Toronto offers a plethora of enchanting spots for ice skating enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a novice looking to embrace the magic of winter, Toronto’s diverse array of skating destinations promises an unforgettable experience.
Join us as we lace up our skates and embark on a journey through the best ice skating spots that Toronto has to offer, each one infused with its own charm and character.
- Nathan Philips Square
- The Bentway Skate Trail
- The Well Skating Rink
- RendezViews WinterViews
- Riverdale Park East Skating Rink
- Evergreen Brick Works Ice Rink
- Colonel Samuel Smith Skating Trail
- Greenwood Outdoor Ice Rink
- Dufferin Grove Park Ice Rink
- Ledbury Rink
- Albert Campbell Square
- Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail
- Kew Gardens Artificial Ice Rink
- Paul Quarrington Ice Rink and Splash Pad
Nathan Philips Square
Address: 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N1, Canada
Phone: +1 416-392-2489
Nathan Phillips Square is an iconic landmark in Toronto and its ice rink is a popular winter attraction for both locals and visitors. It’s a great place to enjoy some outdoor skating, take in the sights and sounds of the city, and create some lasting memories.
The rink is free to use, but there is a fee to rent skates if you don’t have your own. The square is also home to the annual Toronto Christmas Market, which makes for a festive atmosphere during the holiday season.
Pro Tip:
The surface gets a bit rough with all the skaters so keep that in mind before visiting with your friends or family!
The Bentway Skate Trail
Address: 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3K9, Canada
Phone: +1 416-304-0222
The Bentway Skate Trail is a unique outdoor skating experience located in Toronto, offering a scenic and vibrant alternative to the classic Nathan Phillips Square rink. It’s a beloved city staple that offers an exciting skating experience unlike any other.
The trail is a 220-meter figure-eight loop, offering a fun and scenic skate under the city. Visit the trail and enjoy free hot chocolate nights, beginner skating lessons, special events like the Polar Bear Skate, and even art installations.
Pro Tip:
Skate rentals are also available on-site and a small heated area provides a comfortable area for resting.
The Well Skating Rink
Address: 444 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2S9, Canada
The Well Skating Rink in Toronto is a relatively new addition to the city’s winter scene, having opened in late 2023 as part of the massive The Well development project. The rink boasts a unique Nordic-inspired design, making it feel like a true winter wonderland.
You can enjoy gliding on the ice for free, whether you bring your own skates or rent a pair from the Skating Hut. All rental proceeds support the Out of the Cold Program, a worthy cause helping those experiencing homelessness in Toronto.
Pro Tip:
They close the rink if the weather isn’t suitable for skating, so make sure you check for any messages or notifications if you have a reservation before heading to the venue.
RendezViews WinterViews
Address: 229 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1W2, Canada
RendezViews WinterViews is a unique and festive pop-up experience that transforms the Richmond Street parking lot into a magical winter wonderland, complete with an eco-friendly ice skating rink as its centrepiece.
This innovative rink uses synthetic ice that requires no water, energy, or CO2 emissions, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly choice. It’s also smooth and easy to skate on, perfect for all ages and skill levels.
Pro Tip:
Rent a private cabin for a unique and intimate skating experience, complete with a fire pit for warmth and ambiance.
Riverdale Park East Skating Rink
Address: 550 Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 2N6, Canada
Phone: +1 416-392-2489
Nestled in the heart of Toronto’s east end, Riverdale Park East offers a scenic and enjoyable ice skating experience. The park features a large artificial outdoor rink that’s perfect for both casual skaters and families.
The rink caters to both leisurely skaters and those who prefer playing shinny hockey. With its accessible location, free admission, and family-friendly atmosphere, it’s perfect for those seeking a fun and relaxing outdoor experience.
Pro Tip:
Check the City of Toronto website for the most up-to-date schedule, as hours can vary depending on the day and week.
Evergreen Brick Works Ice Rink
Address: 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4W 3X8, Canada
Phone: +1 416-596-7670
The Evergreen Brick Works ice rink is a magical winter wonderland that offers a fun and festive experience for all ages. The rink weaves through snow-covered gardens, with exposed beams from the roof of the old brick factory adding to the ambiance.
Its combination of historical setting, sustainable features, and open atmosphere makes it a popular choice for those seeking a winter outing with a twist.
Pro Tip:
Parking can get crowded, especially on weekends, so consider arriving early or using public transportation.
Colonel Samuel Smith Skating Trail
Address: 3145 Lake Shore Blvd W, Etobicoke, ON M8V 4B6, Canada
Phone: +1 416-392-2489
While Colonel Samuel Smith Park doesn’t offer a traditional ice rink, it boasts a unique artificial ice skating trail called the Colonel Sam Smith Skating Trail. This figure-eight trail offers a scenic and enjoyable experience for skaters of all levels.
