Take GO Transit to the Best Activities in Toronto
Take GO Transit to the Best Activities in Toronto
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- Take GO Transit to the Best Activities in Toronto
Take GO Transit to the Best Activities in Toronto
Published: Nov 23, 2023
Embrace the enchanting winter vibes of Toronto with a plethora of activities that cater to every age group. The city offers an array of winter wonders, and planning your visit can be a breeze. Simplify your journey with hassle-free transportation into downtown Toronto, sidestepping the snowy highway traffic and avoiding the burden of costly parking.
Whether you're creating cherished moments with extended family, crafting a romantic date with your partner against the winter backdrop, spending quality time with friends amid the seasonal charm, or embarking on a solo adventure for some rejuvenating "me time," our comprehensive plan is brimming with the finest winter activities Toronto has to offer!
It’s Time to GO!
“It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.” Okay, you’re taking a daytrip to see the best attractions and activities in Toronto, so it’s mostly about the destination — but the journey is fun, too!
Instead of sitting in frustrating traffic, you’ll start your day by enjoying a relaxing ride on GO Transit. You can spend your journey watching a TV show or reading an ebook on our free GO Wi-Fi Plus entertainment portal!
Your travel is extra easy with a GO Weekend Pass (perfect for a Saturday or Sunday daytrip), or a GO Weekday Group Pass (for a midweek outing with friends or family).
Don’t forget that kids 12 and under always ride free on GO, and you can use your PRESTO card to enjoy savings at some Toronto attractions!
Winter Adventures Await: Navigate the Season's Best with GO Transit
Embark on a winter journey with GO Transit as we guide you through some of the season's most enchanting activities in Toronto. Witness the mesmerizing glow of the Cavalcade of Lights, where the city illuminates in a spectacular display. Immerse yourself in the festive charm of the Distillery District Winter Village, a magical market adorned with holiday spirit. Experience the timeless allure of the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre, where the arts come alive against a backdrop of historic grandeur. And as the year draws to a close, join us in celebrating New Year's Eve with unforgettable fireworks lighting up the Toronto Skyline. Your winter adventure begins here – let GO Transit be your gateway to the season's best!
Cavalcade of Lights
Downtown Toronto lights up during the holiday season! The Cavalcade of Lights is inspired by the many festivals around the world that are centred on light. The opening night celebration includes the illumination of Toronto’s official Christmas tree and live performances. The lighting installations will remain until January 7, however, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the beauty of the Cavalcade of Lights.
- When: November 25, 2023 - January 7, 2024, 5 pm - 11 pm
- Where: Nathan Phillips Square
- Cost: FREE!
- Get There With GO: Travel by GO bus or train to Union Station. From Union Station, it’s a 14-minute walk north up Bay Street, or you can take the TTC to Queen Station or Osgoode Station.
The Distillery Winter Village
You’ll feel like you’re walking through a scene in a holiday movie as you stroll the cobblestone streets, surrounded by twinkling lights, festive sounds, and delicious smells.
There are opportunities for Instagrammable moments around every corner (be sure to snap a pic in front of the stunning Christmas tree in Trinity Square), and cafés and outdoor bars that are perfect places to stop for a sip. Get your holiday shopping done at the quaint vendor cabins, where you’ll find unique gifts for everyone on your list!
Entry to the Winter Village requires a ticket at certain times. Check the full schedule so you can plan accordingly.
- When: November 16 - January 7, 2024
- Where: Distillery District in Toronto
- Cost:
- General Admission - $15 (HST included)
- Flex Ticket - $18 (HST included)
- Express Gate Entry - $30 (HST included)
- Combo Ticket (Winter Village + Illuminarium) - $45 (HST included)
- Children ages 9 and under are FREE for GA, Flex, and Express Gate.
- Children ages 2 and under are also FREE for Combo Ticket.
- Note: Tickets must be purchased in advance. No on-site ticket sales.
- Get There With GO: Take GO to Union Station and then take a TTC bus to Front St East at Cherry St.
Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre
The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre has two fantastic shows running during December, so you can make a trip to the theatre part of your holiday plans!
Chris, Mrs. - A New Holiday Musical
The musical stage show for anyone who loves a heartwarming holiday story, Chris, Mrs. is full of laughs, surprises, and plenty of festive cheer. If you’re looking for something new to do with loved ones over the holidays, this family-friendly musical is the perfect theatre outing for everyone!
- When: December 5 - 31, 2023
- Where: The Winter Garden Theatre, 189 Yonge St, Toronto
- Cost: Tickets start at $51
PRESTO Perk: Use code HOLLY20 to save 20% on your tickets when booking!
- Get There With GO: Take GO to Union Station and then take the TTC to Queen Station.
Slava’s Snowshow
Leave the stress of the every day at the theatre doors and allow yourself some time to be silly this season. This Olivier® award-winning and Tony®-nominated production has dazzled and delighted audiences and critics in 12,000 showings across 40 countries since its 1993 premiere. Experience the true art of clowning — it’s sure to leave you smiling!
This show is recommended for ages 8 and up.
- When: December 22 - December 31, 2023
- Where: Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge St, Toronto
- Cost: Tickets start at $56.90
PRESTO Perk: Use code PRESTO to save 20% off mezzanine seats when booking!
- Get There With GO: Take GO to Union Station and then take the TTC to Queen Station.
Toronto New Year's Eve Fireworks
Ring in the New Year in downtown Toronto! Fun activities will take place along Toronto’s waterfront, as well as recommended viewing areas for the midnight fireworks. Local DJs will be supplying the music to help you dance your way into 2024. Pop-up performances and food trucks will keep you fueled up and entertained. Be sure to bundle up for this outdoor celebration, and use GO Transit for safe travel to and from the festivities!
