Winters in Toronto bring massive temperature plunges and heavy snowfalls. It is a time of year when many love to see their city coated in a beautiful layer of white. It is also a time when many choose to vacation. While plenty of Toronto residents head to Florida or the Caribbean, there are many appealing destinations just a short drive away for those who love the winter.
Let’s look at five of these cities and examine why they’re worth visiting as we move into the depths of winter.
Hamilton
Hamilton is a major city in the GTA, home to more than 580,000, located along Lake Ontario. It is famous for its picturesque natural sites nearby, and has numerous museums, shops, and restaurants. The winter season is a magical time as the scenic city receives heavy snowfalls and transforms into a winter wonderland.
Hamilton’s nearby natural destinations include the Bruce Trail, which is a gorgeous hiking area made all the more stunning in the winter. Tiffany Falls is a jaw-dropping waterfall near Hamilton that freezes in the winter, and some brave adventurers even climb it! There are plenty of laid-back winter activities in Hamilton as well. The Royal Botanical Gardens remains open and has pretty trails to enjoy. The Art Gallery of Hamilton is the perfect place to spend a winter day indoors, boasting a huge collection of incredible works.
Mississauga
Mississauga is the second-biggest city in the GTA and neighbors Toronto along the shores of Lake Ontario. It is a busy metropolis with plenty of cultural and commercial attractions, including the city’s famed Square One Mall, the biggest shopping hub in Ontario, and a very diverse food scene.
Come winter, Mississauga has frosty temperatures and a scenic snow-covered waterfront. There are many excellent ways to spend a winter day here. For classic winter fun, lace up your skates and head to Celebration Square. There are also many parks and trails throughout the city for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or a winter hike. If you prefer to spend your time warm and indoors, Mississauga also has engaging museums and galleries to enjoy.
Caledon
Caledon is a city home to around 66,000 residents. Its farm-to-table food scene serves up fresh meals year-round, and for a relatively small city, there is plenty to do here. In the summer, Caledon is popular for its top-notch golf courses, bicycle trails, and equestrian areas, and its outdoor options are just as plentiful in the winter.
Caledon’s famous Upper Credit Conservation Area is gorgeous in the winter and ideal for an outdoor hike when the weather isn’t too cold. For an enjoyable outdoor ice skating destination, head to Ralph and John’s Rinks, or partake in a trendy winter activity and rent a fat bike, which allows you to ride through snowy conditions. Caledon also has relaxing spas and wellness centers that are ideal for unwinding after a cold winter day.
Kawartha Lakes
Kawartha Lakes is typically thought of as a summer destination; its sparkling blue waters make it a hub for boating and sunbathing. But there is just as much to enjoy in this municipality in the winter. Kawartha Lakes is blanketed in snow throughout the season, making its thick forests and beautiful lakes an even more stunning environment.
There are many exciting activities to enjoy in Kawartha Lakes during the winter. The area is popular for outdoor adventurers who enjoy snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing around the many trails in the area. Kawartha Lakes is also a major maple syrup producer, so you can head to one of its many farms and enjoy the classic winter treat of maple syrup snow candy.
Stratford
Stratford is one of Ontario’s most scenic cities, known for its historic architecture and vibrant downtown. One of the main reasons many visit Stratford is for its thriving live theater scene, involving many world-class performances. But this is just one of many reasons to visit Stratford in the winter.
Stratford has a superb food scene that ranks among the best in the province, and the downtown’s Victorian architecture is all the more beautiful when framed with snow. Stratford’s many parks and trails are ideal for winter hikes and snowshoeing, and you can warm up in the numerous bars that offer live music throughout the season.
