5 free ways to help beat the winter blues

The snow, the slush, the bone-chilling winds: not everyone looks forward to winter. While you can’t stop the temperature from falling, you can change your state of mind by getting out and enjoying these five, free ways to make the most of Toronto’s colder months.

1. Go ice skating at Toronto’s beautiful rinks

Grab your skates, or borrow a friend's! Ryerson has three rinks on or near campus. Located at the corner of Gould and Victoria Streets, Lake Devo transforms into a rink in the heart of campus during the winter. The Barbara Ann Scott Rink – the city’s newest (external link)  – is located at College Park just north of Gerrard Street. The park includes a beautifully landscaped rink that’s especially great for beginners. Of course, there’s the historic indoor rink at the Mattamy Athletic Centre, which hosts regular free skate days (external link)  for students, staff and faculty. 

If you want to venture further beyond campus, Toronto has no shortage of places. Check out the Natrel Rink at Harbourfront Centre (external link)  (their DJ Skate Nights (external link)  are awesome), The Bentway Skate Trail (external link)  and, if you want to skate in front of the iconic Toronto sign, Nathan Phillips Square (external link)  is a must – and it’s gorgeous at night!

2. Hop in the sauna at the RAC

You don't need to exercise to work up a sweat. In fact, you can do absolutely nothing and still say you went to the gym! Both men’s and women’s changing rooms at the RAC have wood-panelled dry saunas that can help you clear your mind and release stress.

So whether you hop in post-workout, or make a trip just for the heat, let the sauna melt away your aches and pains. This just might be the most underrated freebie on campus. (If you have health conditions, check with your health professional before going.)

3. Take a date to the Ryerson Image Centre (RIC)

Instagram is great, but see photos IRL for the cultural bragging rights. This winter the RIC is holding several exhibitions (external link)  including A Handful of Dust: From the Cosmic to the Domestic; Extending the Frame: 40 Years of Gallery TPW; Nir Evron: A Free Moment; and Clea Christakos-Gee: A piece A seed A spread.

Unlike the ROM or the AGO, going to the RIC is free! So why not take a date? You’ll have something to talk about, you can spend as much or as little time at each exhibit as you want and you’ll get away from your laptop. Join a free night out at the RIC’s Winter Exhibitions Opening Party on January 22.

4. Cheer on the Rams at the MAC

You don’t have to be a sports fan to enjoy catching a game at the MAC (external link) . Tickets to all Ryerson Rams regular season home games are free for students – just show your OneCard. Come enjoy the historic vibe of Maple Leaf Gardens. This one’s for those who absolutely hate the cold – it’s all indoors.

5. Go tobogganing

Relive elementary school memories by sliding down a snowy hill! While Toronto has several spots (external link)  to enjoy this epically Canadian winter activity, the most scenic is surely Riverdale Park East (external link) , where you can catch the best views of the city’s famous skyline as you hurl yourself down a hill. Go right before sunset for an extra special trip.