Late fall and winter combine into a long stretch or cold days and months in Toronto, so having a few ways to warm up is essential. And I don’t mean just to make sure you have a cozy winter coat to keep you warm. Having a few activities and destinations in the city where you know you can avoid the cold can make a big difference to your survival. The coldest months. Here are five ways to stay warm or stay warm in Toronto.
Cozy up to a fireplace
Is there anything more inviting on a cold or wet day than sitting next to a roaring fire? Whether or not you have your own fireplace, there are numerous bars and restaurants where you can enjoy the warmth of a fireplace. Fireplace bars are usually quite relaxing and there’s something nice about having a pint while watching the flames as the snow falls outside. Some bars in Toronto that have a fireplace include C’est What, The Victory Café, Brazen Head, Imperial Pub, and Dora Keogh.
Sit in a sauna
Breathe out the stress and warm up with the time you spend in the sauna. If your gym doesn’t have one, there are a few other places in town to enjoy the heat. Sanduny, a Russian Banya in North York, offers traditional spa services, but also includes wet and dry saunas and a huge indoor pool. Seoul Zimzilbang is billed as the first traditional Korean sauna in the Toronto area. By removing your shoes and putting on your shorts and t-shirt, you can enjoy the selection of mineral saunas, each claiming to offer different health benefits.
Seoul Zimzilbang also offers massages and body scrubs.
Drink hot chocolate
Hot chocolate is the ultimate cold weather indulgence, one that satisfies your sweet tooth and warms you up from the inside out. Whether you’re looking for something traditional or hot chocolate with a twist (maybe with a spicy kick), you should probably be able to find it in Toronto. So where should you start your search for a warm cup of chocolate goodness? Some good places to try include Delight Chocolates, Soma Choclatemaker, Nadege Patisserie, and Clafouti.
Soak and steam in Body Blitz
The therapeutic circuit of pools, steam rooms and saunas at the women-only Body Blitz Spa involves a cold plunge pool (and boy is it freezing), but otherwise spending time ‘soaking up the water’ is a relaxing and It is said to have many health benefits. Go between the warm Dead Sea salt pool, hot Epsom salt pool, aforementioned cold plunge pool, aromatherapy steam room and infrared sauna and feel the stress melt away. Access to the waters is included when you book a spa treatment, or you can simply visit it for the circuit.
Body Blitz gets very busy on the weekend, so during the week it is your best option.
Detox in a steam room
Forget the low temperatures while experiencing a traditional Turkish bath at Hammam Spa. The 500-square-foot mixed space presents itself like a natural grotto and is elegantly appointed with black slate surfaces and onyx cold water bowls. You can simply relax in the steam room or indulge in one of the many spa treatments on offer, including body wraps, body scrubs, and massages.
