Family Friendly 5-Day Winter Itinerary in Toronto

Day 1: Winter Wonders

Toronto, Canada

9:00AM

Visit Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

Start the day indoors at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, where the family can marvel at the aquatic life in a comfortable, warm environment, perfect for escaping the winter chill.
Take the subway to Union Station (Line 1) and walk to the aquarium.
Adult: $34.00, Child (3-5): $9.00, Child (6-13): $24.00, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at St. Lawrence Market

Enjoy lunch at St. Lawrence Market, where you can sample a variety of warm and hearty meals from the local vendors, ideal for a winter day.
A short 10-minute walk from the aquarium.
Varies, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the CN Tower

Move on to the CN Tower, where you can take in the stunning views of a snow-covered city from the observation deck—a winter experience like no other.
Walk for about 10 minutes from the market to CN Tower.
General Admission: $38.00, 2-3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at 360 Restaurant

Experience dinner at the 360 Restaurant in the CN Tower, spinning gently as you feast on delicious cuisine while enjoying winter views of Toronto.
Dine in the CN Tower itself.
Varies, 2 hours
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Day 2: Downtown Magic

Toronto, Canada

10:00AM

Visit the Royal Ontario Museum

Start your day at the Royal Ontario Museum, perfect for exploring warm indoor exhibits, including the winter-themed sections.
Take the subway from Union Station to St. George Station (Line 1).
General Admission: $23.00, Child (4-14): $18.00, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Annex

Enjoy lunch in The Annex area, where you'll find cozy cafés and restaurants, such as The Mad Bean Café, which is known for warming soups and sandwiches.
A quick 10-minute walk from the museum.
Varies, 1-2 hours

3:00PM

Skate at Nathan Phillips Square

Take your family to Nathan Phillips Square for some winter fun on the iconic ice rink surrounded by festive lights and buildings, making it a magical experience.
Head back towards City Hall, a 15-minute walk from the café.
Free admission (rental skates available for $10.00), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the Distillery District

Conclude your day with dinner in the charming Distillery District, offering a range of cozy restaurants, including El Catrin for delicious Mexican food.
Take the streetcar from Nathan Phillips Square to the Distillery District.
Varies, 2 hours
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Day 3: Winter Island Adventure

Toronto Islands, Canada

10:00AM

Ferry to Winter Wonderland on Toronto Islands

Take a ferry to the Toronto Islands, which features beautiful winter sceneries, perfect for snow walks and family photos.
Catch the ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal (about a 20-minute walk or 7 minute streetcar ride from Downtown).
Ferry: Adult: $8.19, Child (2-14): $5.05, Full day

12:30PM

Winter Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a cozy winter picnic lunch on the islands, packed with warm drinks and snacks; it’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy the snowy environment.
Find a sheltered spot on the islands.
Varies, 1 hour

2:00PM

Toronto Islands Winter Sports

Get active with some winter sports like snowshoeing or tobogganing (if conditions allow) on the islands’ hills, making for a fun family experience.
Look for rental options on the islands (if available).
Varies, 2-3 hours

5:00PM

Return Ferry and Dinner at Jack Layton Ferry Terminal

Take the ferry back to the mainland and enjoy dinner at one of the nearby restaurants, such as the Amsterdam BrewHouse for warm, hearty meals.
Catch the ferry back from the Toronto Islands.
Varies, 2 hours
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Day 4: North York Discovery

North York, Canada

10:00AM

Visit Ontario Science Centre

Spend your day indoors at the Ontario Science Centre, where hands-on exhibits are sure to captivate the family and keep you warm during winter.
Subway from Union Station to Eglinton Station (Line 1), then take a 10-minute bus ride.
General Admission: $22.00, Child (3-12): $13.00, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Aga Khan Museum

Take a break for lunch at the Aga Khan Museum’s restaurant, which serves warm Middle Eastern dishes, perfect for a winter meal.
A short 10-minute bus ride from the Science Centre.
Varies, 1-2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Edwards Gardens

Visit Edwards Gardens for its beautiful winter landscapes, with a peaceful atmosphere for a stroll among snow-covered paths.
A 15-minute walk from the museum.
Free admission, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Yorkdale Shopping Centre

Enjoy a warm and hearty meal at one of the many dining options in Yorkdale Shopping Centre before resting for the night.
Take the subway or a short taxi ride to Yorkdale.
Varies, 2 hours
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Day 5: Scarborough Winter Adventure

Scarborough, Canada

10:00AM

Explore Toronto Zoo - Winter Edition

Visit the Toronto Zoo, which offers a unique winter experience where some animals are more active in the cold, plus special winter exhibits.
Take the subway from North York to Scarborough Centre Station and then a bus.
Adult: $29.00, Child (3-12): $19.00, 5 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Scarborough Town Centre

Enjoy lunch at Scarborough Town Centre, with several options to choose from to warm up the family on this chilly day.
A short bus ride from the zoo.
Varies, 1-2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Scarborough Bluffs

End the day by visiting Scarborough Bluffs for breathtaking winter views of Lake Ontario and a peaceful environment to relax.
Take a bus or drive to Scarborough Bluffs.
Free admission, 1-2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Port Restaurant

Conclude your wonderful Toronto adventure with a warm dinner at Port Restaurant, featuring delicious winter menu items for a memorable family meal.
Just a short drive from Scarborough Bluffs.
Varies, 2 hours
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