January in Toronto 2023
All you need to know to plan your trip to Toronto in January 2023.
anuary in Toronto is a time of crisp air, snow-covered streets, and a city that embraces the winter chill. While it may be cold, there’s no shortage of activities and events to keep you warm and entertained. From winter festivals to cozy cafes, Toronto in January is a unique and exciting experience.
Is Toronto in January Busy? Crowds Forecast
January in Toronto is a relatively quiet time, as the holiday crowds have dispersed and the city returns to its regular pace. However, there are still plenty of events and activities to keep you entertained, and you can enjoy the city without the hustle and bustle of peak tourist season.
Weather in Toronto in January
January in Toronto is cold, with average temperatures ranging from -6°C to -1°C. Snow is common, and the city is often blanketed in a layer of white. Be sure to bundle up and dress warmly, as the wind chill can make it feel even colder.
Here’s a simplified weather chart for Toronto in January:
| Week | Average High (°C) | Average Low (°C) | Precipitation (%) | Snowfall (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Week | -1 | -6 | 30% | 2.5 |
| 2nd Week | -1 | -6 | 30% | 2.5 |
| 3rd Week | -1 | -6 | 30% | 2.5 |
| 4th Week | -1 | -6 | 30% | 2.5 |
Note: These values are averages and actual weather conditions may vary. It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast closer to your travel date.
What to Wear in Toronto in January
Dressing warmly is key to enjoying Toronto in January. Layer up with thermal underwear, sweaters, and a heavy winter coat. Don’t forget a hat, gloves, and a scarf to keep your extremities warm. Waterproof boots are essential for navigating the snowy streets.
Best Tips for Visiting Toronto in January
Embrace the Winter Festivals
January in Toronto is a time for winter festivals. The city comes alive with events like Winterlicious, a culinary event that offers prix-fixe menus at some of the city’s top restaurants. There’s also the Toronto Light Festival, which transforms the historic Distillery District into a winter wonderland of light installations.
Explore the Great Outdoors
Despite the cold, January is a great time to explore Toronto’s outdoor spaces. Take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the views of the frozen Lake Ontario. Or head to High Park for some winter hiking or cross-country skiing. For a truly Canadian experience, grab your skates and hit the ice at Nathan Phillips Square or Harbourfront Centre’s Natrel Rink.
Warm Up with Comfort Food
Toronto’s culinary scene doesn’t hibernate in the winter. In fact, January is the perfect time to warm up with some comfort food. Head to the St. Lawrence Market and indulge in a peameal bacon sandwich, a Toronto classic. Or visit one of the city’s many ramen shops for a steaming bowl of noodles. And for dessert, nothing beats a butter tart from one of Toronto’s bakeries.
Discover Indoor Attractions
If the cold gets to be too much, there are plenty of indoor attractions to keep you entertained. Visit the Royal Ontario Museum and explore its vast collection of art and artifacts. Or head to the Art Gallery of Ontario and discover works by Canadian and international artists. For a unique experience, visit the Bata Shoe Museum and learn about the history of footwear.
Here’s are some of indoor activities to enjoy in Toronto during January:
| Activity | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Visit the Royal Ontario Museum | Explore Canada’s largest museum, featuring art, world culture, and natural history exhibits. | 100 Queen’s Park |
| Explore the Art Gallery of Ontario | Discover one of the largest art collections in North America, including works by Canadian artists. | 317 Dundas St W |
| Enjoy Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada | Marvel at marine life in this popular aquarium, featuring a walk-through tunnel and interactive exhibits. | 288 Bremner Blvd |
| Shop at the Toronto Eaton Centre | Browse over 250 stores in this iconic shopping mall, including top brands and local boutiques. | 220 Yonge St |
| Experience the Hockey Hall of Fame | Celebrate the history of hockey with exhibits, memorabilia, and interactive games. | 30 Yonge St |
| Watch a show at the Princess of Wales Theatre | Catch a Broadway-style musical or play in this elegant theater. | 300 King St W |
| Dine at the CN Tower’s 360 Restaurant | Enjoy a meal with a view in this revolving restaurant, offering panoramic views of the city. | 301 Front St W |
| Take a tour of the Steam Whistle Brewery | Learn about the brewing process and sample craft beers at this iconic brewery. | 255 Bremner Blvd |
| Visit the Bata Shoe Museum | Discover the history of footwear through a collection of over 13,000 shoes and artifacts. | 327 Bloor St W |
| Explore the Ontario Science Centre | Engage with interactive exhibits and live demonstrations covering a wide range of scientific topics. | 770 Don Mills Rd |
Note: Some activities may require advance booking or have specific operating hours. It’s a good idea to check the respective websites for up-to-date information.
