This Ontario winery has an outdoor skating rink & hot boozy drinks

The urge to hibernate all winter is definitely real, but if you want to embrace the cold for a change, this is the place to do it! There is an ice skating rink at Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery in Niagara On The Lake, and it is scheduled to open in December.

Affectionately named “The Great One’s backyard rink,” this Ontario experience is as Canadian as it gets.

Starting on December 1st (weather permitting), you’ll be able to bring your skates or rent a pair and glide around the ice at this picturesque rink among the vineyards.

Then, warm up fireside or kick back on The Whiskey Bar heated patio.

On the menu, you’ll find “hot and sturdy cocktails” paired with warm winter-inspired bites created by Chef Maurice.

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“As long as weather cooperates, the rink opens in early December and closes mid-March,” states the rink’s website.

And once it does open, there will be free Community Skate Days to help support the community of Niagara on The Lake.

“Proceeds from our skate rentals on this day will be donated back to our neighboring charities. Local Niagara residents will receive free skating,” it states. The Community Skate Days this season start on Monday, December 18th, then it will also take place on Monday, January 8th, Monday, February 12th, and Monday, March 4th.

It has events throughout the season, so you can check back once the rink opens!

There’s nothing like summertime in wine country, of course. But, with experiences like these, there’s no denying that winter in Niagara is just as exciting.

Wayne Gretzky Estates Skating Rink

When: Starting December 1st, 2023 – weather permitting.
Where: Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery, 1219 Niagara Stone Road
Cost: $5, $10 for skate rentals