Top Outdoor Skating Rinks in Toronto: Your Guide to Winter Fun
Toronto is a winter wonderland for outdoor skating enthusiasts, with its array of scenic rinks and trails that cater to skaters of all skill levels. From urban trails surrounded by iconic city views to nature-infused paths tucked away in parks, there’s something for everyone. In this guide, discover the top outdoor skating rinks in Toronto, each offering a unique experience to embrace the winter season.
The Bentway Skate Trail
A 220-meter figure-eight trail under the Gardiner Expressway, featuring a winter village with warming stations and free skate rentals on Thursdays. It offers a festive and urban skating experience with great city views.
- Location: The Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd., M5V3K9
- Timings: Tuesday – Saturday, 11:00 AM- 6:30 PM
- Pricing: Free entry; skate rentals available; Free Skate Thursdays (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM) sponsored by Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
- Visit for Details: The Bentway
Nathan Phillips Square
Located in front of Toronto City Hall, this large outdoor rink offers beautiful views of the skyline and is a favorite for locals and tourists alike. It’s an iconic spot for a lively, winter skate.
- Location: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St West, M5H2N1
- Timings: Daily, 10:00 AM – 9:45 PM
- Pricing: Free entry; skate rentals available
- Visit for Details: Nathan Phillips Square
Harbourfront Centre’s Natrel Rink
Set by Lake Ontario, this rink features DJ Skate Nights and a stunning lakeside atmosphere, making it perfect for those looking to skate in a vibrant, scenic setting.
- Location: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. M5J2G8
- Timings: Daily, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Pricing: Free entry; skate rentals available
- Visit for Details: Harbourfront Centre
Colonel Sam Smith Skating Trail
Located in Colonel Samuel Smith Park, this peaceful figure-eight trail is surrounded by nature and offers a relaxing, scenic skating experience, with free parking on weekends.
- Location: Colonel Samuel Smith Park, 3145 Lake Shore Blvd W., M8V4B6
- Timings: Daily, 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Pricing: Free entry
- Visit for Details: Toronto Parks
Greenwood Arena
Toronto’s first covered outdoor rink, offering a longer skating season with protected facilities. It’s a quieter spot for community-centered outdoor skating.
- Location: Greenwood Arena, 150 Greenwood Ave., M4L 2R1
- Timings: Daily, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Pricing: Free entry; skate rentals available
- Visit for Details: Greenwood Arena
Sherbourne Common
A small rink with artificial ice, offering consistent conditions and beautiful views of the city skyline. It’s a peaceful, urban skating spot near the waterfront.
- Location: Sherbourne Common, 61 Dockside Dr., M5A0B6
- Timings: Daily, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Pricing: Free entry
- Visit for Details: Sherbourne Common
Ice Trail at Arrowhead Provincial Park
A 1.5 km skating trail in Huntsville, surrounded by trees and nature, is perfect for those seeking a scenic and tranquil winter skating experience.
- Location: 451 Arrowhead Provincial Park, Huntsville, P1H2J4
- Timings: Daily, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (seasonal)
- Pricing: Admission fees apply; rentals available
- Visit for Details: Ice Trail
Evergreen Brickworks
A seasonal outdoor rink set in a nature-focused urban space, perfect for skating surrounded by beautiful greenery. Skate rentals are available, and the rink operates from November to February.
- Location: Evergreen Brickworks, 550 Bayview Ave., M4W3X8
- Timings: Seasonal, typically November to February, 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM
- Pricing: Varies based on events; skate rentals available
- Visit for Details: Evergreen Brickworks
Barbara Ann Scott Skating Trail
Located on the Toronto Islands, this picturesque outdoor rink offers a peaceful setting for skating with stunning waterfront views.
- Location: 420 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 2H3
- Timings: Monday- Sunday 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Pricing: Free entry; skate rentals available
- Visit for Details: Toronto Islands
High Park
High Park’s outdoor rink offers a spacious and scenic setting with natural surroundings, ideal for skaters of all levels looking for a peaceful escape.
- Location: 300 Colborne Lodge Dr, Toronto, ON M6S 2T9
- Timings: Daily, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Pricing: Free entry; skate rentals available
- Visit for Details: High Park
Albion Arena
It is a cozy, community-focused rink with free admission, perfect for families and casual skaters looking for a welcoming, low-key skating experience.
- Location: 1501 Albion Rd, Etobicoke, ON M9V 1B2
- Timings: Sunday – Wednesday (9:30 AM.–9:00 PM), Thursday- Friday (10:00 AM- 9:30 PM), Saturday (9:30 AM.–9:00 PM)
- Pricing: Free entry; skate rentals available
- Visit for Details: Albion Arena
Whether you’re a seasoned skater or just lacing up for the first time, Toronto’s outdoor rinks offer memorable ways to enjoy the winter months. Each spot brings its own charm—whether it’s a bustling city square, a peaceful park, or a lakeside trail. So, grab your skates, bundle up, and experience the best of Toronto’s outdoor skating season.
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