Shop the January Sales
January is a great time to shop in Toronto. Many stores offer post-holiday sales, making it the perfect time to snag a deal. Head to the Eaton Centre, one of North America’s largest shopping malls, and shop till you drop. Or explore the trendy boutiques of Queen Street West and discover unique finds.
Experience Toronto’s Nightlife
Toronto’s nightlife doesn’t slow down in January. Head to the Entertainment District and catch a show at one of the city’s many theaters. Or visit a comedy club and enjoy some laughs. For a night of dancing, head to one of Toronto’s nightclubs and dance the night away.
Winter Sales
January is a great time to shop in Toronto. Many stores offer post-holiday sales, making it the perfect time to snag a deal. Head to the Eaton Centre, one of North America’s largest shopping malls, and shop till you drop. Or explore the trendy boutiques of Queen Street West and discover unique finds.
Here’s a chart of winter sales in Toronto during January:
| Store Name | Description of Sale | Location | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hudson’s Bay | Discounts on winter clothing, accessories, and home goods. | Various locations | Early January |
| Nordstrom | Half-Yearly Sale with discounts on clothing, shoes, and accessories. | Eaton Centre, Yorkdale | Early January |
| Aritzia | Boxing Week Sale with discounts on women’s clothing and accessories. | Various locations | Late December – Early January |
| Holt Renfrew | Designer Sale with discounts on luxury brands. | 50 Bloor St W | Early January |
| Sporting Life | Winter Clearance Sale with discounts on winter sports gear and outerwear. | Various locations | Early January |
| Zara | Semi-Annual Sale with discounts on men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing. | Various locations | Early January |
| Best Buy | Discounts on electronics, appliances, and more. | Various locations | Early January |
| Indigo | Discounts on books, home decor, and more. | Various locations | Early January |
Note: The dates and locations of these sales may vary from year to year. It’s a good idea to check the respective websites or visit the stores for up-to-date information on sales and discounts.
Food Festivals in Toronto in January
Toronto’s culinary scene doesn’t hibernate in the winter. In fact, January is the perfect time to warm up with some comfort food. Head to the St. Lawrence Market and indulge in a peameal bacon sandwich, a Toronto classic. Or visit one of the city’s many ramen shops for a steaming bowl of noodles. And for dessert, nothing beats a butter tart from one of Toronto’s bakeries.
Here’s a chart of food festivals in Toronto during January:
| Festival Name | Description | Location | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winterlicious | A culinary event featuring prix fixe menus at over 200 restaurants, plus cooking classes and events. | Various locations | Late January – Early February |
| Toronto Tea Festival | A celebration of tea culture, featuring tastings, workshops, and vendors selling tea and accessories. | Toronto Reference Library | Late January |
| Ice Wine Festival | A festival showcasing Ontario’s ice wines, with tastings, food pairings, and vineyard tours. | Niagara-on-the-Lake | Mid-January |
| Gourmet Food & Wine Expo | A showcase of international cuisine, wines, and spirits, with tastings, seminars, and cooking demonstrations. | Metro Toronto Convention Centre | Late November (sometimes extends into early January) |
Note: The dates and locations of these festivals may vary from year to year. It’s a good idea to check the respective websites for up-to-date information.
A Cozy Break in One of the Heated Terraces and Rooftops in Toronto
If the cold gets to be too much, there are plenty of indoor attractions to keep you entertained. Visit the Royal Ontario Museum and explore its vast collection of art and artifacts. Or head to the Art Gallery of Ontario and discover works by Canadian and international artists. For a unique experience, visit the Bata Shoe Museum and learn about the history of footwear.
Need More Ideas About Things to Do in Toronto in January?
Toronto’s nightlife doesn’t slow down in January. Head to the Entertainment District and catch a show at one of the city’s many theaters. Or visit a comedy club and enjoy some laughs. For a night of dancing, head to one of Toronto’s nightclubs and dance the night away.
