This Ontario hamlet is a dreamy Christmas village and it’s even better than Niagara-on-the-Lake

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4:59 pm

combine images 78 — L–R: @soul.lilly/Instagram, @cavespringvineyard/Instagram

Part of the charm of day trips during the holiday season is finding those undersung, hidden gems in Ontario. While everyone knows Niagara-on-the-Lake is a top spot for a festive getaway, there’s another town in the Niagara region that’s tiny, adorable and full of holiday charm. Jordan is a historic hamlet in Ontario that is known for its vineyards and wineries in the summer — but in the winter, it transforms into a full-on Christmas village.

Located just over an hour’s drive outside Toronto, Jordan is the perfect day trip or even road trip stop on your way through Niagara this holiday season. This shopping village is within Twenty Valley, a wine region between the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario. Filled with quaint shops, art galleries, boutiques and even cobblestone streets, it’s an absolutely charming spot year-round.

Every winter, though, Jordan gets a major upgrade, thanks to Christmas in the Village. Running all month until New Year’s Eve, the hamlet is lit up with thousands of Christmas lights and is the go-to spot for festive activities and events.

jordan ontario christmas — Courtesy @vintage_hotels/Instagram

On Dec. 6 and 13, take an ugly Christmas sweater party and see if your sweater wins! You can also join Santa for breakfast on Dec. 7, 13 and 14. Other highlights include a Christmas cocktail making class, Christmas dinner, Christmas brunch and a New Year’s Eve dinner.

Visitors to this tiny village should take a stroll down Main Street and do some holiday shopping at locally owned boutiques — such as Beauty.Body.Home, a floral-filled oasis from the chilly winter air, the oh-so-charming Heritage Gift Shop or fashion spot Uniq Boutique.

Check out RPM Bakehouse for exquisite treats and a modern and fresh café menu. There’s also Tay’s Treats, an adorable pink bake shop with a vintage interior right on Main Street.

If you’re planning to stay for a weekend getaway, check out Inn on the Twenty. This boutique inn offers just 28 cozy rooms for a truly private experience, and also features a full-service spa.

inn on the twenty jordan — Courtesy vintage-hotels.com

Located right nearby the Bruce Trail, nature lovers should check out Ball’s Falls Conservation area for a beautiful, snowy winter walk — and a little piece of history. The original Ball family 19th century hamlet is still preserved there, with an operating flour mill, a lime kiln, a church, black smith shop and carriage shed.

For a little bit of culture and history, step into the stunning Jordan Art Gallery, and then learn about the region’s Loyalist history at The Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre (home of the Jordan Historical Museum of the Twenty).

And of course, a trip to Jordan wouldn’t be complete with a little wine tasting — this little village is home to so many incredible vineyards, including Flat Rock Cellars, 180 Estate Winery and Cave Spring Vineyard.

For more festive Ontario day trips, check out this small town that has its own winter festival with a unique tradition or the “prettiest town in Canada.”

This new French-Asian bakery near Toronto just landed in the world’s top 5

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Jennifer Schembri

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12:21 pm

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SnapInsta Ai 3525961067207938613 — Tatin Bakehouse

If you’re on the hunt for your next sweet or savoury fix this holiday season, here’s a reason to head just outside Toronto: Tatin Bakehouse in Oakville has been named one of the world’s Top 5 New Bakeries of 2025 by Beli, the social app that ranks and tracks dining experiences worldwide. Located about an hour from the city, Tatin has quickly become a destination for pastry lovers across the GTA.

Run by former Michelin-starred pastry chef Lili Linda and her partner Sheila Wang, Tatin blends French pastry techniques with Southeast Asian flavours inspired by Linda’s Indonesian roots. The menu is inventive and seasonally driven, perfect for gifting — or indulging yourself.

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Highlights include almond, pistachio, and chocolate croissants; a crème brûlée croissant topped with seasonal fruit; flan pâtissier with pandan and red bean; and a black rice custard tart.

Savoury options are equally creative, from Rendang Shepherd’s Pie and ham-and-cheese croissants with kimchi, to quiches with lemongrass sausage, chicken pies with candlenut and coconut and curry puffs. Fresh breads, including milk bread and weekend-only sourdough, complete the offerings.

