Winter in Toronto is magical: The snowfall, the lights, the sight of your own breath as you take that first brisk step outdoors. For the Audi Midtown team, wintertime also means fun time, and they’re eager to share their favourite activities.

Product + Delivery Specialist Zack Russell loves heading to Nathan Phillips Square with pals, and lacing up his skates for a few laps around the rink. The square is extra special this time of year, with the addition of a holiday fair! 

For Zack, and all those who enjoy downtown skating, there are actually plenty of options: For starters, there’s a brand new, free outdoor rink at Union Station. Located in the Sir John A. McDonald Plaza on Front Street, the rink offers free skating lessons, plus free helmet and skate rentals. 

Oh, and live DJ skate nights for when you want your skating with a side of dance party! And if you think that Toronto is a city with just one live DJ skate night, you’re wrong: The Natrel Rink

at The Harbourfront Centre has brought back its popular outdoor skating/dance party.

Of course, you’ll no doubt want a bite to eat after carving up the ice. If you’re a vegan like Zack, Beavertails has options at its food truck, parked at Nathan Phillips Square during their winter festivities. For a sit-down meal, popular local plant-based restaurant Fresh has a Front Street location, and Rosalinda in the Financial District serves up vegan Mexican cuisine.

Looking for a special treat? Reserve a spot at Proof Bar at the InterContinental in Yorkville, and enjoy a lovely meal and a drink in a heated dome.

For Audi Brand Specialist Ian Donnan, it’s more about the snow than the ice. If skiing is your outdoor winter activity of choice, then this has already been a stellar year for you: Both Horseshoe Resort in Barrie and Mount St Louis Moonstone in Coldwater opened early in November, thanks to good old Mother Nature, and both are a short drive north of Toronto. Need a cozy place to stay apres-ski? Narcity has some nice recommendations for winter cottages near the GTA.

Ian also enjoys indulging in chocolatey treats during the winter holidays (honestly: same) and he can’t go wrong with Purdy’s, which has been serving up sweet, iconic creations across Canada since 1907. If you prefer your chocolate in a more drinkable form, Toronto’s cup overflows with great options!

The inclination to stay in and hibernate when winter rolls around is a compelling one indeed, but we urge you to bundle up and enjoy what Toronto and its surrounding areas have to offer this season. And no one’s saying you can’t curl up with a cup of hot cocoa afterwards. 

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