It’s skating season, baby! The time of year where we head outside, lace-up, and promptly wipe out on all of Toronto’s best rinks and skating trails. As you’ve probably heard, the city just opened up some of our favourite spots. So we’re planning on having a skating day ASAP.
As a side note – because of COVID-19 regulations, you’ll have to book a reservation to skate at these spots. You can do so online here. Be sure to check all COVID-19 guidelines before visiting any Toronto skating rink or trail.
Here are 11 awesome outdoor skating spots in Toronto.
NATHAN PHILLIPS SQUARE
This one’s an obvious choice, but it’s worth mentioning. An afternoon at this skating rink is an essential for any Toronto winter. You’ll enjoy the outdoor ambience of the city centre. Plus, who can resist a glide by that famous Toronto sign?
Where: 100 Queen St W
CHRISTIE PITS
Scoot a little north this winter for an artificial ice rink that’s fun for the whole family. This outdoor spot is surrounded by one of Toronto’s favourite parks. So after your skate, be sure to frolic in the snow, grab a coffee nearby, and enjoy the outdoors.
Where: 750 Bloor St W
DUFFERIN GROVE PARK
This 5.3-hectare park is home to one of Toronto’s best outdoor rinks. An afternoon here is an afternoon well spent. Plus, its location in the vibrant Dufferin Grove neighbourhood gives it the lively ambiance your winter needs.
Where: 875 Dufferin St
HIGH PARK
Who can resist a visit to High Park? No matter the season, this Toronto spot is a gorgeous outdoor oasis. So it’s no wonder they’re home to one of the city’s best rinks. Head on over and skate the day away.
Where: 1873 Bloor St W
HUMBER VALLEY
Don’t worry Etobicokians, we’ve got you covered too. Humber Valley Rink is the outdoor spot Western Torontonians known and love. You can stop by for drop-in shinny (COVID-19 pending) or for your regular unsupervised free skate.
Where: 50 Anglesey Blvd
COLONEL SAM SMITH SKATING TRAIL
Skate along a figure-eight shaped trail at this gorgeous outdoor park. You’ll be immersed in plants, trees, and wildlife as you scoot around the track. There’s also a nearby park complete with scenic views and a dogs off-leash area.
Where: 65 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Dr, Etobicoke
EVERGREEN BRICKWORKS
This picturesque rink hasn’t exactly opened to the public just yet (that’s on hold until further notice), but you can stop by for private skating lessons. As per COVID-19 regulations, they’ll host up to 10 people at a time to teach you how to brush up on those skating skills. You can check out their full class schedule here and keep an eye out for their public skate launch!
Where: 550 Bayview Ave
GREENWOOD PARK
You can hit up a trail OR a rink at this spectacular park. This spot is home to Toronto’s very first covered outdoor artificial rink. Plus, the trail is a definite must-see.
Where: 150 Greenwood Ave
RIVERDALE PARK EAST
As if the views this spot offers weren’t enough, you can also stop by for a winter skate. Hit up their rink and glide your heart out. Then head over to Riverdale Park West, grab a hot chocolate at Roosters Coffee House, and watch the sun set over Toronto. Seriously, it’s a perfect day.
Where: 550 Broadview Ave
QUEENSWAY PARK RINK AND TRAIL
Last but not least we’ve got the Queensway Park Rink and Trail. This 3.1-hectare park is perfect for an afternoon outdoors. Both the rink and the trail are winter-ready. So lace on up and hit the ice.
Where: 8 Avon Park Dr
Happy skating, Toronto! Let us know which of these fabulous spots you check out first.