Despite being tucked away on Wyecroft Road among auto shops, Tatin has attracted a devoted following since opening in December 2024, often selling out daily. Beli’s recognition now puts the bakery on the radar of food lovers worldwide, joining other top new bakeries like La Maison by Café Dear Leon (Baltimore), Relic Bakery (San Diego), Del Sur Bakery (Chicago) and Panaderya Salvaje (Jersey City).

In 2025 alone, Beli logged over 50 million rankings, making it one of the largest global guides for restaurants, bars, bakeries, cafes and desserts.

And while the number of new bakeries opening in Toronto and the GTA can be overwhelming, for anyone craving something special this holiday season, a visit to Tatin Bakehouse offers inventive pastries and breads definitely worth the trip.

Toronto Raptors stars Scottie Barnes and Jamal Shead to take to the stage in ‘The Nutcracker’

By

Ron Johnson

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11:52 am

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Toronto Raptors star Scottie Barnes — Instagram: Ya.Boy.Scottie

The National Ballet of Canada is adding a little NBA flair to its holiday classic this year. Raptors stars Scottie Barnes and Jamal Shead will make their debut as Cannon Dolls in The Nutcracker on Dec. 19, joining a long line of celebrity guests who’ve stepped into the colourful Petrouchka costumes and fired the famous Act I cannon.

This season is the 30th anniversary of the beloved holiday production choreographed by legendary former artistic director James Kudelka, and the milestone comes with another nostalgic cameo: iconic dancer Rex Harrington, the original Nutcracker from the 1995 premiere, returns to the stage as a Cannon Doll on opening night, Dec. 5.

As usual, the National Ballet has assembled a fun roster of guest performers. CBC’s Q host Tom Power and Arkells frontman Max Kerman are on the list, as are Olympic ice dancers Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier. Local sports heroes from the Argos, Toronto Rock, and Toronto AFC will take turns in the wings, along with Canadian women’s rugby players Brittany Kassil and Taylor McKnight. Toronto Star reporters Joshua Chong and Victoria Gibson, SiriusXM personalities Allison Dore and Victor Bibby, TSN’s Davis Sanchez, host Kate Beirness, and Global TV’s Susan Hay—marking her 23rd year in the role—round out the lineup.

In addition, members of DanceWorks, Hart Dance, dance immersion, Surrey Place, York South Family Network, and West Neighbourhood House will also appear throughout the run, reflecting the ballet’s long-standing ties to the city’s arts and community groups.

Since 1995, The Nutcracker has welcomed 1,378 Canadian luminaries as Cannon Dolls—everyone from Auston Matthews and Tessa Virtue to Chris Hadfield and Rick Mercer. The production itself has drawn more than 1.3 million audience members over 30 seasons.

LeBron James came to Toronto and can’t stop talking about this “incredible” restaurant

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Jennifer Schembri

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10:42 am

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LeBron James may have come to Toronto for basketball, but he once again found time for one of his favourite off-court rituals: dinner at Silent H.

Fresh off the Lakers’ Thursday night win over the Raptors — the same game that ended his 1,297-game streak of scoring at least 10 points — James slipped into the Mexican fine-dining spot, where he’s been a repeat guest over the years.

The restaurant posted a photo of James along with chef Gerardo Saucedo, captioned with James’ own review: “Food is incredible, what’s your name chef.” A very loud stamp of approval from the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, now in his 23rd season.

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Silent H has quietly become a magnet for big names. The guest list also includes Steph Curry, Blue Jays star Bo Bichette, his teammate Jeff Hoffmann and even Travis Kelce, who visited during his Taylor-Swift-era emergence as one of the most photographed men on Earth.

For Chef Saucedo — who builds high-impact dishes inspired by family recipes and the flavours of Mexico — the LeBron moment was a full-circle one. The restaurant often highlights its roots, from Saucedo’s late grandmother’s recipes to the modern techniques that have made Silent H one of Toronto’s most popular spots.

SnapInsta Ai 3718097205455742938 — @silenth.to/Instagram

James may not have had a huge scoring night, but he made up for it afterward with plenty of praise for Toronto in his postgame comments.

“These fans are unbelievable… This city is unbelievable. Always welcome me with open arms.”

