12 distanced things to do in Toronto this week: January 18 to 24

Please Note: As of January 14, a Stay at Home order is in effect for all of Ontario. This means you must stay at home and only go out for necessities including getting food, going to work, and getting exercise. Learn more about Ontario’s Stay at Home order here. If you go out, maintain the six-feet physical distancing guidelines and wear a mask.

Being stuck indoors can be draining, especially if you haven’t stepped outdoors in a couple of days. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do in Toronto that are safe and fun.

It’s important to remember that with Ontario’s Stay at Home order, you must only head outdoors for the essentials such as getting food, heading to work, and getting exercise.

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

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.

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. Masks are now mandatory.

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

Place an order at Canada’s first Dave’s Hot Chicken

The wait is now over, and Toronto is ready! The city’s newest spot for delicious, hot chicken has finally opened its first Canadian location on Friday. Dave’s Hot Chicken, the popular American fast-food chain, has worked to have everything ready for the big day on January 15.

When: 11 am to 10 pm
Where: 1582 Queen Street West.

Take a virtual rollercoaster ride at Canada’s Wonderland

Though amusement parks have been out of the picture for months now, you can still enjoy a rollercoaster right from home – virtually that is. Canada’s Wonderland has a variety of rollercoaster POVs on their YouTube channel.

When: Whenever you’re looking for an adventure.
Where: On their YouTube channel.

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.

Have a household dance party every Saturday night

Missing those nights out where you can let loose and dance all night? Though that might not be in the picture for a while, you can still enjoy a dance party with Oye Latino’s Fiezta Online Party. You can join Itz Nico P at 8 pm every Saturday night and dance away to Latin beats as he DJ’s into the late hours of the night.

When: Saturday nights at 8 pm
Where: Twitch stream online

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

Learn a new recipe from Toronto chefs, and food personalities

Want to try a new dish? you can check out this free online open-source cookbook with over 100 recipes from your favourite Toronto restaurants. Surprise yourself with a tasty meal or show off to your friends and family with a video call. You can show them you’ve been making the most out of this pandemic.

When: Whenever you’re eager to cook a delicious meal.
Where: Right from your very own kitchen.

Take art lessons with the AGO

If you’ve always wanted to dive into your artistic side, now is the perfect time to indulge. The AGO offers creative art lessons that you can watch right at home. Whether it’s painting, drawing, or beautiful creative pieces, their art lessons are in full swing and you can watch all their videos online.

When: Whenever you have the chance!
Where: On their website.

Watch live shark cams with Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

If you don’t have an aquarium of your own to enjoy at home, Ripley’s has set up four live-cams of their shark, jellyfish, rainbow reef, and ray bay for those interested, to watch at home. Though a trip to see them in person isn’t in the picture, these live cams definitely do the trick.

When: When you’re looking for something fun to do.
Where: On their website.

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. Make sure you wear a mask.

Where: Across Toronto

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