Despite not being Canada’s capital city, it is Toronto that is best known for its New Year’s Eve celebrations in this part of the world.

Late afternoon the crowds grin and bear the cold to flock to Nathan Phillips Square in their masses to enjoy the free live entertainment that gets the audience in the party spirit ready for when the clock strikes twelve and a new year begins.

Much like in London and Prague, the New Year’s Eve celebrations are free to all but the best vantage spots fill up fast so the earlier you can bare to don the winter wear and head into the city centre, the more likely you are to be awarded a stunning view of the fireworks display.

The classic long distance cycle ride from Queen’s Park to Dufferin Grove Park at 98 miles in length, is certainly challenging but makes for a perfect start to the New Year for the avid cyclist who isn’t afraid of a bit of cold weather.

For a shorter, more manageable ride whatever the weather, Queen’s Park is a beautiful park to cycle around and you can easily pop to the Royal Ontario Museum and the Gardiner Museum to warm up.