If you want to see for yourself what all the fuss is about — whether you’re hoping to spot a celeb or just hungry for some mouthwatering tamales and tacos — you can check out Silent H at 461 King Street West.

The ball that sent the Blue Jays to the World Series is up for auction at $17K

By

Nisean Lorde

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9:43 am

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Toronto Blue Jays George Springer game 7 home run — Instagram: @bluejays

A piece of Toronto Blue Jays history from one of the biggest nights Rogers Centre has ever seen is officially on the auction block (and for a hefty price tag).

The actual series-winning home run ball that George Springer launched into the left-field seats during ACLS Game 7 versus the Seattle Mariners is now up for sale through U.S. auction house Goldin.

According to the Goldin listing, the ball comes with authentication from J.T. Sports (plus provenance from Michael Angeletti, the Toronto fan who caught the ball) and is part of the company’s 2025 Fall Game Used Auction, which wraps up on Dec 13.

As of publication, bidding sat at USD 10,000 (USD 12,200 with the 22% buyer’s premium), which works out to about CAD17,000! A single bid has been placed, but we still have more than a week left before the extended-bidding phase begins.

“Presented is the Official Major League Rob Manfred Jr. baseball hit by Springer that would eventually send the Blue Jays to the World Series. Against starter-acting-reliever Bryan Woo in the bottom of the seventh inning, with runners on second and third, Springer launched a 96-mph sinker deep into left center, clearing the outfield wall and landing 381 feet into the hands of one Michael Angeletti,” the listing states, referencing the ball’s extensive wear, with white leather scuffing and surface abrasions throughout. “What’s more, Angeletti predicted to his cousin that he was going to catch the ball!”

George Springer just hit one of the biggest home runs in #BlueJays history.

Rogers Centre is shaking. pic.twitter.com/3RitrE86AU

— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) October 21, 2025

Because the auction is run out of the U.S., standard shipping is available to American addresses, while international buyers (including Canadians) will have to factor in duties, taxes and customs fees on top of the base price and buyer’s premium (so if you do happen to place the winning bid, you’ll end up paying a lot more than the listed amount!).

More than 100 artists to play iconic winter music festival in Toronto

By

Ron Johnson

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5:00 pm

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Winterfolk music festival coming to Toronto in February 2026 — Facebook: Winterfolk

There is nothing better to fight the winter blues than music, and the perfect opportunity is happening this February when a four-day music festival will feature more than 100 artists.

Toronto’s popular mid-winter festival is back. Winterfolk XXIV will return to the Tranzac Club from Feb. 12 to 15, 2026, bringing four days of folk, roots, blues, and acoustic music to the heart of the Annex.

The long-running festival just unveiled a partial lineup featuring some fantastic performers and launched advance ticket sales.

This year’s festival features a mix of returning favourites and rising voices, with artists such as Ariana Gillis, Shakura S’Aida, Russell deCarle, Kevin Breit, Donné Roberts, The Young Novelists, Jory Nash, Jessica Stuart, and dozens more already confirmed. Additional performers will be announced in the coming weeks.

Winterfolk XXIV schedule and ticket information

Thursday, Feb. 12: 7–11 p.m. (Emerging Talent Night — free with advance ticket)
Friday, Feb. 13: 7–11 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 14: 1–11 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 15: 1–11 p.m.

Tickets are now on sale with discounted advance passes. A full weekend wristband—covering all shows from Feb. 13 to 15—is available for $60 until Dec. 24 ($100 at the door, if available). Single-day and evening passes are also being offered at reduced rates with promo codes online, making it an affordable way to experience one of Toronto’s most enduring winter festivals.

Now in its 24th year, Winterfolk continues to champion folk and roots music while offering audiences a welcome musical refuge from the bitter winter cold.

These are the top skating trails to visit in Toronto this season

By

Julia Mastroianni

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4:59 pm

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top-skating-trails-toronto — @torontopfr

If you love to skate but the thought of being confined to the monotony of a circular rink is hardly your idea of fun, there are a ton of trails in and around Toronto you can glide on, all while taking in breathtaking winter landscapes.

Lace up and get ready to practice your forward swizzles and backward wiggles at these skating trails across Toronto.

