Updated February 2023

Toronto is a sprawling city, with the Greater Toronto area encompassing over 7,100 km2, but the heart of town is actually just a few city blocks — and it’s where many of the best February events and attractions are. All month long, you’ll find an amazing array of exciting things to do in Old Toronto, within a few blocks of your home base. Here are just some of the adventures on offer…

Family Day — February 18-20, 2023

Officially created in 2008, this holiday was meant to be a fun way to break up the long winter. If you’re here over that long weekend, spend it immersing yourselves in the history of Toronto at the Fort York National Historic Site, with all kinds of hands-on activities, pop-up shows and multi-dimensional exhibits. During the day, visit the fort’s ‘immersive experience’ exhibit, which takes visitors through the steps leading up to the Battle of York and the explosion of the fort’s Grand Magazine. In the evening, enjoy family-friendly performances and activities.

The Hockey Hall of Fame is also assisting with some Family Day fun that’s bound to light the lamp. Try your hand at goaltending, shooting and play-by-play calling. Take in the Mask exhibit, an homage to puck stoppers past and present featuring 90 goalie masks. Finish your perfect visit by taking a family portrait with the coveted Stanley Cup!

Winterlicious — on until February 9, 2023

Explore Toronto’s fabulous food culture at Winterlicious where, for a limited time. three-course prix fixe menus are offered at nearly 200 Toronto restaurants. Here is just a sampling of the many fine Old Toronto establishments that are participating:

• PAI Northern Thai Kitchen at 18 Duncan St. Chef is not to be missed, during Winterlicious or otherwise! Nuit can be found regularly featured as one of the most influential chefs in Toronto, and the government of Thailand awarded PAI the prestigious Thai Select Premium designation.
• The Chefs’ House at George Brown College is where the school’s chefs in training show off their skills! The resto’s globally influenced food is made from local produce using copious amounts of burgeoning talent.

Black History Month at Mackenzie House — February 2 to February 24

Visit Mackenzie House on Bond Street any weekend in February to learn about some of the Black Victorians of Toronto, with a focus on those who published newspapers. Take home a memento of this important history in the form of a souvenir copy of Mary Ann Shadd Cary’s newspaper, The Provincial Freeman, rendered in the museum’s replica 1850s printshop.

The Sunday Antique Market — every Sunday

Every week more than 90 vendors of antiques and collectibles hawk their wares at the Sunday Antique Market at 125 The Esplanade in the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood. This alluring trip down memory lane is fun for the whole gang. Practice your bartering skills! Grab a snack! Try to resist buying something!
Any of our downtown hotels put you within walking distance of Old Toronto. Take full advantage of that and enjoy your stay in Canada’s most vibrant city.