Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks and Trails in Toronto
Updated: Jan 27
Welcome to the frost-kissed wonderland of Toronto, a city that truly embraces the chill of winter with open arms and ice skates at the ready! As the mercury dips, Toronto's parks and public spaces transform into enchanting ice rinks, beckoning locals and visitors alike to partake in the quintessential Canadian pastime of ice skating. Whether you're looking to perfect your triple axel, engage in a friendly game of shinny, or simply glide hand-in-hand with loved ones under the twinkling lights, there's a slice of ice for everyone.
In this article, we'll lace up our skates and glide through the top ice skating rinks in Toronto, each offering its own unique spin on this magical winter activity. So bundle up, grab your mittens, and let's explore the very best places to skate your heart out!
Index
1. Nathan Phillips Square
Location: 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON
Website: Nathan Phillips Square
Nathan Phillips Square in downtown Toronto is not only a bustling public space but also a beloved winter venue for ice skating. As the temperatures drop, the square's large outdoor rink draws locals and tourists alike, eager to lace up their skates and enjoy the crisp winter air. Flanked by the impressive Toronto City Hall and the illuminated TORONTO sign, the rink offers a magical backdrop for both day and nighttime skating. Seasonal festivities often accompany the skating season, including holiday decorations and music, creating a joyful atmosphere. With skate rentals available, everyone can partake in this quintessential Toronto winter pastime.
2. Harbourfront Centre Natrel Rink
Location: 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON
Website: Harbourfront Centre Natrel Rink
Note: Closed for 2024 because of construction works.
The Harbourfront Centre Natrel Rink in Toronto offers a unique skating experience with breathtaking views of Lake Ontario and the city skyline. This lakeside rink provides a picturesque setting for ice skating enthusiasts and novices alike, making it a popular winter destination. Open throughout the winter season, the rink hosts DJ nights and themed skating parties, adding a lively twist to traditional ice skating. With free admission and affordable skate rentals, it's an accessible way for families and friends to embrace the chilly Toronto winters. After skating, visitors can warm up with a hot beverage from the rink-side café, making every visit cozy and complete.
3. Evergreen Brick Works Skating Rink
Location: 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON
Website: Evergreen Brick Works
Evergreen Brick Works Skating Rink in Toronto presents a unique, rustic ice skating experience, set against the backdrop of the city's industrial heritage. Nestled in the Don Valley, this eco-friendly rink is made from a sustainable refrigeration system and offers a serene escape from the urban hustle. Surrounded by repurposed brick buildings and natural landscapes, skaters glide across the ice in a picturesque setting. The rink emphasizes community and environmental connection, with skate rentals and sharpening services available. During the winter months, families and friends can enjoy this hidden gem and its winter market, making it more than just a skating trip but a holistic cultural outing.
4. Colonel Samuel Smith Park Skating Trail
Location: 3145 Lake Shore Blvd W, Etobicoke, ON
Website: Colonel Samuel Smith Park
The Colonel Samuel Smith Park Skating Trail in Toronto is a scenic outdoor ice path that meanders through the park's natural landscape. Unlike traditional rinks, this figure-eight shaped trail offers an enchanting skating experience, allowing visitors to weave through trees and open spaces with views of Lake Ontario. This skating trail, with its gently curving paths, is well-suited for families and skaters seeking a more dynamic skating experience than a standard oval rink provides. The park's tranquil surroundings and the trail's well-maintained ice surface make it an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy winter's beauty while practicing their skating skills in Toronto's cooler months.
5. High Park Skating Rink
Location: 300 Colborne Lodge Dr, Toronto
Website: High Park Skating Rink
High Park's outdoor skating rink is a winter highlight for Toronto residents. Nestled within the city's largest public park, the rink offers a chance to skate surrounded by High Park's expansive greenery, now blanketed in snow. This well-maintained facility provides a traditional skating experience for all skill levels, from enthusiastic toddlers taking their first slide to seasoned skaters perfecting their figure eights. The rink's laid-back atmosphere is perfect for families and individuals looking to enjoy a leisurely skate or a fun game of shinny hockey. With lighting for evening skating, the fun extends well past sunset in this natural oasis within the bustling city.
