Photo via Vlad G on Shutterstock
Though the skating season in Ontario typically begins in January, it’s never too early to plan your winter trips ahead. There are a handful of skating trails and pathways offering the best winter experience in Ontario.
From night skates to free skating trails, Ontario has it all! Ditch those skating rinks and be one with nature.
Here are 5 skating trails and pathways you can explore in Ontario this winter season
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This 250-metre looped skating trail is decked out with lights for evening skating. And it’s free to enjoy!
Where: 1300 Elgin Mills Road East right next to Tom Graham Arena
This 1.1 km ice skating loop is located at the top of Blue Mountain and offers incredible views of the Niagara Escarpment.
You’ll truly feel like you’re in a winter wonderland with nothing but snow-covered trees and soaring views around you as you glide along the trail.
But, the real magic happens after sunset. Thousands of interactive lights illuminate the ice at night, guiding you around the trail as you skate after dark.
Where: 201 Scenic Caves Road, Unit AW2, The Blue Mountains
This trail is a free-to-use skating experience that spans 200 meters of open ice. It usually opens right after the New Year. According to Ontario Trails, the skating trail is run by volunteers who aim to maintain the experience running for as long as it can. It’s worth the road trip up north.
Where: Bailey St, Port Carling, ON
Opening January 13th, 2024, Icelynd Skating Trails offers two kilometres of natural ice trails in the evenings, under the stars. This magical experience will be open in the evenings and be illuminated by string lights, and natural solar lighting.
Where: 6865 Fernbank Rd – Stittsville, Ontario
Skating at The Bentway is back! This year, you can expect the return of free skate rental nights, free hot chocolate nights, beginner skate lessons, and the annual crowd-favourite Polar Bear Skate.
Where: 250 Fort York, under the Gardiner
If you’re looking for a great skating experience, head to Ottawa’s Rideau Canal Skateway. It’s the world’s largest skating rink and welcomes more than half a million people every year. Last year they open their skating season to the public in January so we could expect the same to occur this winter season.
Where: Ottawa
Brampton’s Gage Park skating trail is a popular family attraction for all ages. Skate past the trees and experience a thrilling day along the ice. It’s open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM and on the weekends.
Where: Main St. South and Wellington St. West in Downtown Brampton
Arrowhead Provincial Park’s skating trail is a stunner, especially at night. According to the park, the availability of skating is weather dependent but it usually opens in January.
Where: 451 Arrowhead Park Rd, Huntsville, ON
Tucked away, next to the Power House Recreation Centre near Humber Lakeshore campus, you’ll find the Colonel Samuel Smith Skating Trail. It’s in the shape of a figure-8 so you can do an infinite amount of laps this winter.
Where: 65 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Road
Discover this 1.2 km ice trail that loops around 12 acres of cranberries, this winter. The ice trail opens annually on December 27 and welcomes all for a day of some fun in the snow. And on Saturday nights, the trail is lit with 400 tiki torches for “Light the Night” night skating. How cool is that?!
Where: Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery – 1074 Cranberry Road, Bala
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