9 distanced things to do in Toronto this week: January 11 to 17

The winter season can be a bit gloomy, especially if you’re stuck indoors and barely getting any sunlight. Thankfully, you can do a few things in Toronto that’ll save you from that boredom in a safe manner.

As always, if you do decide to head outdoors, make sure to wear your mask!

Here’s a list of ideas that might catch your eye as you head into the week:

Go out for a skate at some of Toronto’s outdoor skating rinks

Skating season is upon us. There are so many great outdoor spots to go for a skate in Toronto, but if you find public skating rinks too crowded, you might want to consider other spots for your outdoor activities this winter.

When: Location hours vary depending on the rink.
Where: Across Toronto.

Check out some of Toronto’s tobogganing hills this winter

Ah, tobogganing – it never gets old. (Even if you do.) And while we may live in a concrete (and slush, and ice) jungle, there are still plenty of suitable slopes to get your fix.

Where: Across Toronto.

Support local and buy a “Scarborough” scented candle

If you’ve ever stepped foot into Warden Station just to get your hands on Jamaican patties, then you understand the hype. A local Toronto area candle shop decided to bring that experience for anyone to enjoy at home… its scent, that is. Both candles retail for $24 and will be available for purchase on the main site on January 12 at 1 pm eastern.

When: They go live at 1 pm on January 12.
Where: Real Talk Candles website.

You can rent classic VHS movies at this Toronto bottle shop

Don’t you just miss the days where you could go to your local video store and rent out the latest and greatest VHS tapes? This local Toronto bar is offering a VHS rental service with its bottle shop. Farside, located at 600 Gerrard Street East, offers membership-only VHS rentals as they shift their bar to sell their craft beers and bottled wines.

When: Friday to Sunday from 5 pm to 9 pm
Where: 600 Gerrard Street East

Opt for healthy food choices and support local Toronto restaurants

It’s the time of year that everyone is resolving to up their health game, which is a noble pursuit, for sure. There are tons of local Toronto restaurants offering healthy choices, vegan and vegetarian options, packed with flavour, for you to discover.

When: Locations and hours vary.
Where: Several Toronto restaurants.

Discover new and delicious foods at Maeli Market

A Taiwanese food market has opened in Toronto, and you can get your hands on imported products, including drinks, snacks, and freshly cooked food.

When: Monday to Friday, 10:30 am to 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 am to 7 pm.
Where: 18 William Sylvester Drive

Try Starbuck’s new drinks on the menu

The coffee giant has unveiled a handful of seasonal beverages for the winter months, including an all-new Pistachio Frappuccino, Pistachio Latte, and the dairy-free Honey Oat Latte. The Pistachio drinks are here for a limited time, so if you’re keen to try, be sure to do so while they’re still around this season.

When: Locations and hours vary.
Where: Several Toronto area Starbucks.

Order booze from local Toronto bars and restaurants

With the pandemic putting financial pressure on Toronto’s restaurants and bars, supporting local can’t be stressed enough. Offering more than just food, some spots are now selling alcohol for takeout, pick-up, or delivery.

When: Locations and hours vary.
Where: Several Toronto restaurants and bars.

Check out outdoor activities in Toronto

The City of Toronto has launched a program to get residents outside during the colder months and amid the pandemic. From skating to tobogganing, the city has it all – but be sure to book ahead! Amid the lockdown, there is a 25-person limit for outdoor ice rinks. A small number of spots will be available for participants who cannot make a reservation online.

Where: Across Toronto

Note: While local parks have reopened, Toronto remains in lockdown, and Toronto Public Health is reminding individuals to monitor their health for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. And if you’re not feeling well, they recommend staying home at this time. If you decide to go out, maintain the six-feet physical distancing guidelines and wear a mask.