- When: December 31, 2023
- 10:00 p.m. | Music begins
- 10 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. | Pop-up performances
- 11:30 p.m. – 12:15 a.m. | Webcast (if you’d rather celebrate from home)
- 12:00 a.m. - 12:10 am | Fireworks display
- 12:10 a.m. | Program ends, farewell announcement
- Where: Downtown Toronto Waterfront
- Sherbourne Common, 61 Dockside Dr, Toronto, ON M5A 1B6**
- Sugar Beach Park, 11 Dockside Dr, Toronto, ON M5A 1B6*
- Toronto Music Garden, 479 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5V 3M8**
- Little Norway Park, 659 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5V 3N2
- HTO Park, 339 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5V 1A2*
- Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto ON M5J 2G8**
*indicates an official viewing area which has live audio as well as surprise pop-up performances
**indicates an official viewing area which has a live viewing screen, audio and as well as surprise pop-up performances
- Cost: FREE!
- Get There With GO: Take GO to Union Station and then walk down to the waterfront.
As you embrace the magic of winter in Toronto, make your journey seamless and memorable by choosing GO Transit. Whether it's the glittering lights, the festive markets, the captivating theatres, or the jubilant New Year's celebrations, leave the driving to us!
Feeling like exploring more of the Greater Golden Horseshoe? There are a tonne of other great Winter events that GO Transit can take you to!
Visit an Iconic Toronto Attraction
For an iconic day trip to Toronto, you’ve got to start with a visit to one of the iconic Toronto landmarks. Decide which one will be the first stop on your Toronto tourist adventure!
CN Tower
The unmistakable building in the Toronto skyline is a must-do at least once! If you or someone in your party has never visited the CN Tower, your day needs to start here. Step onto the Glass Floor for an exhilarating experience like no other!
Toronto City Hall & Nathan Phillips Square
Various events take place throughout the year at Nathan Phillips Square. However, even without events isn’t happening during your daytrip to Toronto, this is still a great place to stop for a little rest during your busy tourist day. Enjoy a snack and a hot beverage while admiring the architecture of the Toronto City Hall before you head off to your next activity.
Casa Loma
Step back in time on your daytrip with a visit to Toronto’s castle. Stroll through the gardens, climb to the top of the tower, and discover the secret passageway to the wine cellar at this piece of Toronto history.
Catch a Sports Game
We hope you have your cheering voice ready because your next Toronto activity is attending your favourite sports game! Grab a seat in the stands at one of the Toronto stadiums and watch some professional soccer, football, hockey, or basketball.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Watching Canada’s national winter sport live and in-person will be the highlight of your trip to Toronto. See the Leafs take the ice at Scotiabank Arena — right next to Union Station!
Toronto Raptors
If you prefer to be courtside, Scotiabank Arena is also home to the Toronto Raptors. Get caught up in the action and cheer for every SWISH!
Toronto Blue Jays
Right next to the CN Tower is the Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays. If you visited the CN Tower for your first stop of the day, catching a Jays game next just makes sense! Have a hot dog and cheer for the homeruns. Let’s GO, Blue Jays!
Toronto FC
GO for the GOOOALS and watch a Toronto FC match at BMO Field. It’s just steps from Exhibition GO Station and PRESTO card holders save up to 20% off ticket prices to home matches!
Toronto Argonauts
It will be a touchdown for your Toronto daytrip when you catch an Argos game at BMO Field! You can save up to 20% off tickets to home games with PRESTO Perks!
Save with PRESTO Perks
Find out how and where you can show your PRESTO card to get discounts on some of Ontario's top attractions, through the PRESTO Perks program.
Explore Neighbourhoods around the City
Your day trip to Toronto ends by exploring one of the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods. Whether you’re interested in shopping, entertainment, or just walking around a picturesque setting — there’s a Toronto neighbourhood that’s perfect for you!
Queen Street West
Home to hip boutiques filled with cutting-edge fashion, Queen Street West will fulfill all of your trendy shopping dreams!
Yorkville & The Annex
The designer shops in Yorkville are calling your name! After you pick out something amazing to wear on your next daytrip to Toronto, walk west along Bloor St towards the Annex and visit the Bata Shoe Museum!
Entertainment District
Don’t miss the world-class theatrical shows in Toronto! Take in a performance at the Royal Alexandra Theatre or the Princess of Wales Theatre — it’s the perfect finale to your day in Toronto.
Distillery District
For a more relaxed end to your day, enjoy all the things to do in Toronto’s Distillery District. You can grab a coffee at Balzac’s and then stroll the cobblestone streets, or try a segway or walking tour with GO Tours. PRESTO card holders save 20% with promo code PRESTOPERKS20.
Attractions Throughout the Year
There are plenty of fun activities in Toronto throughout the year, so don’t feel like you need to limit your visit to a particular season.
We’ll always keep you up to date with the best events happening in each season, and be sure to use your PRESTO card to take advantage of savings on admissions to year-round attractions like the Hockey Hall of Fame, the ROM, the Toronto Zoo, and more.
Don’t Forget to Eat!
You’re sure to work up an appetite during your busy day of sightseeing, and you’d definitely be missing out if you skipped some of the amazing dining options in Toronto.
There’s no shortage of fantastic restaurants in Toronto — and plenty of different cuisines to choose from. And the best part is that many of the best restaurants in Toronto are easy to get to with GO Transit!
Dine on farm-to-table fare at Canoe near Union Station, get your fill of Japanese cuisine at Kibo Sushi House near Bloor GO Station, or enjoy beer and BBQ at Liberty Commons near Exhibition GO Station.
See You Next Time!
Your daytrip to Toronto has ended, but with GO’s convenient and affordable fare options, it’s easy to start planning another trip soon!