Surrounded by trees and offering views of Lake Ontario, the trail provides a picturesque backdrop for your winter outing. The trail utilizes an eco-friendly refrigeration system, ensuring consistent ice conditions throughout the season.
Pro Tip:
The park also features a variety of other winter activities, such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Greenwood Outdoor Ice Rink
Address: 150 Greenwood Ave, Toronto, ON M4L 2R1, Canada
Phone: +1 416-392-7804
The Greenwood Park Outdoor Ice Rink offers a unique and enjoyable winter experience in Toronto’s Leslieville neighbourhood. Unique in its design, the rink combines a covered artificial rink and a scenic natural trail.
It’s typically open from late November to mid-March, depending on weather conditions. Special events like public skating nights with DJs or live music are sometimes held, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Pro Tip:
Skating lessons for all ages and skill levels are offered at the rink, allowing you to learn or improve your skills.
Dufferin Grove Park Ice Rink
Address: 875 Dufferin St, Toronto, ON M6H 3K8, Canada
The Dufferin Grove Park Ice Rink offers a lively and community-oriented skating experience in Toronto. It boasts two separate ice pads, one dedicated to leisure skating and the other for shinny hockey.
The nearby clubhouse offers a warm-up space with changing rooms, lockers, and washrooms. The park is known for its vibrant community, with lively music often playing at the rink and a sense of camaraderie among skaters.
Pro Tip:
A snack bar operates seasonally within the clubhouse, offering refreshments and snacks.
Ledbury Rink
Address: 146 Ledbury St, North York, ON M5M 4L9, Canada
Phone: +1 416-395-7962
Ledbury Rink is an artificial ice rink located in Ledbury Park, a 1.6-hectare park near Bathurst Street and Lawrence Avenue West in Toronto.
The rink is a long rectangle set in an artificial gully with steep banks on either side. There’s a bridge that crosses over the ice surface and a small change room with benches at the south end of the rink.
Pro Tip:
A lot of people play hockey on the rink so keep that in mind if you plan to visit for a skating session.
Albert Campbell Square
Address: 150 Borough Dr, Scarborough, ON M1P 0B1, Canada
Phone: +1 416-338-4386
Officially opened in 2002, Albert Campbell Square was Scarborough’s only permanent outdoor rink until 2014. Located in the courtyard between the Scarborough Civic Centre and Scarborough Town Centre, its design was inspired by Nathan Phillips Square.
Surrounded by greenery and landscaping, the square offers a tranquil escape from the busy city. The rink is perfect for all ages and skill levels, with plenty of space to maneuver.
Pro Tip:
Supervised skating is from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM on weekdays and all day on weekends.
Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail
Address: 420 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 2H3, Canada
The Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail, named after Canadian figure skating legend Barbara Ann Scott, is a unique outdoor ice skating experience located in the heart of downtown Toronto.
Unlike traditional rinks, the trail boasts a winding, looped path that’s approximately 5 meters wide. It utilizes a state-of-the-art carbon dioxide refrigeration system, making it one of the most environmentally friendly ice rinks in North America.
Pro Tip:
Special events like the annual Barbara Ann Scott Ice & Light Festival are held during the holiday season, featuring live music, performances, and festive activities for the whole family.
Kew Gardens Artificial Ice Rink
Address: Toronto, ON M4L 1B8, Canada
Phone: +1 416-392-0739
The Kew Gardens Artificial Ice Rink, also known as the Lee Avenue Rink, is a seasonal outdoor rink located in Toronto’s Beaches neighbourhood. The rink is surrounded by trees and offers views of Lake Ontario, making for a picturesque skating experience.
It’s perfect for families and people of all ages and skill levels. Warm up with hot chocolate or snacks at the nearby change room building, which also features washrooms and a water bottle filling station.
Pro Tip:
The rink occasionally hosts special events, such as public skate nights with DJs or live music.
Paul Quarrington Ice Rink and Splash Pad
Address: 5 Lower Sherbourne St, Toronto, ON M5A 1B6, Canada
The Paul Quarrington Ice Rink and Splash Pad, also known as the Sherbourne Common Ice Rink and Splash Pad, is a unique seasonal attraction in Toronto. It was named after Paul Quarrington, a renowned Toronto author, musician, and screenwriter.
This dual-purpose facility features an outdoor ice rink in the winter and a splash pad in the summer, making it a year-round destination for families and individuals seeking outdoor fun.
Pro Tip:
The rink is relatively small and hidden so skaters would often have the place to themselves.