Colonel Samuel Smith Park

3145 Lakeshore Blvd. W.

Located along a picturesque stretch of wooded shoreline, this 250-metre-long trail first opened back in 2010 and holds the honour of being Toronto’s very first figure-eight rink. Nestled in a waterfront park known as being one of the best sites for bird watching in Toronto, the trail is adjacent to the historic Powerhouse Recreation Centre, and open from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9:30 pm. on weekends.

The Bentway

250 Fort York Blvd.

The Bentway opened on Dec. 20 and offers skaters a truly urban experience with a 220-metre loop located under the Gardiner Expressway. On-site skate rentals, hot beverages and lessons are also available, and if you’re really brave, gear up and register for the Polar Bear Skate happening on Dec. 28 at 12 p.m.

Dieppe Park

455 Cosburn Ave.

This seven-acre park has both an ice rink and skating trail and is a popular destination for both pros and beginners. The double-pad rink allows for non-stop public skate and features ample parking. The rink is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Barbara Ann Scott Skating Trail

420 Yonge St.

Described as an “architectural jewel,” the five-metre-wide circular trail located at College Park opened in 2019 and is fittingly named after Canadian figure skater, Barbara Ann Scott, the first non-European to win a world championship in skating back in 1947. Surrounded by skyscrapers, the trail features environmentally-friendly technology in its refrigeration system which is non-toxic and non-flammable and has no net greenhouse gas effects. Skating is available from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Riverdale Park East

550 Broadway Ave.

Overlooking the Riverdale Skating Rink — Riverdale Park’s skating rink and trail. Courtesy City of Toronto

Already a popular destination for sledding, Riverdale Park East features both an artificial ice rink and a skating trail. The space also includes a Zamboni station, a large playground and a winter lounge. Stop by the park any time from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. to enjoy the skating trail.

This small Muskoka town gets covered in twinkling lights for its magical winter festival

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Julia Mastroianni

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2:09 pm

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If you think you’ve seen interesting winter carnivals, think again — Bracebridge’s Fire and Ice Festival takes the cake and might be unlike anything you’ve visited in Ontario. This Muskoka destination features fire and ice elements in all kinds of activities and spectacles. It brands itself as a “unique approach to a traditional winter carnival,” and is the perfect wintery escape if you’re looking for something new to do this season.

The Fire and Ice Festival is around a 2.5 hour drive from Toronto, right in the heart of downtown Bracebridge. If you’re on the fence about the journey, know that your travels will be so worth it.

The “fire” part of this iconic festival will showcase performances by fire artists, as well as a fireworks display. That’s not all — there’ll also be lots of fire pits around the festival area, so you can warm up with your loved ones and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and a treat.

Once you’re warmed up enough to enjoy the much colder half of the evening, the “ice” features are the coolest you’ll see — literally. Ice displays and carvings will be set around the main street for all to see.

The icy section of this festival isn’t only great for a good photo op. You’ll also be able to go ice skating in the Memorial Park Winter Village skating trail, located in Bracebridge’s Memorial Park. The event is BYOS, weather permitting.

But perhaps the greatest and most iconic of all is the festival’s Downtown Tube Run: a huge tubing hill that’ll run through Main Street. The 200-foot long tube run is a huge attraction, but the line closes at 5 p.m., so make sure to get there early.

fire and ice bracebridge tube run jpg — Courtesy discovermuskoka.ca

If you’re already located in Bracebridge or nearby, the Fire and Ice Festival is offering a free shuttle bus service to and from the festival. They’ll run every half hour, from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can pre-purchase tickets on the Fire and Ice app for $8, while purchase at the event is $10. The Bracebridge Fire and Ice Festival is on Jan. 31, 2026 on 35C Manitoba St.

What to do in Bracebridge, Ontario

Bracebridge is a popular destination spot in Ontario, so even if you just want to check out the festival, you might want to stay for everything else it has to offer. If you’re looking to spend a while in town there’s lots to do and see.

If you’re planning a visit before Christmas, Santa’s Village is one of the most festive parks in Muskoka running year-round. Explore the area on the Candy Cane Express, a mini train that runs through the middle of the park. There are more than 30 rides and attractions, spanning a whopping 60 acres.

