It’s a challenging time in Toronto with record snowfall turning the city into a life-size snow globe. January can be a challenge for everyone as the holidays have wrapped up, back to school is in full effect, and the weather can be so unpredictable! Finding winter activities in Toronto that make you want to leave home can seem daunting, but a number of options can be found around our community. From the arts to dining and family-friendly activities, there’s a little something for everyone. We hope to see you out making the most of winter and enjoying the unique offerings of Bloor-Yorkville!
Winter Activities in Toronto
Brunch + 1/2 Price Bowling – The Ballroom Bowl
1 Bloor East
Consider the Ballroom Bowl for an unconventional take on brunch! On Saturdays and Sundays, the Ballroom Bowl offers half-priced bowling from 12 pm – 4 pm, coinciding with their Brunch N’ Bowl menu featuring Greek yogurt parfaits, shakshuka, avocado toast, home fries and plenty of other staples. Of course, it wouldn’t be brunch without mimosas or ceasars, so they have those at the ready as well. Gather some friends and try this playful approach for your next brunch outing.
Wine & Cheese Class – Eataly
55 Bloor Street West
The winter months are perfect for hosting friends and Eataly is prepared to help you level up your skills. Their Wine & Cheese: Alpine Italy with Buyers and Cellars class will have you learning from their expert Cheesemongers and Beverage Experts. Together, they will walk you through a tasting journey of the best “vini and formaggi,” so you’ll leave with the knowledge of how to perfectly pair each selection. This class focuses on flavours and products from the Alpine region of Italy, so you can recreate an Apres-Ski experience from the comfort of your home with authentic ingredients from Eataly.
Visual Arts Shows – Heliconian Hall
35 Hazelton Ave
The Heliconian Hall is a beautiful historic building set on Hazelton Avenue, operating as a “hub of arts-based activity” and rooted in “women supporting, championing and providing inspiration in the arts.” The club offers several community events for both club members and the public. They have an on-going calendar of Visual Art Shows with Saturday afternoon receptions open to the public. The pieces on display are created and curated by Heliconian Hall members, so you may leave inspired to embark on your own artistic journey!
Learn more about the Art Show series and other Heliconian Hall events here.
Take a Plunge – Othership
110 Bloor Street West
Dunking into an ice bath might seem radical in the middle of winter, but when paired with infrared sauna sessions, it creates the perfect wellness experience. Othership offers a variety of guided experiences with an instructor leading you through the cold plunges and sauna sessions or you can opt for a “free flow,” without an instructor. For a unique weekend experience, consider trying out the “Social,” which is Othership’s take on an evening out with friends, where guests are encouraged to interact and make new connections. Social classes take place at 9pm and 9:30 on Friday and Saturday.
Family Sundays – Gardiner Museum
111 Queens Park
Every Sunday from 11 am – 3 pm, admission to the Gardiner Museum is free for children and included with admission for adults! Join other families for weekly activities inspired by current museum collections and special exhibitions. The activities are led by the Gardiner’s team of passionate educators and volunteers, as they help you and your family express your creativity through clay!
Taco Tuesday at Varsity Cinema
55 Bloor Street West
Winter is the perfect time to immerse yourself in cinema, and Varsity Cinema is upping the ante with Taco Tuesday! The lounge at Varsity is a great place to gather before or after a film, but especially so on Tuesdays, where guests can enjoy $5 tacos and tequila cocktails starting at $10. Varsity is home to 10 theatres, including VIP seating, and manages to maintain a neighbourhood feel with its boutique-sized space, making it a great local theatre to experience the best of film. Why not start an informal “film club” with friends, convening in the Varsity lounge after the show to discuss the film?
Live Music in Bloor-Yorkville:
The weather might not be inspiring, but live music always is! From Wednesday through Sunday you can find a variety of live music all throughout the neighbourhood.
d|bar at the Four Seasons:
Daniel Boulud’s cocktail bar at the Four Seasons features rotating artists Wednesday nights from 6pm – 9pm, a pianist on Saturdays from 2pm – 5 pm, and live DJ sets from Bellosound on Thursdays from 8pm – midnight, and Friday and Saturdays from 9pm – 2am. If you’re looking for a reason to dress up and a chance to add a little glamour to your week, d|bar is the perfect choice.
Hemingways:
142 Cumberland Street
For a classic pub night experience, check out Hemingway’s for live music in a casual atmosphere. Starting at 9 pm, they feature a variety of local musicians, typically playing Weds-Friday, but be sure to check out their online calendar for details, as they host several events all week long.
The Pilot:
22 Cumberland Street
If you’re a jazz lover, look no further than The Pilot. Every Saturday, they host Jazz matinees from 1 – 3pm on the main floor. There’s a $10 cover and seating is based on first come first served. Guests include local trios and quartets.
W Hotel:
90 Bloor Street East
Kick off the weekend at the W Hotel’s “Live in Living Room” music series. Every Friday from 7:30pm – 10:30pm, the W Hotel welcomes talented local artists performing something unique each week. The Living Room offers a cozy and stylish aesthetic and features a Toronto-inspired tapas menu – the perfect way to end the week.
Park Hyatt Hotel:
4 Avenue Road
Enjoy weekend brunch with a live pianist or dinner with live music at Joni Restaurant. Catch live duos and trios Thursday through Saturday, ranging from jazz to rock and roll, instrumental and pop.