick Works are back and the next opportunity is scheduled for Jan. 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Bentway Skate Trail, right underneath the Gardiner Expressway, is open and free daily, too, with skate hours from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday and 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the weekends.
Enjoy the last weekend of Winter Wonders at Royal Botanical Gardens
Though the event has been modified because of new government restrictions, the Royal Botanical Gardens’ Winter Wonders event is still running its closing weekend festivities through Jan. 9. The experience includes 1.5 hour walk through the picturesque grounds of the RBG, adorned with festive lights and displays that tell stories of seven winter wonderlands. Activities run both day and night with timed tickets.
Attend a children’s book exhibit at the library
The Toronto Public Library is running a whimsical exhibition at the Lillian H. Smith Library at 239 College St. The Osborne Collection of Early Children’s Books, on the fourth floor of the library, takes readers of all ages through well and lesser-known children’s books series, from Anne of Green Gables to Franklin the Turtle. Admission is free.
Go on an island bike tour
In the summer, Toronto Island runs rampant with tourists looking to take in the beaches and attractions. But this bike tour runs in the winter and offers a guided ride through the sights on the island, allowing guests to take in the island from a new perspective, hitting all of the historical landmarks, viewpoints and even one of the largest car-free communities in North America. The ferry ticket is included in the $85 admission price. Bike ponchos are also provided for warmth.
Break the ice with a cold exposure workshopÂ
Unbounded offers outdoor cold exposure workshops that include breathwork and cold exposure therapy. An introductory class costs $30, but a returning visit costs $24, and each class is led by a certified Unbounded facilitator. Day passes are also available. The experience is designed to push your threshold and challenge your limits.
Attend or host a virtual tasting
EatingThroughTO offers virtual tasting classes with a variety of subjects, including cocktail making classes, chocolate tasting, coffee tasting and craft beer tasting. Private events with 12 people or more can be booked online, but public events are also available through Shake it Up Saturday (which only allows up to 12 people), and this week’s offering is the RUM Virtual Classic Cocktail Workshop. Eating Through TO’s resident mixologist teaches guests how to craft three classic rum cocktails: a mojito, daiquiri and a Jungle Bird, as well as a bonus Spiced Orange Ginger Ale for you to enjoy at home.