Where to Go Ice Skating in Toronto
Naturally, the home of the Toronto Maple Leafs has prime ice for all kinds of skating, from games of pickup shinny on neighbourhood ponds to picturesque figure skating rinks and trails.
Whether you need to rent a pair of skates to pass some laps under holiday lights or have your own blades to take a spin under the brick arches of a former factory open to the stars, there is no shortage of memorable ice skating rinks in Toronto. There’s even a rooftop skating spot where you can take in unbeatable views of Toronto’s iconic skyline.
Or when the temperature drops and the ponds crust over thick, head out to the local ice skating rinks and see Toronto from a new perspective. Here are a few of the top places to skate this winter season.
Popular rinks in Toronto
For over 60 years, Torontonians and visitors to the city alike have flocked to Nathan Phillips Square’s outdoor ice rink. Each winter, this tourist attraction turns its reflecting pool into the perfect rink for skating. The site offers skate rentals, helmet rentals and skate sharping ranging from $5–15. After your time on the ice, keep your perfect winter day going at nearby shops and restaurants conveniently located in the city’s centre.
Located underneath Toronto’s Gardiner Expressway, The Bentway is an outdoor figure-eight rind which stretches over 220-metre-long. This public skating trail is perfect for families, couples and friends looking to enjoy the city and stay active. Skate rentals are available, and the site has a bar where you can enjoy hot chocolate and other goodies.
Glide through a snow-covered garden at Evergreen Brick Works. At this outdoor skating rink, which features a refrigeration system for sustainable cooling, you can enjoy this popular winter activity under exposed beams from the roof of the old brick factory. Between December and March, the rink is open to the public—weather permitting. For an additional cost, the site offers skating lessons for both children and adults.
