Toronto residents and their pets made the most of the snowiest day on record

A record-breaking snowstorm blanketed Toronto and the rest of Southern Ontario on Sunday, dumping over 50 centimetres of snow across the region.

The historic storm marked the single-largest snowfall event ever recorded in Toronto since record-keeping began in 1937. Environment Canada reports that the total snowfall in January has reached 88.2 centimetres so far, also breaking a record for the snowiest such month in Toronto's history.

While many Toronto residents stocked up on groceries and hunkered down at home to wait out the storm, others braved the extreme cold and dense snow cover to venture outside and make the most of the historic winter event. 

One individual was spotted attempting to surf in Lake Ontario amid negative double-digit temperatures and intense snowfall. Video of this brave surfer was uploaded by a Redditor, who wrote, "I've seen it all in a snowstorm but...this I had not." 

 

I've seen it all in a snowstorm but...this I had not.
byu/toxiccityboiii intoronto

Of course, the video was met with a slew of sassy comments from the public, including one who wrote, "Now that's a real Canadian right there."

For many dog owners, the storm proved to be a challenge due to the deep snow and unpaved sidewalks. But one Toronto husky caught on camera appeared to be in its element. 

Heavy snowfall is happening in Toronto, Ontario, Canada right now. 🇨🇦❄️ pic.twitter.com/sSLe2Pp0MS

— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) January 26, 2026

As with the last major storm to strike the city on Jan. 16, many people were seen cross-country skiing around sidewalks and bike lanes. This weekend was no different, as many residents grabbed their skis to get around amid rolling transit closures and chaos on the roads. 

Dude in toronto using skis during the snowstorm... i respect it pic.twitter.com/DNXPtScHkS

— m (@plsdonutlean) January 25, 2026

While some dogs naturally embraced the snow, others appeared far less impressed. One video posted on Reddit shows an owner's two small dogs nearly buried in snow pushed onto the sidewalk by a passing plow.

Snowplow vs Dogs
byu/OstrichBoots1 intoronto

And, it seems even Toronto cats made the most of the snow day. One resident filmed her two cats, Gideon and Shelby, digging their cute little paws in the snow in the background. 

Gideon was more apprehensive about the snow than Shelby. They were so curious & then headed right back inside!#ONStorm #shareyourweather #Snowstorm2026 #toronto pic.twitter.com/0cRexjusgu

— Reinventyourday (@ReinventYourDay) January 26, 2026

While the worst of the storm has passed, the Weather Network says flurries may continue overnight across Toronto.