Winter Survival Guide: Fun Things To Do When It’s Freezing

Winter in Toronto can be chilly, but it doesn’t have to be miserable. Yes, it’s cold and snowy, but it’s also the perfect excuse to slow down, get cozy, and enjoy some of the best indoor spots the city has to offer.

I’ve put together an upbeat, student-focused guide to making the most of winter while staying warm.

Embrace the Ultimate Cozy Vibes at Home

When it’s freezing outside, staying in can honestly be the best part of winter.

Put on your comfiest clothes, turn on the TV or grab a book, wrap yourself in a blanket, and set the mood with fairy lights and candles. Taking a hot shower is another simple but effective way to warm up after being outside in the cold. Follow it up with a warm drink like tea or hot chocolate, and suddenly winter feels comforting instead of stressful. Candles make study nights, movie marathons, and quiet evenings feel extra snuggly and calm.

Warm Up in a Café

Toronto is full of cozy cafés that give you a break from the cold. If you are looking for a warm, student-friendly spot, NÜTEA is a great choice. They are known for their delicious dairy-free hot drinks, making it perfect for plant-based students or anyone avoiding dairy. It is an ideal place to relax, study, or catch up with friends while warming up.

For those of you who live at HOEM, check out the Top 4 Cafes Near HOEM on Jarvis.

Enjoy Indoor Spaces Around the City

You don’t have to stay inside your room all winter. Toronto has plenty of indoor spaces that let you explore without catching a chill.

1. Indoor malls such as the Eaton Center, Yorkdale or Dufferin Mall are perfect for walking around, grabbing food, and staying warm while doing a bit of shopping or window browsing. They are also great places to meet friends and take a break between classes.
2. Libraries are another underrated winter spot. They are warm, quiet, and ideal for studying or reading when you want a calm environment. Sitting in a library while the snow falls outside can feel especially comforting during winter. Why not check out the Toronto Reference Library. It’s one of the largest, most impressive, architecturally stunning TPL branches in Toronto.

Nights Out Indoors

Choosing indoor activities makes winter much more enjoyable.

1. The cinema is a classic winter escape that is warm, relaxing, and perfect for switching off. Carlton Cinemas is a great option if you are interested in niche, independent films that do not often make it to larger theatres. But if you are in the mood for major blockbuster titles, any Cineplex location is a reliable choice for the full big screen experience.
2. The Rec Room is a lively indoor arcade and entertainment destination, perfect for fun nights out with friends. It offers a mix of classic and modern arcade games, virtual reality experiences, and interactive group activities. Alongside the games, you can enjoy a variety of food and drinks in a vibrant, energetic atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to socialize, celebrate a special occasion, or simply escape the cold, Rec Room provides an entertaining and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
3. Snakes and Lattes is a student favourite, combining board games, hot drinks, and a cozy vibe. It’s also a great place to meet new people and socialize, whether you go with friends or join a game at another table. It makes winter nights feel more fun and less isolating.

Explore Toronto’s Winter Sights

Winter gives Toronto a whole new look.

1. Ripley’s Aquarium is a fun, fully indoor attraction that is especially enjoyable during cold weather. Home to thousands of aquatic animals, the aquarium features immersive exhibits, an underwater tunnel with moving walkways, and up-close views of sharks, rays, jellyfish, and colourful tropical fish. With interactive displays and engaging educational experiences, it is a great option for visitors of all ages looking for a warm and memorable indoor activity.
2. The CN Tower offers incredible views of the snowy city skyline, allowing visitors to take in the beauty of winter from above without spending too much time outdoors. From the observation decks, you can admire the city’s skyscrapers rising through the winter landscape, as well as Lake Ontario and the surrounding areas, all while staying warm inside. It is a fantastic way to experience Toronto in the winter and enjoy one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Winter Can Actually Be Enjoyable

Toronto winters may be cold, but they also bring a unique charm. Snowy views, warm cafés, cozy nights in with candles glowing, hot showers, quiet library sessions, indoor malls, and fun indoor activities make winter feel less like something to survive and more like something to treasure.

Stay warm, stay cozy, and make the most of winter the Toronto student way!