Downtown Bracebridge is also a haven for foodies and shoppers. Spend the afternoon at a delightful cafe like Oliver’s Coffee or Capsize Coffee. There are also a lot of chic downtown restaurants that serve everything from Thai and American-inspired eats to Mexican food. Try out El Pueblito, The Old Station Restaurant or The Muskoka Way.

Bracebridge is also considered the waterfall capital of Muskoka. There are four major waterfalls in town, like the Bracebridge Falls, High Falls, Muskoka Falls and Wilson’s Falls. Consider a visit to one of these grand natural attractions and see them all iced over from the cold weather.

Matty Matheson is opening a new restaurant in four days and it’s going to change everything

By

Nisean Lorde

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12:17 pm

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Hamilton’s new TD Coliseum is adding some serious star power to its food lineup this month! Celebrity chef-restaurateur Matty Matheson is officially opening The Iron Cow Public House on Dec 8.

“Our House is a gathering place,” the restaurant’s Instagram account teased in a recent post.

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The Iron Cow is a 9,500-square-foot full-service restaurant and speakeasy-style pub with room for up to 185 guests, nestled inside the new Hamilton arena (it’s part of the arena’s roughly $300 million transformation from the former Copps Coliseum/FirstOntario Centre into a massive entertainment hub). The restaurant sits at street level, with its own entrance off York Boulevard, and will be open to the public on both event and non-event days, so you won’t need concert or game tickets to grab a seat.

Diners can also expect curated menus at three concession stands in the arena, featuring items from Matheson’s other spots: Matty’s Patty’s and Rizzo’s House of Parm. The restaurant doesn’t offer complimentary birthday desserts, but it does promise an “ample-sized dessert offering” on the menu (guests are asked to flag special occasions in advance). Cake-cutting is $5 per guest, and corkage is $40 per 750 mL bottle.

More Matheson-led concepts are also planned for premium suites and other food and beverage offerings throughout the arena!

“It’s going to serve mostly iron, protein-forward food — a couple of Sunday roasts, a couple of hot dogs, a couple of hamburgers. It’s going to be amazing,” Matheson said during a past appearance at Departure Fest. “I love cows. Cows are tight. And restaurants are just great.”

The Bear fan-fave grew up in Ontario and also runs spots like Prime Seafood Palace and the former Bar Clams, his now-closed East Coast-inspired diner on Dundas West. Iron Cow is his first permanent Hamilton project and one of his biggest to date.

“Bringing people together with amazing food, great service and live music – it’s everything I love. We’re building something special for Hamilton, and I’m pumped for you to see this come together,” Matheson said in a statement.

The Iron Cow Public House is located at 101 York Blvd., inside the TD Coliseum. Regular hours are from Tuesday to Sunday, 5 pm to 10 pm. Reservations are recommended (book through OpenTable), although walk-ins are welcome.

Before booking a table at The Iron Cow, check out Matheson’s reaction to his protégé Coulson Armstrong being crowned the newest winner of Top Chef Canada!

The best panettone in Toronto

By

Jennifer Schembri

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10:34 am

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Panettone, a beloved Italian sweet bread, has a history as rich as its flavour. Originating from Milan, its roots can be traced back to the Roman Empire. Crafting this delectable treat is an art that involves a meticulous process, taking several days to achieve the perfect balance of light, airy texture and rich, yeasty flavours. From classic renditions to contemporary twists like the indulgent Chocottone, these sweet treats have become a festive staple, offering a taste of tradition with a touch of innovation.

Here are the most delicious and indulgent panettones from some of Toronto’s best bakers.

Eataly

Eataly’s panettone lineup is basically the holiday spirit wrapped in ribbon. Each 1-kilogram loaf feels like a tiny celebration, whether you reach for the classic, the limoncello-kissed version or the chocolate-studded ones. They’re soft, fragrant and made to share — the kind of treats you set on the table and suddenly everyone’s in a better mood. It’s an easy, thoughtful way to bring a little Italian cheer into any winter gathering.

The Royal Hotel

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It’s not Toronto, but The Royal Hotel in Picton makes a panettone that’s too good to ignore. It starts with their sourdough starter, Francesca, which gives the loaf its light, fluffy texture. Then come the good holiday things — egg yolks, butter, local honey, raisins and candied orange peel. A pinch of rosemary adds a little winter magic. It’s classic, a bit quirky and exactly the kind of festive treat worth a road trip!

