Countryside and forest skating trails in Ontario
Arrowhead Provincial Park
This popular pastime has undergone a modern makeover across Ontario with new and enhanced skate trails and rinks, many of which are lit up at night for ambient evening skating. Several spots also offer accompanying treats, from hot chocolate to mulled wine.
From snow-covered forests to scenic wineries, you’ll love these gorgeous places to go ice skating in Ontario.
Before you set out, check the weather conditions and make sure the rink or trail is open. Additionally, inquire about the availability of ice skates and helmets for rent, or if you need to bring your own.
Hamilton, Halton and Brant
Cootes Paradise, Royal Botanical Gardens
Surrounded by nature’s beauty, ice skating at Princess Point in Cootes Paradise Sanctuary, part of the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG), is a magical experience.
RBG provides ice updates, so check the ice status before visiting; skating is permitted when the ice is at least 10 centimetres thick.
Paid parking is available at the Princess Point lot.
Location: 335 Longwood Road North, Hamilton
Southeastern Ontario
Countryside Adventures
Head to the rural countryside of Southeastern Ontario for one of the best skating trails in the region. The woods and waterways that comprise this outdoor activity destination are transformed into a well-maintained three-kilometre skate trail, perfect for a day of ice skating.
Ice skate rentals are available, and when you’re ready to refuel, enjoy tasty treats from the food truck. Admission tickets include access to the skating trail, and parking is available.
Location: 16495 Sixth Road, Moose Creek
Grey, Bruce and Simcoe
Fern Resort
Fern Resort is a year-round, all-inclusive cottage country gem on Lake Couchiching, welcoming families for over 100 years.
In winter, a 1.5-kilometre forested trail is lit up with tiki torches in the evening, with a fire pit midway for a rest and warm up.
Check out Fern’s vacation packages that include cozy accommodations, meals and winter activities. Skating trail packages are also available, allowing you to include a meal with a skating experience if you want to make this a day trip.
Location: 4432 Fern Resort Road, Ramara
MacGregor Point Provincial Park
On the shores of Lake Huron, the 400-metre Ice Trail loop at MacGregor Point is gorgeous, especially when it’s lit up at night for skating under the stars.
Weekends and holidays are the busiest, so plan your visit during the week to avoid the crowds. Bring your own skates as rentals are not available.
Purchase your vehicle permit online in advance from Ontario Parks; permits are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Location: 1593 Bruce Road 33, Port Elgin
Woodview Mountaintop Skating at Blue Mountain
This 1.1-kilometre ice skating loop along the top of the Niagara Escarpment delivers spectacular views during the day and an enchanting experience when it’s lit up with tiki torches at dusk.
The skate trail operates from early January to March, weather permitting. Tickets are available from Blue Mountain Resort.
Location: 190 Gord Canning Drive, The Blue Mountains
Simcoe County Museum Skating Trail
The scenic looped skating trail at Simcoe County Museum is just over one kilometre long, so it’s perfect for beginners.
Skate past the heritage buildings and hiking trails surrounding the museum. There’s also a nearby snowshoe trail to extend your winter adventure.
The skate trail usually opens in early January and tickets can be purchased online or in-person.
Location: 1151 Highway 26, Minesing
Ottawa Region
RiverOak Skating Trail
RiverOak Outdoor Adventure Park is located just a half-hour drive from downtown Ottawa in the beautiful countryside of eastern Ontario.
Lace up in the comfort of a spacious log cabin before gliding along the three-kilometre frozen trail through apple orchards, forests and meadows.
Skate and helmet rentals are available, and there’s also an opportunity to play hockey or ringette, so bring your sticks and puck.
If you wish to skate after dark, the trail is lit with torches on Friday evenings. RiverOak is also home to snowshoe and hiking trails, a maple sugar shack and a Christmas tree farm.
Winter day passes and seasonal passes can be purchased upon arrival.
Location: 2900 York’s Corners Road, Metcalfe
Icelynd Skating Trails
Just a short drive southwest of downtown Ottawa, Icelynd Skating Trails features two kilometres of idyllic ice trails in a natural forest setting.
The trails remain open into the evening, lit up with solar and twinkling string lights, creating a magical environment.
Take a break and rest on cozy fireside benches. Snacks and hot chocolate are also available. Purchased tickets in advance online; skate rentals are not offered, so bring your own skates.
Location: 6865 Fernbank Road, Stittsville
Muskoka, Parry Sound and Algonquin Park
Ice Skating Trail at Arrowhead Provincial Park
The secret is out: Arrowhead’s ice skating trail is epic, especially during the “Fire and Ice” nights when the trail is lit up for evening skating.
This popular attraction reaches maximum capacity on the weekends, so consider a mid-week visit and enjoy some après-skate at one of many resorts in the area.
Purchase park permits online well in advance of your visit. Ice skate rentals are available at the pavilion.
Location: 451 Arrowhead Park Road, Huntsville
Cranberry Marsh Skating Trail
Show off your spins and spirals on the ice skating trail that loops just over a kilometre around the cranberry fields at Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery.
On Saturday evenings, enjoy skating under the moon and admire over 400 tiki torches lit around the trail. Hot beverages, such as hot mulled wine and hot cranberry apple cider, are available at the winery.
Skate rentals are available; however, helmets are not. The skate trail is open daily, weather permitting.
Location: 1074 Cranberry Road, Bala
Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley
LV Four Seasons Trail
Embrace the fairy-tale-like ambience along the 1.5-kilometre ice skating trail through a scenic forest. On select evenings, lamps and string lights illuminate the trail for night skating. There are also two snowshoeing trails to explore.
The skate trail is weather-dependent and usually open from January through March and admission is by donation.
Visit LV Four Seasons Trail on Facebook for updates, closures and trail conditions.
Location: 2 Henan Road, Pembroke
Calabogie Peaks Resort
Calabogie Peaks Resort in the beautiful Ottawa Valley is the ideal destination for a winter getaway.
In addition to downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing, enjoy pond skating set against the picturesque backdrop behind the resort. The rink usually operates from January to March.
Accommodation options include hotel rooms and condo-style suites.
Location: 30 Barrett Chute Road, Calabogie
Niagara Region
Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery
Plan on skating a few laps around the outdoor skating rink when you visit “the Great One’s” winery and distillery in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Bring your own skates and helmets to avoid disappointment since rentals are limited.
Look out for featured events like Saturday DJ nights and wind down at the heated patio with a glass of signature wine or whisky.
The rink typically opens in December; however, confirm in advance of your visit.
Northeastern Ontario
Nina’s Way Skating Path at Kivi Park
Enjoy a 1.3-kilometre skating trail through the woods at Sudbury’s Kivi Park.
The trail can even be enjoyed at night thanks to LED lights. The experience is even more magical with music playing throughout the sparkling snow-covered trees lining your way.
Bring your own helmet and skates and check the trail conditions in advance of your visit.
Location: 4472 Long Lake Road, Sudbury
This winter, enjoy the beloved Canadian tradition of ice skating in scenic settings, including forested skate trails, countryside loops and even at picturesque wineries.
Last updated: November 5, 2025