10 Things to Do in Toronto in February

From the NHL All Star Game, to the best deals on EVERYTHING, to the Chinese New Year celebration, Valentine's Day in Toronto is full of surprises.

Carla Yaquer

Carla Yaquer

9 min read

10 Things to Do in Toronto in February

Calles de Toronto |©shivapat

Ever wanted to go for a drink in a city's most famous museum? In Toronto it's possible. When? On Valentine's Day! You can also join the offerings of the Distillery District. But that's not all, did you know that you can enjoy free chocolate in an iconic place? The range of possibilities among the best things to do in Toronto during the month of February is promising.

Celebrate the Super Bowl among fans with a good craft beer, see ice sculptures and even recreated cities with neon lights. In this article I list some of the activities you can't miss in the second month of the year.

1. Enjoy Festival of Lights in the Distillery District

Distillery District|©James Peltzer
Distillery District|©James Peltzer

This festive event is one of the must-do things to do in Toronto in winter. Despite its short existence, it has become a very popular attraction. It is the Toronto Distillery District Festival of Lights. During the celebration, an impressive display of international art, live performances and thousands of light displays are displayed, all accompanied by festive beverages such as wine and hot chocolate punch.

From January to March, the entire neighbourhood becomes a multi-sensory outdoor art gallery. Each art installation reflects the city's rich cultural diversity, and exploring them all becomes an exciting activity to share with family, friends or even on your own.

It's worth braving the cold winter temperatures and enjoying a tour of Toronto's Distillery District, one of the city's most famous bohemian neighbourhoods. Whether you're in the mood for a collective of designers and artists from around the world, joining the concert scene or sipping a cocktail, this festival has it all.

Interesting details

  • Date: January to March.
  • Address: Distillery District, 55 Mill Street.

Book a tour of Toronto's Distillery District

2. Celebrate Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year|©HONG SON
Chinese New Year|©HONG SON

Lunar New Year is a holiday unlike any other in Toronto's Asian communities. It focuses on prosperity, good health and honouring the family. Chinatown and Kensington Market offer a wide range of activities.

Both venues dress up to celebrate this event, which usually lasts for a month from the time the first new moon of the year appears until mid-February. During the celebration there are lantern festivals, dance performances, plays and lots of food as a symbol of good fortune for the coming year amidst eclectic shops and cosy cafes.

This is the perfect time to take one of Toronto's best food tours. Here you'll find a variety of international restaurants, with food from India, Mexico, the Philippines, China, Peru and more. Dining with family or friends on New Year's Eve brings a special warmth to these multicultural communities - join in and celebrate!

Details of interest

  • Date: mid-February.
  • Address: Chinatown, 222 Spadina Avenue, Ontario, Alexandra Park / Kensington Market, 160 Baldwin St, Ontario.

Take a tour of Chinatown and Kensington Market

3. Enjoy Winterlit

Winterlit|©Conservation Halton
Winterlit|©Conservation Halton

Some of the best things to do in Toronto in winter include a visit to Mountsberg Park, a serene and tranquil place where the hustle and bustle of the city fades away under the lights of Winterlit.

Walking through the snowy paths of the park, the refreshing chill in the air invites you to rediscover the joy of introspection, spending time with family and friends in front of the fire pit or under one of the artistic illuminations. On the other hand, if you're in the mood for something more lively, head to the local band shows, craft markets or the food court, all of which are present at Winterlit.

Specifically, this event is one of the things to do in Toronto at night during the winter. The event is held annually, is sustainable, and is designed to enhance the natural beauty of the area. Sign up for a tour of Toronto, visit Mountsberg Park, and experience an enchanting night.

Interesting details

  • Date: From the last week of December to the third week of February.
  • Address: Mountsberg Conservation Area, 2259 Milburough Line, Campbellville, Ontario.
  • Price: from 20 euros per adult, and around 17 euros for children and seniors.

