Though the weather has been warmer as of late, we’re sure to see some colder days in Toronto sooner than later. If you’re a fan of winter weather, here are some great ways to spend those chilly days in the city

OUTDOOR ICE SKATING RINKS

Nathan Phillips Square used to take the brunt of the outdoor ice-skating community but there are tonnes of options now. Just be sure to see if they operate in the warmer weather as some rinks shut down when the temps are on the plus side. Here are 3 of our favourite ice-skating rinks in the city. Check the City of Toronto website for rinks in your area.

Nathan Phillips Square

Open 9am-10pm daily with a rink guard always on duty. Offers skate and helmet rental and skate sharpening.

Natrel Rink at Harbourfront Centre

Open for more than 30 years, the Natrel rink at Harbourfront Centre offers a view of Lake Ontario, a local DJ soundtrack and indoor heated change and washrooms. Open Monday to Thursday, from 9am to 10pm, Friday to Sunday 9am - 11pm

Evergreen Brickworks

The Evergreen Brickworks offers free skating at their Koerner Gardens rinks on weekends. From January 3rd to February 14th, you can check out Winter Fridays; skate under the stars on the outdoor skating rink, grab a hot chocolate (or something stronger) at the Sipping Station and cozy up around the fire with some street fare from our food trucks.  Bring your own skates or rent a pair of ours. Skating is free, and skate rentals are available for $5 a pair. Check here for dates/times

TOBOGGANING HILLS

Though we’ve yet to see a lot of snowfall this winter, it’s likely some is on the way before spring. When those lovely snowy days do come, be sure to grab your sled, crazy carpet or toboggan to whip down some of Toronto’s urban slopes. Here are 3 great hills in the downtown area…

Christie Pits Park

The name really says it all, a park that’s mostly below street level means lots of spots to whoosh down snowy slopes.

Trinity Bellwoods Park

You may need to dodge a few dogs here and there as the best hills in Trinity Bellwoods Park are around the dog walking area but the grading is sure to keep a smile on even the oldest kid’s face.

Riverdale Park

Likely one of the city’s favourite spots, Riverdale Park offers great city views and longer than average slopes.

INDOOR ESCAPES

If you’re not a fan of the cold, we’ve got you covered… literally. Here are a few spots we love to keep you warm in winter…

Allan Gardens

If you’re feeling a bit cold and bland, get a splash of colour at Moss Park’s amazing Allan Gardens Conservatory. 5 different green houses feature plants and flowers unique to a particular climate in an amazing space. Check here for hours of operation.

Ripley’s Aquarium

Relatively new to the city, Ripley’s Aquarium features amazing exhibits of both National and International marine life and includes features like the petting ponds, stingray experience and moving sidewalk under the “dangerous lagoon”. They also offer Friday night jazz nights if you’re looking for some great music in an otherworldly atmosphere.

The Rec Room

When you’re done at the aquarium, you can walk across the street for some fun and games at The Rec Room. With a wide array of old and new games to play; next generation driving simulation, virtual reality, shuffleboard, ping pong and pool tables. They also have over 80 games such as Pac Man, Kung Fu Panda and Mario Kart.

Whether you’re headed out or staying in, be safe and have a great winter Toronto!

Dogs hold a special place in our hearts and if you’re a dog lover and owner, you want the best possible care for your furry friends. We’ve compiled a short list of dog walkers and care givers who we feel will best care for your dog. We’d love you to chime in with your suggestions and feedback as well for future lists, so go off-leash and leave a comment!

Leash and Paws

One of the best in the city according to multiple reviews on Google, Facebook and the like and winning awards since 2010 Leash and Paws offer Group and Individual Walks as well as 30 minute “Potty Breaks”. They even have a wedding dog attendant service! What more needs saying?

ONC - Our Noble Companions

ONC’s value statement is Walk • Play • Learn

They offer group walks, solo walks, pee breaks, cat visits, boarding and training. They are bonded, insured and licensed. They also emphasize that they always use 100% force-free and positive reinforcement methods.

Davisville Dogs

Proprietors Sue and Paul are eternal dog lovers who offer walking and boarding services in the Davisville area. The goal at Davisville Dogs is to “provide walking and boarding for dogs in the most fun and caring way. We focus on small groups - on and off leash. We can also provide private walks. Our walkers are Dog Walker Certified and Pet First Aid Certified.”

K9 Kate’s Pet Services

How can 32 perfect 5/5 Google reviews steer you wrong? Kate Fink has been involved in canine rescue and rehab since 2012 and has brought all of that attention and love to her business here in Toronto. The glowing reviews of her services (Adventure Walks, On-Leash Dog Walks, Puppy Visits, Private Dog Walks and Boarding “Paw-lidays” and In-Home training consults) speak for themselves.  As her website indicates, your dog is in good hands; Kate is certified in pet first-aid, insured, and employs force-free methods.

Oh My Dog!

Offering Fun, safe, reliable dog walking in Toronto since 2003,  OMD services primarily downtown residents from East to West-end. They Off-Leash Adventures, On-Leash Walks and Puppy Visits. They come highly recommended and get a solid 5/5 out of 42 reviews on Google; high praise all around. 

If you’ve got a dog walker you think should be recognized, please let us know! Alternatively, if you’ve got horror stories from other businesses, we’d also love to know. We love pets and hope yours are in the best hands possible. 

We try to keep things as local as possible so we’re running down 5 of our favourite boutiques across the city to shop at this holiday season…

1. Tuck Shop Trading Co.

Located in the Summerhill/Rosedale area right on Yonge St., Tuck Shop Trading Co. provides amazingly well crafted, often local wares that work well from big city to big country; wools, corduroys and denim feature heavily.

2. The Future of Frances Watson

For those on the West side of town, TFOFW offers an amazingly eclectic and stylish set of fashions, accessories and other home and lifestyle products for both men and women. They also put an emphasis on well manufactured goods (which we appreciate), proving that fashion can be an investment rather than a trend.

3. Model Citizen

Model Citizen is a Kensington Market boutique dedicated to Canadian designers and men’s fashion. “Selling to guys is a lot easier than selling to women,” says owner Julian Finkel, explaining his shop’s male-centric merchandise. “It’s a shop for fashion ninjas.” In truth, it’s much more than that. Finkel does quite a lot of his own design work and features many of his own prints on garments in-store adding a special DIY aesthetic to various items.

4. WANT Apothecary

For our uptown/mid-town people, WANT Apothecary provides some modern luxury fashion brought over from Montreal-based WANT bag makers. Fashion, accessories and a great many well made lifestyle products; all the stuff you really WANT for for the holidays ; )

5. Early Bird and Worm

Not to be so selective as to leave out those little people who make the holidays so special, Early Bird and Worm bills itself as a kid's concept shop on Roncesvalles. Selling fashion forward outfits with bold prints and style as well as other accessories, this place will have your baby looking anything but bland.

Wherever your holiday shopping takes you, please let us know! We’re always interested in amazing local businesses. Happy Holidays!