Canadian winters can be brutal, typically seeing sub-zero temperatures and high-wind chills. Cold weather aside, Toronto in January can be the ultimate time to visit for snow lovers and for cold-weather fun for the whole family. After the holidays die down with some time left on winter break and away from work, bundle up the kids and make the most of the cold-weather season.
Shopping
Toronto is already a great shopping city, but after the holiday season with tourism on the lower side, there will be plenty of deals in the downtown shopping centers. Put those holiday gift cards and exchanges to good use and head to the Toronto Eaton Center, Bloor-Yorkville, China Town and Queen Street for some shopping, sightseeing and dining. The area is popular with tourists and locals and offers a wide variety of attractions for all ages.

Photo: Prashant Vaidya | Dreamstime
Details for the annual and beloved winter festival Winterlicious are on the horizon, so foodie families should stay tuned. The annual event typically entails hundreds of top-tier restaurants participating in the culinary event over the last week of January and first week of February. This winterfest brings out unique and artful cuisine by top chefs, showing off Canada’s finest culinary offerings.
Niagara Falls Icewine Festival
Jan. 12–18, 2018, enjoy lavish gala events and award-winning wines all with the gorgeous views of Niagara Falls during the Icewine Festival. Celebrate the 23rd annual event with more than 35 wineries, unique food pairings and authentic Canadian cuisine. Hit the streets and enjoy street festivals and family-friendly events all over town. Check out the full event itinerary and plan your stay.

Distillery District, Toronto. Photo: Manon Ringuette | Dreamstime
Head to the Distillery District for the Toronto Light Fest for art, dining and shopping. See international light artists’ work displayed Jan. 19–March 4, 2018, for an illuminated view of the dark Canadian winter nights. Check out the unique lineup of events and attractions for guests of all ages from theater and dining to shopping and local events in Toronto’s Distillery District.
Get sporty and watch the Maple Leaf’s compete in their hometown. A trip to Canada wouldn’t be complete without a good, old-fashioned game of ice hockey, and maybe a Molson or two. If a live game isn’t your speed, head indoors to Wayne Gretzky’s sports bar, cheering with fans and locals from the warmth of your seat.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedMultigenerational
Apr 11, 2025Sea Island, The Broadmoor and Windstar Cruises Launch Honeymoon Package
Start your new life as family travelers with this new collaboration from Sea Island, The Broadmoor and Windstar Cruises. Couples who celebrate their wedding at either Sea Island or The Broadmoor have the unique chance to take advantage of significant savings on a seven-night, all-inclusive honeymoon cruise to the islands of French Polynesia with Windstar.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: A Destination for All Ages
However one is traveling, what matters is having fun and creating unforgettable memories. Among many ways to travel, multigenerational trips — on which grandparents, parents and children get to spend quality time together — are gaining popularity. Setting out on this sort of adventure? Madrid has something to offer everyone!
Kids
Apr 11, 2025Coachella, But Make It Kid-Sized at LEGO Festival in California
Upcoming Coachella weekends might not be on family travelers' radars, but LEGOLAND California is making sure all feel included with its first-ever LEGO Festival, offering California visitors and locals a kid-friendly alternative to Coachella. Little travelers can expect as much excitement, fun and entertainment as a real music festival.
Travel Tips
Apr 10, 2025Should Kids Go to Medieval Torture Museums?
Whether gruesome scenes are right for your child’s age and nightmare level is a parental decision. But before your family travels to Europe this summer, there’s something you should know about these “museums” that have popped up in almost every city with a castle or a medieval past.
Hotels
Apr 9, 20258 Extraordinary Easter Getaways
This Easter, plan family travel to properties around the world offering one-of-a-kind experiences.
Travel Goods
Apr 9, 2025Take This First Aid Kit on Your Next Camping Trip
Accidents happen on any trip, especially when it involves the outdoors. Travel prepared with Be Smart Get Prepared’s Happy Camping first-aid kits, which come in various sizes and feature different essentials for whatever family travel you’re on.
ShareThis