Sign up for a night drive tour

4. Treat yourself to a night at the Royal Ontario Museum on Valentine's Day.

Royal Ontario Museum|©Andrew Shearer
Royal Ontario Museum|©Andrew Shearer

The classics of Valentine's Day - or so we're told - are dinners in restaurants, flowers, chocolates and... So, would you go for a plan that brings together the beauty of a museum and cocktails? That's what the Royal Ontario Museum does every year.

One of Toronto' s best museums, the Royal Ontario Museum hosts its monthly ROM After Dark to celebrate an iconic date of the month. It's a night at the museum for the over 19s, enveloping them in a vibrant atmosphere, with exclusive food and drinks, and in February the fixed event is Valentine's Day.

This getaway is ideal for those looking for a romantic and artistic evening in the city. Under the stars and among the **museum'**s exhibitions, visitors are immersed in a fusion of experiential activities, selected music and performances by emerging talent.

It's a chance to explore the museum in a whole new way, bringing together a love of art and a passion for culture. In February, when you buy your ticket to the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, add the ROM After Dark, perfect for couples and singles. Who knows if the naughty god has a surprise for you at the museum?

Interesting details

  • Date: Valentine's Day. Date varies each year.
  • Address: 100 Queens Park, Toronto
  • Price: from approximately 40 euros per person.

Buy your ticket for the Royal Ontario Museum

5. Take advantage of the Winterlicious culinary offerings

Winterlicious|©Sue Holland
Winterlicious|©Sue Holland

This February, take the opportunity to attend Winterlicious, Toronto' s much-anticipated food festival that takes place annually during this month.

But what is Winterlicious? It's the perfect opportunity for foodies to enjoy delicious culinary experiences at fixed prices at some of the city's best restaurants.

The event is usually joined by more than 200 establishments from all corners of Toronto, including Old Ontario, Liberty Village and Kensington. It's best to follow them on social media with the hashtag #LiciousTO to find out which restaurants are joining each edition.

If you're interested in exploring authentic Canadian cuisine, at the best price, take advantage of this opportunity to satisfy your palate with one of the best dining experiences in Toronto.

Details of interest

  • Date: 28 January to 9 February. Dates may vary.
  • Address: Ontario, Toronto.

Take a food tour of Kensington Market

6. Admire the sculptures at the Bloor-Yorkville Ice Festival

Bloor-Yorkville Icefest|©santoshsurneni photography
Bloor-Yorkville Icefest|©santoshsurneni photography

Toronto is transformed into a magical world at the Bloor-Yorkville Icefest. More than 40 sculptures, expertly carved from some 18,000 kilograms of ice, adorn the streets of the neighbourhood, creating a frozen spectacle truly worthy of admiration.

Event-goers can marvel at these creations with carvings inspired by social causes, whimsical castles, mythology, and generally anything that resonates with the master sculptors to highlight their skills.

This is an opportunity to admire human ingenuity with a self-guided tour or private tour, which you can list among your things to do in Toronto with kids, and if you prefer to take the experience up a notch, visit at night, when these ephemeral ice beauties are combined with luxurious lighting.

Interesting details

  • Date: Last weekend in February.
  • Address: Village of Yorkville Park and Bloor-Yorkville area.
  • Price: Free of charge.

Book a private tour in Toronto

7. Sign up for Après Ski weekends in the Distillery District.

Après-ski|©Katrien Goessaert
Après-ski|©Katrien Goessaert

Après Ski week ends in the Distillery District are the perfect getaway for those who want to enjoy the winter without straying too far from the city while sipping a comforting hot beverage.

When you arrive in Toronto' s Distillery District during this season, you're met with a warm atmosphere and fun activities. Some venues transform their courtyards into winter fairy tales, where bonfires warm the evenings and skiers can relax and enjoy.

Wooden or wicker chairs surround the bonfires, creating a cosy atmosphere for roasting marshmallows and enjoying a cup of hot chocolate or wine. In addition, there are cold drink options for those who prefer something refreshing, such as craft beer. As for the menu, it's often simple but full-bodied Canadian dishes to keep your body temperature up.