Padaria

Padaria’s “panetone” is Christmas the Brazilian way — rich, joyful and a little extra in the best possible sense. Their classic 500-gram version is baked in-house with almonds, Belgian chocolate and candied orange, tucked into a gift-ready box that feels special before you even open it. And then there’s the big one: a 1.4-kilogram showstopper filled with silky brigadeiro or doce de leite and coated in Belgian chocolate.

Spaccio

Spaccio’s Panettone Artigianale undergoes meticulous craftsmanship over three days. Using flour from a small mill in Italy’s Marche region, along with free-range eggs, butter, vanilla beans and their unique mother yeast, it emerges as a sweet and fragrant embodiment of the Italian holiday tradition. Available in Classico (candied orange & raisins) and Cioccolato.

San Remo

San Remo offers a variety of flavours for its in-house crafted panettone, including Nutella, pistachio, chocolate chip and orange. Additionally, they come in a mini size for a delightful bite-sized treat.

Mattachioni

Mattachioni‘s holiday panettone is a true work of art and a holiday favourite we look forward to every year. This time, Mattachioni is bringing us a Panettone Moro filled with zabaglione — a light, creamy Italian custard made with egg yolks and sugar that adds a beautiful richness to their soft, fragrant loaf.

Mary’s Brigadeiro

If you haven’t tried Mary’s Brigadeiro’s Chocottone or missed out last year due to it being sold out, treat yourself! Their special panettone, filled with their signature chocolate Brigadeiro 54 per cent, is truly stunning. And for those crazy about Salted Caramel Brigadeiro, they’ve got you covered! From large to petit size, their panettone collection is ready for everyone to enjoy.

Tre Mari

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Tre Mari’s panettone is a holiday staple in Toronto — the kind of thing people line up for because it just feels like Christmas. Their loaves are made in Italy with semolina flour, which gives them that soft, golden crumb and keeps them fresh a little longer (not that anyone waits). You can go classic with candied orange and raisins, or branch out with chestnuts, chocolate, coffee, or the very fun “plain plus a jar of spread” options, including hazelnut and pistachio.

Speakers Corner is coming back to Toronto, but this time at the El Mocambo

By

Nisean Lorde

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5:30 am

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Barenaked Ladies player Speakers Corner in Toronto

The El Mocambo has just announced that a new version of Toronto’s iconic Speakers Corner booth will return to the city, teasing a dose of ‘90s Queen West nostalgia for a whole new crowd.

In a series of Insta posts, the El Mocambo confirmed that “Speakers Corner Returns to The El Mocambo in 2026… #staytuned.” This was followed up with a short reel noting that “SPEAKERS CORNER HAS ARRIVED! It lives in the Starlight Room Under The Neon Palms… it will come to life in 2026,” adding that “Another piece of Toronto History Now Lives Under the Neon Palms.”

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A post shared by El Mocambo (@theelmocambo)

Details are still a bit hush, and there’s no word yet on exactly how the revived Speakers Corner will work (or whether any of the footage will end up on TV or social channels), but the announcements were enough to send media nerds into full nostalgia mode.

“Stop it. You stop it right now!! How cool is this?!?!” One user commented under the Insta post, while another said, “Thank you for recognizing true history. Looking forward to seeing it in action.”

Well before the days when people could openly speak their minds on social media, Speaker’s Corner was the best place to open up to a bunch of faceless strangers! The original street-level video booth was nestled at the former Citytv/CHUM building at 299 Queen W, and ran as a TV segment from 1990 to 2008. Members of the public would enter and record messages, opinions or even performances. Select clips were then broadcast to Citytv’s Speakers Corner.

If you can’t wait for the legendary box to hit El Mocambo next year, there’s also already a revival of the original booth format called VoxBox at ZoomerPlex in Liberty Village (the best videos appear on TikTok at @SpeakTO.

The El Mocambo is located at 464 Spadina Ave. Follow the iconic venue on Instagram @theelmocambo.

