Skating Trails, Spectacular Light Shows, And More — Here Are 13 Things To Do This Winter Around Ontario (That You Don’t Have To Drive To)

'Tis the season for getaways, all in your own backyard.

Who says you have to stay inside when it gets cold out? Not us! Between picturesque views, fun holiday events, and festive markets — winter across Ontario is truly magical.

GO Transit / Via gotransit.com

Luckily, GO Transit's Weekend Passes, GO Weekday Group Passes and the Niagara GO/WEGO Combo Pass make it easy to do, see, and eat it all this season. So bundle up, and read on to learn about our favourite places to explore this winter. First stop: Niagara!

1. Become even more awe inspired by Niagara Falls by watching them light up during the Winter Festival of Lights.

Instagram: @winterfestivaloflights

A total of 3 million lights, 26 nights of fireworks, and one dazzling "Sparkling Winter Lights" Falls Installation that runs for 51 nights — the Winter Festival of Lights is Canada's LARGEST outdoor lights fest and a total must-see. Plus, it's free!  

Get there with GO: Take the Lakeshore West Line GO Train to Niagara Falls GO Station, and from there take the Green line WEGO bus to the Festival. WEGO fare is included with the GO/WEGO combo ticket.

2. While you're there, celebrate winter blooms with the Annual Poinsettia Show at the Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse.

Instagram: @niagaraparks

This iconic show runs until Jan. 7, 2024 and features more than 1,500 brilliantly colourful poinsettias among other festive florals and twinkling lights. It's a picture-perfect way to bring the holidays to life.

PS. Our hot tip? The Floral Showcase is included in the new GO + Niagara Wonders Pass, which includes admission to five Niagara Parks attractions. Learn more here!

Get there with GO: Take the Lakeshore West Line GO Train to Niagara Falls GO Station, and from there take the Green line WEGO bus to the Floral Showcase. WEGO fare is included with the GO/WEGO combo ticket.

3. Next stop: Toronto, where you can live your holiday movie fantasy while strolling through the cobblestoned streets of the Distillery Winter Village.

Instagram: @distilleryto

The Distillery Winter Village has it all! Twinkling lights, holiday market vendors set up in adorable cabins, cozy warm beverages, and festive treats — all surrounding the picture-perfect tree in Trinity Square. Check out the schedule here. 

Get There With GO: Take GO to Union Station, then take a TTC bus to Front St. East at Cherry St.

4. Enjoy a night out at the Winter Garden Theatre with the family-friendly original musical Chris, Mrs.

Instagram: @chrismrsmusical

Make a trip to the theatre a new holiday tradition, starting with the heartwarming new musical Chris, Mrs. Running until Dec. 31, it'll bring the laughs and the festive cheer! Plus, with PRESTO Perks, you can use the code HOLLY20 to save 20% on tickets when booking here.

Get There With GO: Take GO to Union Station, where the theatre is a short walk away or you can take the TTC to Queen Station. 

5. Or take a seat at the Elgin Theatre for the super dazzling (and Tony®-nominated) Slava's Snowshow.

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Immerse yourself in the silly, captivating, and magical spectacle that is Slava’s Snowshow. This show takes clowning to a new level and is something you truly have to see to even believe. You can use a PRESTO Perk too, with code PRESTO at checkout for 20% off mezzanine seats when booking here. 

Get There With GO: Take GO to Union Station, where the theatre is a short walk away or you can take the TTC to Queen Station. 

6. Spend some time in the great outdoors by skating, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, or nature walking through the always beautiful High Park.

Instagram: @highparknaturecentre

There's so much to explore in Toronto's iconic High Park. Stroll through one of the many trails, check out workshops at the High Park Nature Centre, or pack your blades for a picturesque skate! Learn more about what's on offer here. 

Get There With GO: Take GO or UP Express to Bloor GO Station and then walk 10 minutes west to High Park, or hop on TTC Line 2.

7. Add some sparkle to the season by experiencing the beloved Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square.

Instagram: @cityofto

This free event transforms Toronto's City Hall and beyond into a dazzling wonderland. Bring your skates (or rent them!), so you can skate among the dazzling tree and light installations inspired by international lantern festivals. Check out the calendar of events here. 

Get There With GO: Travel by GO bus or train to Union Station. From Union Station, it’s a 14-minute walk north up Bay Street, or you can take the TTC to Queen Station or Osgoode Station.

8. Ring in the new year with the biggest party in Toronto — an outdoor extravaganza featuring music and fireworks by the Waterfront.

Instagram: @cityofto

Music, performances, food trucks, and more will lead up to Toronto's iconic midnight firework show. Watching the city's skyline light up is the perfect way to end 2023 and start 2024! Get more information here. 

Get There With GO: Take GO to Union Station and then walk down to the waterfront.

9. Looking for spots outside of Toronto? Next stop: Hamilton, where the Royal Botanical Gardens have transformed into a charming winter wonderland.

Instagram: @rbgcanada

Indulge in a unique outdoor experience full of picture-perfect trails, magical displays, breathtaking gardens, and one super cool Botanical Train installation. Running until Jan. 7, you can get your tickets here. 

Get There With GO: Grab the GO + Winter Wonders Combo Ticket for admission and free shuttle transportation on Saturdays.

10. Or how about a trip to Barrie, where the family-fun Noella Festival takes over the entire downtown?

Facebook: DowntownBarrieBIA

Downtown in Barrie is just something you have to experience! Packed with four weeks of activities, you can also visit their tree and wreath lot to pick out your holiday centerpiece! Check out the full slate of Noella Festival events here. 

Get There With GO: Take GO to Allandale Waterfront GO Station, and then walk along the waterfront, or take Barrie Transit.

11. While you're downtown, the Barrie Rotary Festival of Trees makes for the perfect wintery walk.

Instagram: @rotaryclubofbarrie

Grab your friends, family, and a to-go mug of hot chocolate for a light-filled walk along the waterfront and through Heritage Park and Meridian Place. Learn more here.

Get There With GO: Take GO to Allandale Waterfront GO Station, and then walk along the waterfront, or take Barrie Transit.

12. Don't forget to swing by Brampton this winter too for a skating experience at Gage Park like no other.

Instagram: @citybrampton

Lace up your skates as a DJ spins tunes at this festive rink trail on Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as Sunday afternoons. Even better, there's a fire pit to warm up with too! Check out the hours here. 

Get There With GO: Take GO to Brampton Innovation District GO, and it’s a short 10-minute walk south to Gage Park.

13. The last stop on your winter getaway list is Whitby! Their Whitby Lights the Night Christmas Festival was designed for Santa himself.

🎄 The Town is aglow with festive lights, and holiday magic is in the air! 🎄

✨ Looking for something fun to do this holiday season? We’ve got you covered & have rounded up the Town’s top activities to help get you in the festive mood. ✨

Festive fun ➡️ https://t.co/Rei2anAKmE pic.twitter.com/Gwf9tiWAfL

— Town of Whitby, ON (@TownofWhitby) December 1, 2023

Twitter: @TownofWhitby

Over 100,000 lights and displays throughout Whitby and Brooklin don't just look good, they have a magical purpose too — to "light the night" to help Santa find his way! Check out the map here.  

Get There With GO: Take GO to Whitby GO Station, and then connect to Whitby Civic Park through Durham Region Transit.

Check out GO/WEGO combo tickets, GO Weekday and Weekend Passes here to start exploring the magic of winter... all in your own backyard. Don't forget, kids 12 and under always ride GO for free!