Details of interest

  • Date: Every weekend in February and March until the end of the winter season. Dates vary annually.
  • Address: Distillery District, 55 Mill Street, Ontario.

Sign up for the Distillery District Tour

8. Come out for drinks and enjoy the Super Bowl

The Mocambo|©John Briggs
The Mocambo|©John Briggs

The excitement of the Super Bowl is coming to Toronto and fans have some amazing options to enjoy it in February.

The city's bars are transformed into celebration centres, offering an experience that combines football passion with camaraderie and, of course, good beers. In fact, you might consider booking a beer tour in Toronto, but first let's take a look at the best places to combine Super Bowl and beer in the city:

Rebel

Rebel 's 10-metre giant screen creates an epic atmosphere, while enjoying culinary delights from Cherry Street Bar-B-Que, Four Brothers Pizza and Crumbs Patties. Plus, the chance to win prizes ranging from cash to exotic trips adds to the excitement.

  • Where to find them: 11 Polson Street, Toronto.

The Rec Room

At The Rec Room you can immerse yourself in the Super Bowl action with their massive screen and enjoy trivia, games and prizes, all while enjoying a drink included with your ticket and of course, the best in local beer.

  • Where to find them: 255 Bremner Blvd, Toronto.

The Mocambo

At Mocambo the party is guaranteed. With live music, a delicious menu and giant TV screens with surround sound, it creates the perfect atmosphere to enjoy the game. This place offers a feast of entertainment, food, beer and company in the heart of Toronto.

  • Where to find them: 464 Spadina Avenue, Toronto.

Book a beer tour

9. Attend the hockey all-star game

NHL All Star Game|©Matt Dougherty
NHL All Star Game|©Matt Dougherty

In February, not only can you get your tickets to attend a hockey game, but you have the opportunity to go to the annual mid-season NHL All Star celebration. Attending the All Star Game is not only about watching the league's best players in action, but also about immersing yourself in the very essence of Toronto: passion, history and community.

Here, in the birthplace of hockey, local fans and tourists alike gather at the world's premier ice rinks like the Air Canada Centre, better known as Scotiabank Arena, to witness an epic spectacle.

From the early days of this annual event around Maple Leaf Gardens to the modern game in the heart of Toronto, the city has been witness to and home to hockey legends. This experience brings fans together in a special bond, celebrating the sport that is more than just a game here in Toronto. Find out how to buy your tickets to a hockey game in Toronto and make sure you don't miss out on this unique experience!

Details of interest

  • Date: February. Varies according to season.
  • Address: chosen each year according to the current champion.

Buy tickets to an NHL game

10. Find your free cup of hot chocolate at Bentway

Bentway Skate Trail|©mooncall2012
Bentway Skate Trail|©mooncall2012

Under the Gardiner Bridge, Toronto keeps its winter secret: the Bentway. During February, this place turns into a frozen paradise of free fun.

On Friday afternoons, you can rent skates and slide down the 220-metre track for free! To warm up your soul, on Mondays they offer free hot chocolate. New to skating? No problem, on Tuesday evenings they offer free lessons for all ages, you just need to sign up.

But the Bentway is more than just skating; it's a community space that welcomes everyone all year round. Its winter programming includes art, music and charity events, such as the**"Polar Bear Skate**," where you can skate in your underwear or swimming costume to support those in need in the city (advance registration required). It's a unique experience that captures people's spirit of generosity, as the money raised goes directly to Toronto foundations.

Details of interest

  • Date: First 3 weeks of February.
  • Address: Bentway Skating Rink, 250 Fort York Blvd.

Toronto's February tourist influx

View of Toronto|©sonicgregu
View of Toronto|©sonicgregu

In February, Toronto's tourist crowds are surprisingly low, making the city an ideal destination for travellers looking for quieter, more affordable experiences.

During this time of year, restaurants, shops, galleries and airlines try to attract customers by offering tempting discounts to lure visitors. It's the perfect time to explore the city with fewer people and enjoy special offers on everything from delicious food to unique items in local shops.