5 Ways to Escape the Cold in Leslieville
Want to stay warm without consigning yourself to a miserable fate of huddling under your blankets beside your heater at home? Check out our list of favourite local activities to keep warm around Leslieville, and some in the rest of Toronto as well!
Sip on a creamy hot chocolate
A warm drink will always go a long way to warming you up on a chilly day, especially when it’s a savory sweet indulgence like hot chocolate. Ed’s Real Scoop is a summertime favourite, but they make a mean hot chocolate as well.
Soul Chocolate is a newer institution at Broadview and Gerrard, so a bit outside of Leslieville, but we had to spotlight it. They make their own small batch chocolate right in house and turn it into molded vegan chocolate bars. Try their specialty chocolate shots, pure melted chocolate, for rich wonderful warmth in a cup.
Bobette and Belle is another noteworthy location. Near Jones on Queen, this artisanal pastry shop also offers hot chocolate that’s to die for, served with a sizable torched marshmallow to top it off.
Catch a show at Streetcar/Crowsnest
This new east-end theatre experience sits right across the street from us and watching the changes take place to its development has been exciting! Crow’s Theatre has been touring for decades and they’ve finally settled down on the lower level of this Dundas and Carlaw condo development. Check out their website to see what’s playing and stop by to enjoy a taste of theatre in our own neighbourhood.
Enjoy a local recreational retreat
We love the way The Rock Oasis uses the old factory space along Carlaw Street, transforming it into something new and playful. Tackle 36-foot walls suited from beginner to expert and work on a little muscle as you go.
Nearby Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre is another place to go for exercise and warmth, with its indoor pool full of events for all ages. The facility also includes general fitness programs and sports activities. (There’s also an ice rink, but we’re trying to get AWAY from the ice today!)
Try out a new restaurant
Leslieville is a dramatically growing neighbourhood and new eateries and bars are popping up every week. Try Italian at Nodo Restaurant, comfort food at Mira Mira, grab a Levantine take on brunch at Madame Levant, or splurge on vacation-worthy drinks and dining at Hotel Delilah.
Whether it’s new to you, or new to the neighbourhood, you’re sure to find something that pleases the whole family within a block or two.
Work out and work up a sweat
Did you make a new years resolution to start working out more? Don’t worry if you didn’t; resolutions rarely work out anyway. If you aren’t already, take initiative and head to one of the many, many, many top-notch gyms in Leslieville. We’ve written a blog highlighting a few of them so you can pick out which one sounds best for you here.
Outside of the 'hood
Moving outside of Leslieville, here are a couple suggestions for days out or quick diversions to hide away from the chilly wind on the street.
Downtown Toronto has a wide variety of both museums and art galleries to explore. Even if you’ve been to the ROM or the AGO before, chances are they have a new featured exhibit that will make the trip a whole new experience. If you’re tired of the ROM, try checking out a smaller venue you’ve never been to for a different look at new topics. The Gardener Museum, Spadina Museum, and Aga Khan Museum are just a couple of options to name. Support smaller establishments in your area by searching around!
For a shot of the tropical, check out Allan Gardens Conservatory. This balmy hotspot in the middle of a chilly park is full of luscious greenery to break up the monotony of the white-grey of the city in the winter.
Looking to do some exploring and shopping? The PATH is a collection of over 30 kilometres of shopping and service stations underneath the feet of downtown Toronto. Entrances exist in the lower floor of many of Toronto’s highest skyscrapers and Yonge-University subway stops. If you aren’t more familiar with the system than passing through on your way to the TTC, this is definitely an adventurous idea to see the sights and do some shopping while staying out of the cold.
Unfortunately, indoor volleyball mecca Beach Blast is being ousted from its home by rising rent, but we can still recommend North Beach Volleyball in North York for a taste of the sand and simulated sun. Book the venue for an event, consider joining a league, or just drop-in.
Did we miss your favourite winter warmth activity? Drop us a message and let us know what you enjoy most in the winter!
Stay warm, friends!