Alright, Toronto, listen up. Today is not the day to pretend you're invincible. Bundle up, or stay inside.
- It's properly freezing out there, especially with the wind chill, and we've got ice from earlier in the week lurking.
- Air quality is sitting in the moderate zone, with nitrogen dioxide as our dominant pollutant, which is just great for your lungs when you're sucking down cold air.
- Plenty of our usual running grounds are still chewed up by never-ending construction projects, so expect detours and closed signs.
Today's Outdoor Grind: Proceed With Extreme Caution
Look, I get it. You want to earn those steps, hit that Strava segment, whatever. But today, February 26th, 2026, Mother Nature (and Metrolinx) are actively working against your outdoor ambitions. We're waking up to a "bitter cold" -5.1°C, but with the wind, it's going to feel more like -16°C this morning. That's not just "chilly," folks; that's "expose skin for too long and risk frostbite" cold.
And if you thought the air was going to give you a break, think again. Our Air Quality Index is hovering at a moderate 69, with Nitrogen Dioxide taking the lead. For those of us huffing and puffing, especially with pre-existing lung issues, this isn't ideal. Throw in that biting cold air, and you're just asking for a coughing fit or worse.
Navigating Toronto's Increasingly Fragmented Trails
Let's talk about our trails. If you're planning a long run, you're going to need a map and the patience of a saint. That Alberta Clipper that swept through earlier this week left us with "difficult to navigate" roads and walkways, meaning hidden ice patches are a very real threat.
And then there's the constant construction. The Lower Don Trail, a favourite for many, is still closed from Pottery Road north of the Queen Street stairs, and has been for a while, with no full reopening expected until Spring 2026. Don't even think about trying to sneak through; it's an active work zone, and you're just putting yourself and the workers at risk. Similarly, that section of the Etobicoke Creek Trail near Maurice J. Breen Park? Yeah, Metrolinx still has that stretch under wraps, well past its supposed February 7th reopening. Don't count on it being clear.
On top of all that, Metrolinx just started groundwork on a bunch of new Ontario Line stations in the east end, including along Overlea Boulevard near Thorncliffe Park and at Don Valley/Don Mills Road. So if you run through those areas, expect even more detours, noise, and general disruption. Good luck finding your flow through a construction site.
Watch Your Step! Icy Conditions: Despite the clear skies forecast for parts of today, that recent snowfall means lingering ice is highly probable, especially in shaded areas and on less-travelled paths. Assume all unplowed surfaces are slick.
Trail Blockages & Construction Zones: Seriously, respect the closures. The Lower Don Trail north of Queen, and likely parts of the Etobicoke Creek Trail, are not accessible. New Ontario Line construction means active work sites and heavy machinery in the east end. Plan alternate routes or stick to known-safe pavement.
Layer Up, Head to Toe: With wind chills making it feel like -16°C, exposed skin is a no-go. Think multiple layers, windproof outer shells, insulated gloves, a hat that covers your ears, and a neck gaiter. And for the love of all that is holy, wear proper winter running shoes with good grip.
Data grounded with CP24.com and To Do Canada from February 26, 2026.