‘Tis the season to fall over, fa la la la la! It’s December, which means it’s not only Christmas, but skating rink Christmas! This is the month when most of the outdoor rinks in Toronto are finally frozen enough for you to take the ice. Normally we’re not exactly stoked for things to freeze over, but this is the one exception. So, where to break in those blades?
These are 8 of our favourite skating rinks in Toronto!
NATHAN PHILLIPS SQUARE, OBVIOUSLY
This is the iconic Toronto skating experience. Nestled right into downtown, you can skate under the beautiful lights and grab a hot chocolate afterwards. Also, there’s a Christmas market running alongside until the end of the holidays!
Where: 100 Queen St W
UNION STATION
Union Station just debuted a rink half the size of an NHL rink on Front Street West. It’s totally free to use, with free equipment rentals and lessons. Also, Tessa Virtue casually stopped by for a twirl. NBD.
Where: Sir John A. MacDonald Plaza
NATREL RINK AT HARBOURFRONT CENTRE
Another classic spot for a little glide (or fall, if you’re us) is Natrel Rink, right next to Lake Ontario. Hit up their legendary weekend DJ Skate Nights, but just don’t try to twerk on the ice. We can confirm it’s risky.
Where: 235 Queens Quay W
THE BENTWAY
What to do with that awkward space under an expressway? Make it a skating trail! Such innovation. The Bentway is a great place if you prefer a figure-8 to the classic round-and-round. Also, there are weekly free skate nights where you can take a lap or lesson for no charge!
Where: 250 Fort York Blvd
BARBARA ANN SCOTT TRAIL
This brand-new trail is the first outdoor skating path in North America to incorporate fancy carbon dioxide refrigeration technology, making it one of the first to be able to open. A brand-new warming house is adjacent to the trail so you’ve got a place to warm up and lick your wounds!
Where: 420 Yonge St
COLONEL SAM SMITH SKATING TRAIL
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Nothing like winding around a figure eight on a beautiful winter day. If you can forget that you’re next to a probably-haunted old psychiatric building, you’ll have a great time out here!
Where: 65 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Dr, Etobicoke
EVERGREEN BRICK WORKS
This trail is one of the most unique in the city. You’re kinda-inside-kinda-outside as you skate through the old brick factory. There is always something fun going on at Evergreen, so you’re sure to find some fun after you’ve tired your ankles right out.
Where: 550 Bayview Ave
GREENWOOD ARENA
Greenwood has a little advantage on those snowy days- not only is there an outdoor skating rink, but you can play hockey under a covered rink as well. Shinny without a constant pelting of snow in your eyes, what a treat!
Where: 150 Greenwood Ave
With over a hundred possible places to skate in the city, we’re just getting started here. Let us know what your favourite skating rinks in Toronto are! Anyone have wrist guards we can borrow?
