February may be the shortest month of the year, but it is jam-packed with tons of incredible things to do and see in the city. Cuddle up to your Valentine at a romantic restaurant, or brave the cold and marvel at some impressive works of art.
Here’s a list of 20 lovely things to do in Toronto this February.
1. Explore Winter Stations 2024
Toronto’s annual international design competition returns on February 19, where you’ll get to check out the reimagined lifeguard stations on Kew and Woodbine Beaches. For 2024, there will be a total of seven installations to visit, including a UFO you can climb into, a Nimbus Cloud, and a kaleidoscopic experience.
2. Dine somewhere new at Winterlicious
The annual food festival runs from January 26 through February 8, letting you try some of the best restaurants in the city at a lower cost with a prix fixe menu. Unsure where to start? Here are some of the best restaurants to try at Winterlicious 2024.
3. Get cozy at a Candlelight Concert
Cozy up to your loved one at a Candlelight Concert this February, while the classically-trained Listeso string quartet takes on some of the most romantic love songs of all time at The Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto. After all, what could be more endearing than a candlelit concert inspired by music from the likes of Romeo and Juliet?
4. Cheer on your favourite hockey stars at NHL All-Star Weekend
The NHL’s 2024 All-Star Weekend returns to Toronto from February 1 – 3, 2024. Watch your favourite hockey players show off at various events, such as the skills competition on February 2, a three-on-three game with players from the Professional Women’s Hockey League, and the All-Star Game itself on February 3. Justin Bieber, a huge Leafs fan himself, was confirmed to be coming to the game via a video the Maple Leafs posted to their social media accounts.
5. Go skiing or snowboarding downtown Toronto
A massive ski hill will soon appear just outside Nathan Phillips Square, and you’ll be able to downhill ski or snowboard in the heart of the city on February 14 and 15 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For those who have never tried the sport before, it’s the perfect opportunity to learn, as it’s designed for first-timers. There will also be free equipment and guidance for all participants.
6. Go see The Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody
The Empire Strips Back is a one-of-a-kind experience where your favourite sci-fi characters put on a playful yet seductive performance – with a little less clothes on. Coming to The Royal Cinema at 608 College Street, you can now catch the experience that has audiences raving around the world.
As the show has previously sold out in cities like Seattle, Portland, New York, Chicago, LA, and Vancouver, grab your tickets soon before the Toronto dates sell out!
7. Indulge in all-you-can-eat-spaghetti at Bar Mordecai
Bar Mordecai is making winter a little more tolerable, with their all-you-can-eat spaghetti nights every Tuesday evening throughout February. The best part? It’ll only cost you $17.95 for the vegetarian style, and just $22.95 for their traditional sugo – a steal considering today’s prices! You’ll also get unlimited salad along with your pasta, and can eat as much as you can handle.
8. See THE BOOK OF MORMON
Touted as the “best musical of this century” by The New York Times, THE BOOK OF MORMON returns to Toronto’s Princess of Wales Theatre from January 24 – February 11, 2024. Follow along on the adventures of a pair of mismatched missionaries who journey halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. Tickets start at $25 via a digital lottery.
9. Sweat it out at Alter
Escape the cold and sweat it out this February at Alter, the city’s latest wellness destination to focus on hot and cold exposure, featuring a spacious sauna, four-person ice baths, breathwork classes, and cozy lounge spaces to unwind in. For Valentine’s Day, Alter is offering a Two for $75 Package from February 1 – 15, where you and a friend or partner can book either a self-led drop-in or instructor-led class.
They also have two special edition Supportive Connections Classes on February 10 and 14, focusing on how you and your partner can rely on each other for support in the sauna and ice bath. You’re sure to leave feeling refreshed and closer than ever, having strengthened your bond through breathwork, movement, and alternating between hot and cold temperatures.
10. Go tobogganing in the city
Tobogganing is one of the most fun winter activities you can do in Toronto, and the best part is that it’s absolutely free. Grab a flying saucer or old-school toboggan and head to one of these 29 designated hills found within 27 parks spread throughout the city to get your thrills in.
11. Sample classic Italian fare at Eataly
If your a fan of Italian cuisine, head to Eataly Yorkville’s Valentine’s Day Taste Around event, where you’ll get to try chef-curated creations from 10 various stations.
Whether you prefer sweet or savoury, there’s something for you, from strawberry tiramisù to limoncello shrimp. The event occurs on February 9 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., and tickets cost $50.
12. Ice skate and book a private cabin at WinterViews
Toronto’s largest outdoor patio has transformed into a winter wonderland called WinterViews, complete with a skating rink, cozy cabins, firepits, and more! Found at 229 Richmond St W, you can ice skate for free, warm up with a seasonal beverage at the Back Country Lodge, or book a more private dining experience in one of their 10 Northern Cabins complete with a personal fire pit you can roast marshmallows over.
13. Enjoy dinner at one of the city’s best restaurants
Our city has no shortage of amazing world-class restaurants, with new ones popping up so frequently it’s hard to keep track. The city has something for all budgets and palates, from cheap and delicious eats to Michelin Star fine dining.
If you’re searching for something new to try this winter, consider one of these establishments which opened up over the past year or so.
14. Pick up some sweet treats at The Winter Chocolate Show
Chocolate-lovers, be sure to stop by The Winter Chocolate Show. Happening on February 10 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., the festival will take over the Appel Salon at the Toronto Reference Library, where you’ll be able to indulge in tastings from local vendors, sit in on seminars and panels from chocolate experts, and purchase your own to take home.
15. Create a heart-shaped succulent arrangement
For those with a green thumb, check out the Valentine’s Day Succulent Heart Workshop put on by Canadian Succulents.
You’ll get to make y0ur own one-of-a-kind arrangement out of mini succulent plants within a heart-shaped planter for yourself or your loved one. Materials are provided. The event takes place on February 11 from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., and costs $67 per person.
16. Sip and paint at an RnB-themed Paint Party
Unleash your inner artist at the RnB Paint Party – Valentine’s Sip and Paint Night hosted by Locals Link Up. You’ll get to sip wine, groove to RnB, and learn how to paint a masterpiece as guided by a talented instructor.
The event is on February 16 at 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. at 1112 Dundas Street East. Painting supplies are provided and the wine is free while supplies last! Tickets start at $60.
17. Celebrate The Drake’s 20th birthday
Not to be confused with Drake himself, The Drake Hotel is celebrating their 20th birthday all February long with art, music, food, cultural experiences, and throwback prices. Running from February 1 – 29, 2024, pop by the beloved boutique hotel for everything from seven-course dinners to art panels, throwback house parties, and discounted rooms as low as $200 per night.
18. Attend the Winter Craft Beer Festival
The Roundhouse Craft Beer Fest returns on February 10, 2024, bringing “Toronto’s biggest and baddest après-brew-ski party” to Roundhouse Park. You can expect samples from various breweries, wineries, cider distilleries, and non-alcoholic options from vendors throughout Ontario. There will also be a live DJ, Apres Ski dance party, and indoor warming areas and experiences as well.
19. Ring in the Year of the Dragon at The Welcome Market
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with The Welcome Market, and shop goodies from over 35 vendors, pick up exclusive Lunar New Year Goodies, and enjoy the Queens of Dim Sum Drag Show at their Friday Night Market. The event runs from February 2 – 4 at 938 Queen Street West.
20. Visit STACKT Market’s Sweet City Fest
For those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss Sweet City Fest which takes over STACKT Market from February 9 – 19! Pick up some goodies from over 100 local vendors, sip on hot beverages, peruse art exhibits, and engage in various other activities. There will also be live performances, workshops, community events, and other forms of entertainment.