Things to do in Toronto

Join the crowds on an outdoor ice rink

Canadians learn to ice skate virtually from birth, but don’t let that stop you gliding across an outdoor rink. Winter sees super-sized ice rinks at the Harbourfront Centre and Nathan Phillips Square, but if you prefer fewer witnesses as you slip on your backside Toronto has around 50 smaller rinks.

Avoid a faceoff and grabs tickets for a hockey game

The Canadians are obsessed about ice hockey and the biggest games of the season take place at Toronto’s Air Canada Centre (+1 416 815 5500; www.theaircanadacentre.com). During tussles between league giants, the atmosphere at the Centre is electric – tickets can be scarce, so book in advance if you want to enjoy this uniquely Canadian experience.

Take to the skies with a helicopter tour

Toronto presents an impressive spectacle when seen from above, and flying over the city in a helicopter is a treat that’s worth the price tag. National Helicopters Inc (+1 800 491 3117; www.nationalhelicopters.com) arranges day tours in the Toronto area. For an extra thrilling experience, Niagara Helicopters (+1 905 357 5672; www.niagarahelicopters.com) fly over the falls 1.5 hours away.

Take a tour of Toronto's first class craft breweries

Once the alcohol distillation centre of North America, Toronto still has a thriving craft brew scene. The Steam Brewery (www.steamwhistle.ca) is one of the most famous microbreweries in the city and runs an insightful tour. For a more traditional session, Granite Brewery (www.granitebrewery.ca), offers 10 beers brewed on site along with pub grub.

Paddle through Algonquin Provincial Park

Algonquin Provincial Park, north of Toronto, is Ontario’s biggest and most beautiful adventure playground – and the best way to explore it is by kayak. Wilderness Adventures (+1 416 746 7427; http://wildernessadventures.ca) organise three to seven day trips that explore Georgian Bay’s 30,000 islands. In winter, their dog sled tours are an adventurous alternative.

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