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!

You may be thinking, donuts (doughnuts) ?! I just started getting back to the gym, why are you doing this to me? Well, every good turn (read workout, diet, etc.) deserves another… in this case the reward of a sweet treat on a cheat day or to satiate that sweet tooth. With that kind of motivation in mind, here are some of the city’s best places to indulge in that most Canadian of baked goods…

Glory Hole

Anyone who likes doughnuts in T.O. should know this randily named doughnut proprietor. Glory Hole serves up an (ahem) healthy assortment of tastes and colours on the traditional yeast-based donut. Our personal favourite here however is their lemon ricotta fritter, which in our humble opinion trumps the rest. For those who prefer simple and delicious to sensational but sweet, that’s our pro tip choice. Get there early to ensure you get ‘em while their warm. You will NOT be disappointed.

Donut Monster

For those who long for the days when Tim Horton’s offered the best fritters donut fans could ask for, look no further than Stackt Market and the amazing Donut Monster. Their apple fritters took us back to those less crazy days when you could easily order a dozen for breakfast and not worry about how many more steps were required to limit the impact of said meal.

Sweet Hart Kitchen

This one goes out to all of our vegan friends. Sweet Hart likely isn’t the only vegan option available in the city but they’ve certainly mastered making vegan something that doesn’t sacrifice taste or flavour. Our personal favs are the classic chocolate dipped “old-fashioned” style but there are so many delicious options to choose from, you’ll never grow tired of going vegan here.

Little Nicky’s

For those who want the treat with a bit less sweet, Little Nicky’s Coffee Shop at Peter and Queen offers a mini-doughnut option. Where else can you get a bag of doughnuts and not feel like a glutton? Bonus! They have great coffee too! ;)

Cops

Continuing with the tiny donut trend, Cops keeps it simple… like dead simple; drip coffee and mini doughnuts is all they do. Never suffer from the paradox of choice again! Go in for one of life’s simplest pleasures and go out with a smile.

Is there a favourite donut spot of yours that we missed? Please let us know! Enjoy the fluffy bliss of a donut day 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.