Toronto’s best curling spots, traditional or not, to rock on the ice this winter

By

Ron Johnson

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5:00 pm

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Curling in Toronto at Stackt Market (photo from Instagram @agreatcapture)

Forget the roar of the crowd and the thrill of the slapshot—this winter, the real action on the ice is all about curling. Curling is experiencing a serious glow-up, trading in dusty caverns for cool rooftops and inclusive community vibes. It’s a sport that combines strategy, precision, and a surprising amount of sweeping, making it the perfect activity for a Toronto winter.

Here are the best places in the city to slide stones, warm up, and embrace curling, whether you’re looking for traditional ice or a fun, portable alternative.

Rooftop Rocks: Curling Under the Skyline

Toronto is known for its stunning city views, and now you can enjoy them while sliding a stone. Ace Hotel Toronto is redefining the curling experience with its Winter Chalet program.

The Vibe: Imagine gliding a curling stone on wheels across a sheet of artificial ice with the glittering Toronto skyline as your backdrop. This is a truly unique, photogenic, and memorable experience.
The Perk: The curling is completely free to participate in. After you’ve thrown your rocks, you can head inside to the cozy chalet area where they offer fondue at $45 per person and you can get either cheese or chocolate (or splurge and get both!) to warm up. This makes it a perfect destination for a winter date night, a stylish group outing, or just an afternoon of free fun.

Curling at Toronto's Ace Hotel — Curling at Toronto’s Ace Hotel (photo: Daniel Neuhaus)

Historic Charm Meets Modern Community

If you’re looking for an authentic curling experience close to the core, look no further than this Riverdale institution. The Royal Canadian Curling Club (RCCC), located on Broadview Avenue, is more than just a place to play—it’s a piece of Toronto’s sporting history.

The Atmosphere: Stepping inside, you feel the weight of its history. However, the club masterfully balances this historic charm with a thoroughly inclusive and modern community spirit. It’s a welcoming place where beginners can feel comfortable and seasoned players can find challenging competition.
The People: RCCC is known for its diverse and vibrant leagues, drawing players from all walks of life, making it a fantastic spot to socialize and network.

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Old School Elegance

For those who appreciate tradition, club heritage, and a touch of refinement, this century-old spot delivers. High Park Club stands as one of Toronto’s oldest, founded in 1911, and most prestigious curling clubs, offering an experience steeped in elegance and community spirit.

The Setting: Located in the city’s west end, the club house exudes a warm, welcoming vibe that truly makes every game feel like a walk back in time. The traditional architecture and well-maintained facilities showcase its long-standing commitment to the sport.
Community: The club is renowned for fostering a strong sense of community among its members. It offers a variety of programs, from competitive leagues to social events, making it a true hub for its neighbourhood and beyond.

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Beginners Ready to Roll

If you’ve never thrown a rock but are ready to learn, this club is designed with you in mind. Leaside Curling Club is arguably one of the most welcoming atmosphere for beginners in the city.

The Facility: It boasts eight bright, well-maintained sheets of ice, ensuring plenty of space and opportunity for new and experienced curlers.
The Vibe: Leaside is famous for its Learn to Curl programs and open, friendly leagues. Their focus is on making the sport accessible and fun, offering clear instruction and supportive environments. If you’re looking to jump into the sport this winter, Leaside is the place to get your feet (and your rocks) rolling.

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A post shared by Brian Blake Perez (@watchlafro)

More alternative ice time

For a fun, casual, and highly accessible twist on the game, head to one of the city’s most unique winter destinations. Stackt Market offers a fantastic urban version of the game with its Street Curling Lanes (often referred to as ‘tabletop’ or ‘patio’ curling).

The Experience: Located on the West Patio, this isn’t your traditional deep-freeze arena. Instead, the game is played on synthetic ice or a specialized surface, offering a faster-paced, scaled-down, and social version of the sport. It’s perfect for those who want the fun and strategy of curling without the need for specialized shoes or the full ice commitment.
The Vibe: Surrounded by shipping containers housing unique retail shops, food vendors, and a brewery, playing a round of street curling at Stackt is an integral part of their vibrant winter programming (typically available from November through February).

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Whatever you choose, it is time to rock this winter with one of Canada’s oldest and once-again trend sports of curling.