6. Ryerson Community Park Rink
Location: 25 Gould st., Toronto, ON
Website: NA
Tucked in the heart of downtown Toronto, the Ryerson Community Park Rink offers a cozy and intimate setting for ice skating. Surrounded by the university's modern architecture and the energetic vibe of the city, this rink provides a perfect urban escape for students and nearby residents. The smaller size ensures a friendly, community feel where neighbors can mingle and enjoy the simple pleasure of skating under the open sky. It's a conveniently located spot for taking a break from the daily grind, lacing up your skates, and enjoying a few whirls on the ice, with the city's buzz just steps away
7. Mel Lastman Square Rink
Location: 4370 Bloor St W
Website: Mel Lastman Square Rink
Mel Lastman Square Rink, situated in North York's bustling city centre, is a vibrant hub for ice skating in Toronto. This outdoor rink, framed by the dramatic architecture of the North York Civic Centre and a variety of shops and eateries, offers a lively atmosphere for skaters of all ages. It's a community gathering spot, especially during winter evenings when the twinkling lights create a festive mood. The spacious ice surface accommodates both leisurely skaters and enthusiastic hockey players. With free public access, it's a go-to destination for families seeking a fun and affordable winter activity in the heart of the uptown area.
8. Glen Long Community Centre Rink
Location: 35 Glen Long Ave, North York, ON
Website: Glen Long Community Centre
Glen Long Community Centre Rink in Toronto provides a neighborhood-friendly setting for ice-skating enthusiasts. This smaller, less crowded outdoor rink allows for a more personal and relaxed skating experience, away from the city's more bustling venues. It's ideal for families and those new to skating, offering a safe and supportive environment to practice and enjoy the ice. The community center's rink is a cherished local spot, where friends meet, and memories are made amidst laughter and the sound of skates carving the ice. It embodies the community spirit, making it a winter favorite for residents of all ages.
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9. Greenwood Park Rink
Location: 150 Greenwood Ave, Toronto, ON
Website: Greenwood Park Rink
Greenwood Park Rink stands out in Toronto's East End with its expansive outdoor artificial ice rink and a covered outdoor skating path, allowing for a diverse ice skating experience. The rink is divided, catering to both leisure skaters and hockey enthusiasts, with a barrier-free design that is inclusive for all. Skaters can glide under the open sky or wind their way through the tree-lined skating trail, which provides a unique experience akin to skating through a winter forest. The facility's family-friendly atmosphere is enhanced by the warming hut, where skaters can take a break and cozy up before heading back onto the ice.
10. Dieppe Park Rink
Location: 455 Cosburn Ave, East York, ON
Website: Dieppe Park Rink
Dieppe Park Rink, located in Toronto's East York neighborhood, offers a vibrant community atmosphere for outdoor winter skating. This well-maintained rink is known for its spacious ice pad, which is ideal for both free skating and hockey, catering to a diverse group of ice enthusiasts. Its welcoming environment is perfect for families and individuals looking to enjoy the crisp winter air while staying active. The adjacent fieldhouse provides a spot to lace up your skates and warm up with a hot drink. With ample lighting for evening skates, Dieppe Park Rink is a beloved local spot for winter recreation and socializing.
11. Rennie Park Rink
Location: 1 Rennie Terrace, Toronto, ON
Website: Rennie Park Rink
Rennie Park Rink in Toronto's Swansea neighborhood is a hidden gem for winter skating enthusiasts. This outdoor facility offers a well-maintained ice surface ideal for families and friends to enjoy together. The rink's intimate size fosters a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a great place for beginners to learn and for more experienced skaters to show off their skills. Nestled within Rennie Park’s scenic surroundings, the rink provides a picturesque escape from the urban hustle, complete with the convenience of nearby amenities. It's a community-centric spot that comes alive in the winter with the shared joy of ice skating.
12. Otter Creek Centre Rink
Location: 140 Cheritan Ave, Toronto, ON
Website: Otter Creek Centre - City of Toronto
Otter Creek Centre Rink, nestled in the Lawrence Park neighborhood of Toronto, is a cozy community ice rink that offers a delightful skating experience. This rink features two well-maintained ice pads, one primarily for hockey and the other dedicated to public skating, ensuring all visitors have a place to enjoy the ice. It's a favorite local spot, particularly for families and children, who appreciate the friendly, small-town vibe amidst the urban setting. The rink's adjacent clubhouse provides a warm retreat to lace up skates and chat with neighbors, making it a social hub during the chilly winter months.
13. Kew Gardens Rink
Location: 2075 Queen St E, Toronto, ON
Website: Kew Gardens - City of Toronto
Kew Gardens Rink in the Beaches neighborhood of Toronto is a winter haven for ice skating near the shores of Lake Ontario. This charming outdoor rink, surrounded by the quaint parkland of Kew Gardens, offers a serene retreat from city life. It's a popular spot for both leisurely skating and friendly pick-up hockey games. The rink's proximity to the beach adds a unique twist to the skating experience, where the crisp lake breezes mingle with the laughter of skaters. With its welcoming community atmosphere and scenic location, Kew Gardens Rink is a beloved spot for creating frosty winter memories.
