Looking for a winter holiday destination for the family? Consider Toronto—Canada’s largest city. 

If you love spending time in multicultural cities where indoor and outdoor attractions stay open through the seasons, a Toronto winter holiday could be perfect for you! Toronto is a safe and friendly city for family travellers, with a welcoming and inclusive local community.

During Toronto’s winter season, families love to go ice skating at Nathan Phillips Square or spend a day at the Toronto Zoo. There are also plenty of indoor activities for holidaying families to enjoy together, such as visiting Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada and the CN Tower. 

Travelling with picky eaters? Not to worry, as Toronto's colourful food scene will guarantee plenty of options for warming up with a delicious meal! 

Read on to find out:

1. Where to book your winter accommodation in Toronto
2. The best Toronto winter activities for families

Named after one of Toronto’s former mayors, Nathan Phillips Square is a prime spot for events and festivals, and in winter, the square’s reflecting pool transforms into an ice skating rink that is free for public use. A skate rental service is also available on-site.  

Get directions to Nathan Phillips Square (17-minute drive from Pan Pacific Toronto)

Open all year round, the Toronto Zoo is home to over 5,000 animals representing 500 species, including rare and endangered species such as the giant panda, polar bear, and the Canadian lynx.

A good reason to visit in winter is that many of the zoo’s inhabitants are well-adapted to living in cold climates, and you will be able to observe these animals in the outdoor environment during this time. Refer to the zoo’s winter map to see the snowy trails that you can follow, including a Tundra trek for polar bear viewing. Need relief from the cold? Simply escape into one of the zoo’s indoor tropical zones!

Get directions to Toronto Zoo (19-minute drive from Pan Pacific Toronto)

Formerly home to the Gooderham and Worts Distillery—one of the world’s largest distilleries in the 19th century—the Distillery District was later designated as a national historic site and converted into a pedestrian village. Today, visitors flock to this heritage attraction for its Victorian-era architecture, boutiques, restaurants, and performance venues.

Although the Distillery District is open through the year, many find it particularly charming during winter, as the age-old buildings and cobblestone streets add to the nostalgic ambience. Do dress warmly for your visit, and bear in mind that some outdoor patios and seating areas may not be accessible during the winter months. 

Get directions to Distillery District (15-minute drive from Pan Pacific Toronto)

Located in Lake Ontario, just off the coast of downtown Toronto, the Toronto Islands is a lively recreational attraction that can be reached by a 10-minute ferry ride from the mainland. During winter, you can try your hand at cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, and skating—find out where to rent equipment in this guide. Or head there for the sole purpose of capturing gorgeous photos, featuring the frozen lake and the Toronto skyline. 

Get directions to Jay Layton Ferry Terminal (27-minute drive from Pan Pacific Toronto)

Are you and your family fascinated by marine life? Pay a visit to Ripley's Aquarium of Canada to encounter underwater creatures from around the world, including the Pacific Northwest (wolf eels and the giant Pacific octopus) and the Amazon River (piranhas and electric eels). 

For an out-of-the-ordinary experience, make time for Friday Night Jazz, held on the second Friday of every month. This is your chance to sip on a drink of your choice, listen to a ‘live’ jazz band, and watch the aquatic life pass you by.

Get directions to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada (27-minute drive from Pan Pacific Toronto)

Is visiting an observation deck on your family’s to-do list? In Toronto, you can get a bird’s eye view of the city at the CN Tower—during winter, visitors will have the added treat of seeing Toronto’s city landscape blanketed by powdery snow. The observation deck also tends to be less busy during the colder months, which is ideal if your family is crowd averse. 

For convenience, plan a meal stop at the buzzy 360 Restaurant, located in the CN Tower’s main pod. This revolving restaurant makes a full rotation every 72 minutes, offering stellar views of the city and Lake Ontario as you eat. 

Get directions to CN Tower (18-minute drive from Pan Pacific Toronto)

At the Royal Ontario Museum, you and your family can peruse collections covering a wide range of subjects—from ancient civilisations and dinosaurs to contemporary art. Many exhibits also include hands-on elements, such as touchable artefacts and interactive displays, making the experience much more immersive and fun. 

Occasionally, the Royal Ontario Museum runs special events based on popular themes like Ancient Egypt, the Vikings, and Harry Potter, which should delight the whole family, including younger visitors.

Get directions to Royal Ontario Museum (19-minute drive from Pan Pacific Toronto)

In Toronto, hockey (or ice hockey) is the sport that matters. The city is home to the Toronto Maple Leafs, a hockey team that has won multiple Stanley Cups, cheered on by a passionate fan base built up over decades. 

Whether you are a hockey fan or are just curious to learn more, the Hockey Hall of Fame is the place to be, as it showcases the sport’s history and its greatest players, teams, and achievements. Visitors can check out a replica dressing room, and browse the vast collection of hockey-related artefacts such as equipment, jerseys, and photographs. 

Get directions to Hockey Hall of Fame (16-minute drive from Pan Pacific Toronto)

Name-checked as one of the world’s best food markets by National Geographic, St. Lawrence Market has over 120 specialty vendors selling a wide range of products, including fresh produce, meats, seafood, baked goods, and cheeses. 

If this is your first visit, look out for the peameal bacon sandwich—a classic Canadian sandwich made with a thick slice of peameal bacon (lean, boneless pork loin) on a soft roll. For a favourite local snack, be sure to order poutine, which is a fast food dish of French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy.

Prefer to shop for clothes and creative keepsakes? Pop into the eclectic Kensington Market for a treasure trove of vintage clothing stores, record shops, and art galleries. This is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves art, culture, and unique finds.

Get directions to St. Lawrence Market (17-minute drive from Pan Pacific Toronto)

Get directions to Kensington Market (25-minute drive from Pan Pacific Toronto)

Need assistance to plan your Toronto winter holiday? Get in touch with our Pan Pacific Toronto team!