It’s getting chilly in Toronto and that has everyone thinking about outdoor winter activities. Opportunities for ice skating have become more plentiful in the city in recent years, with freeform paths being built in parks and even under highways! Outdoor skating is one of those rare activities that families of all ages can enjoy together during the long and cold winter months. With rosy cheeks and mitten-covered hands, you can skate, spin and play shinny, so here is your Guide to the Best Spots to Go Outdoor Skating in Toronto…
Note: Most outdoor rinks maintained by the City of Toronto will open by December 2, 2023 (unless stated otherwise) and a number open in late November. Check out their full list of locations and hours here.
The Bentway Skate Trail
Tucked away under the Gardiner Expressway, this skating path has a distinctly urban vibe. Season runs from December 16 to February 19, 2024 (weather dependent).
Where: The Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd.
College Park
It is possible to have a relaxing skate downtown, even when surrounded by shops, condos and office buildings, at the Barbara Ann Scott skating path at College Park. This track is also popular with roller skaters in summer months.
Address: 420 Yonge St.
Evergreen Brick Works
Rentals, free public skating, lessons and special events take place at this beautiful rink that weaves through the surrounding gardens. Skating lessons start in January and public skating runs December to March.
Where: 550 Bayview Ave.
Nathan Phillips Square
Skate under the Freedom Arches at this popular outdoor ice rink, which has skate rentals and indoor change rooms available.
Where: 100 Queen St. West
Paul Quarrington Ice Rink
A splash pad in summer and skating pond in winter, this area of Sherbourne Common provides a lovely waterfront view while engaging in physical activity. Enjoy a leisurely or brisk skate while taking in the city’s wonderful sites.
Where: 61 Dockside Drive
WinterViews at RendezViews
The outdoor downtown venue RendezViews presents WinterViews, a new skating experience that is like a cottage retreat in a winter wonderland.
Where: RendezViews, 221 Richmond St. West
Giovanni Caboto Rink
This park, which also has a popular outdoor pool in summer, has a skating pad and rink combination that is a winter hub along Corso Italia.
Where: 1367 St. Clair Ave. West
Rennie Park
This park has a large open rink with electronic scoreboard for a competitive game of shinny, plus a freeform skating pad next door for a more casual experience.
Where: 1 Rennie Terrace
Trinity Bellwoods Park
Located in a park that is a hub for recreational activity during all seasons. Plus, public skate, casual shinny games and registered lessons are available here.
Where: 790 Queen St. West
Wallace Emerson Park
This park and community centre at Dufferin & Dupont has a double pad ice rink with changing facilities.
Where: 1260 Dufferin St.
Dieppe Park
This East York park has an outdoor artificial ice rink and is extremely popular in the winter time due to the double-pad rink which allows for non-stop public skate.
Where: 455 Cosburn Ave.
Greenwood Park
This popular winter spot has a busy pleasure-skating trail as well as a large covered rink for playing an invigorating game of recreational shinny.
Where: 150 Greenwood Ave.
Kew Gardens
This rink by the beach has a small grandstand so your friends and family can cheer you on as you play shinny. Skating lessons are also popular here.
Where: 2075 Queen St. East
Riverdale Park East
With the downtown skyline as a backdrop and tobogganers whooshing down the steep hill nearby, you can also skate on a rink or skating trail beside it.
Where: 550 Broadview Ave.
Albert Campbell Square
Located in a courtyard by the Scarborough Town Centre, this is a lovely spot to go skating after doing some shopping.
Where: 150 Borough Drive
McCowan District Park
This Scarborough park includes both a rink and skating trail that meanders around wintery landscaping.
Where: 150 McCowan Road
Colonel Samuel Smith Park
This outdoor path in Etobicoke expands into a figure-eight shape and covers 250 metres of ice trail. It is also located near lots of wildlife and natural beauty.
Where: 3145 Lake Shore Blvd. West
Ledbury Rink
An outdoor pool becomes a rink perfect for shinny near Bathurst Street and Lawrence Avenue West.
Where: 160 Ledbury St.
Mel Lastman Square
The small pond at Mel Lastman Square makes for a great family skating rink in winter time. Located at the North York Civic Centre, it’s great for beginners to enjoy an afternoon of leisure.
Where: 5100 Yonge St.
Looking for more Winter Outdoor Events in Toronto? Click here!