14. Westway Outdoor Rink
Location: 175 The Westway, Etobicoke, ON
Westway Outdoor Rink, situated in the Etobicoke area of Toronto, is a bustling hub of winter sports and community engagement. This outdoor rink caters to a diverse crowd, from spirited hockey players to families seeking a leisurely skate. The rink's spacious surface is well-maintained, ensuring a quality experience for skaters of every skill level. As the winter sun sets, the rink lights up, extending the day's enjoyment into the evening. The rink is a focal point for neighborhood interaction, where residents come together, forging connections and celebrating the joy of the season on the ice.
15. Withrow Park Rink
Location: 725 Logan Ave, Toronto, ON
Withrow Park Rink, located in Toronto's vibrant Riverdale neighborhood, is a beloved community gathering spot during the winter months. This outdoor rink provides a picturesque setting for ice skating, where tall trees and snow-covered slopes frame the ice. It's an ideal place for family outings and meeting friends, offering a leisurely skate under the open sky. The rink often buzzes with the energy of local hockey games, fostering a sense of camaraderie among players. With its friendly atmosphere and well-maintained facilities, Withrow Park Rink is a cherished winter destination for both casual skaters and sports enthusiasts in the heart of the city.
16. Wallace Emerson Park Rink
Location: 1260 Dufferin St, Toronto, ON
Wallace Emerson Park Rink, located in Toronto's west end, is an integral part of the local community, offering a spacious and well-kept ice surface for public enjoyment. This rink accommodates a variety of activities, from figure skating to hockey, making it a versatile venue for winter sports enthusiasts. It's a place where neighbors gather, children learn to skate, and friends chase pucks across the ice. The adjacent community center provides amenities and a warm space to change into skates. As a hub of activity during the winter season, Wallace Emerson Park Rink is a lively spot for creating lasting memories on the ice.
17. Harry Gairey Rink
Location: 275 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON
Website: Alexandra Park - City of Toronto
Harry Gairey Rink, nestled in Toronto's bustling Alexandra Park, is a vibrant spot for ice skating enthusiasts. Named in honor of a local community advocate, the rink is steeped in neighborhood heritage. It features a large, refrigerated ice surface that accommodates both leisurely skaters and competitive hockey players, maintaining a lively pulse throughout the winter. The surrounding park, with its mature trees and urban charm, provides a pleasant backdrop for an afternoon glide or an energetic game of shinny. The rink's inclusive atmosphere and central location make it a winter hub for socializing and enjoying one of Canada's favorite pastimes.
18. Regent Park Athletic Grounds Rink
Location: 480 Shuter St, Toronto, ON
Regent Park Athletic Grounds Rink is a gleaming winter sports facility in the heart of Toronto's revitalized Regent Park community. The rink stands out as a symbol of the area's transformation, offering a state-of-the-art ice surface for both recreational and organized skating. Open to all ages and skill levels, it's a place where the community comes together to enjoy the crisp winter air and the joy of ice skating. The Athletic Grounds also include a variety of other sports amenities, but during the winter months, the rink becomes the centerpiece, buzzing with activity and fostering a strong sense of community through the shared love of skating.
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19. Buttonwood Park Rink
Location: 30 Mulham Pl, Toronto, ON
Website: Buttonwood Park - City of Toronto
Buttonwood Park Rink in Toronto's west end is a cherished local winter spot. This outdoor ice rink, surrounded by residential streets, offers a cozy, neighborhood feel that's perfect for families and casual skaters. The rink's modest size means less crowding and a more personal skating experience, allowing for enjoyable ice time even during peak hours. It's a place where kids can often be seen taking their first glide on the ice, and where the community spirit really shines through, as residents come together to enjoy one of winter's simplest pleasures amidst the laughter and sounds of blades against the ice.
20. Dufferin Grove Park Rink
Location: 875 Dufferin St, Toronto, ON
Website: Dufferin Grove Park Rink
Dufferin Grove Park Rink is a treasured outdoor ice-skating destination in Toronto's vibrant Dufferin Grove neighborhood. This rink is celebrated for its strong sense of community and festive atmosphere, often enhanced by music and the aroma of hot chocolate from the rink-side snack bar. It features two pads: one for hockey and the other for leisure skating, ensuring space for everyone. The rink is surrounded by the park's charming landscape, creating a picturesque setting for an afternoon glide or an evening under the stars. With its welcoming feel and lively local scene, it's a winter gathering place for skaters of all ages and abilities.
Please note that the availability and conditions of the rinks can vary based on weather conditions, so it's always a good idea to check the respective websites or contact the facilities directly for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit.
For most updated openings and closures, consult here at https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/outdoor-rinks/index.html.
