Yes, the colder weather is here. No, you do not have to hide indoors until it’s over. Embrace the weather: cycle to work, shop, socialise and ride to other festivities by bike this winter! If you dress for the elements - in cozy layers with a good outer shell and pay extra attention to your head, hands & feet - enjoying what your city has to offer is a breeze.
Toronto
The City of Toronto site has excellent ideas for winter fun including hiking, biking & snowshoeing on well-maintained passages with dog parks, urban zoos, fire-pits and bird-watching hot-spots.
Ice-skating
Credit: City of Toronto
Ice-skating in Canada’s largest city is a beloved tradition. Find all the details of each outdoor skating venue and their status. Some of our favourites include: Regent Park South, Sherbourne Common / Paul Quarrington Rink, Ramsden Park, Dufferin Grove Park, Kew Gardens and Otter Creek Park. Colonel Samuel Smith Park is a real gem. Situated in Etobicoke in Toronto’s west end, the pleasure-skating trail is surrounded by groomed pathways for walking, cycling and spying on the abundant wildlife in the area. Set out by ebike for a full-day excursion of discovery.
Market
Credit: Distillery’s Winter Village
Visiting St. Lawrence Market is one of the best things to do in Toronto in winter. Forage through over 120 local vendors who sell everything from fresh produce, meats, seafood, baked goods, spices, cheese, prepared foods, housewares and lots of one-of-a-kind products.
If you are arriving by bike, there are plenty of bikeways & bike-parking options close to the market, as well as several nearby Bike Share Toronto docking stations. Check out the nearby Bike Valet Station at Trinity & Front Street East, adjacent to the Distillery’s Winter Village.
Volunteer
Volunteering is an excellent way of spending quality time this holiday season in Toronto. There are many avenues to give back to your community. Zygg admires the fine work of The Bike Brigade - - a local organisation which mobilizes dedicated volunteers delivering food, needed goods & resources, across the city, every day of the year. Whether on bike / ebike / cargo bike, on foot or with a donation, visit their website to Join the Brigade!
Vancouver
The customarily milder weather in Vancouver clears the way for a host of winter activities.
Festival of Lights
Credit: City of Vancouver
The Festival of Lights at The VanDusen Botanical Garden returns this season comprised of more than one million lights, decorating 15 acres of this picturesque, winter wonderland. Themed areas of the grounds showcase elaborate light features, delicious treats, holiday music and the Make-A-Wish, candle lighting “Scottish Shelter”. Tickets must be purchased in advance, online, for entry November 25 to January 2, 2023.
Market
Inspired by the centuries-old tradition of German towns hosting ‘Christkindlmarkts’ in December, The Vancouver Christmas Market (November 13- December 24th) brings this Old World celebration to Vancouver. The twinkling pathways of a European-inspired Christmas village lead to 80 artisan huts overflowing with unique gifts, sweet & savory delights, Glühwein (mulled wine), hot chocolate and a selection of German & Austrian beers. Travel by bike to this enchanting destination complete with scavenger hunts, carousels, a new augmented reality feature and a fantastic sky-curtain of lights. It is a festive outing for all ages.
Ice-skating
The top skating sites in the Vancouver region include:
Robson Square Rink - glide right in the centre of the city!
Winter In The Shipyards - walk, bike or take transit within 30 minutes of anywhere on the North Shore to this fabulous rink on the waterfront.
Photo Credit: Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain Skating Pond - for the more adventurous, trek by bike / ebike to the base of Grouse Mountain (or get there via public transit) and then take the Skyride cable car up to the 8,000 square foot rink... the only mountain-top skating pond on the lower mainland. Spectacular!
#Getoutside Toronto & Vancouver. Embrace the wintry spirit! You don’t want Edmonton, with its very own Winter City Strategy, complete with Winter Cycling resources, tips and events to leave you trailing behind.