Family-friendly city ice skating rinks and trails
Nathan Phillips | Destination Toronto
This quintessentially Canadian experience is perfect for kids of all ages as the joy of skating doesn’t get old, even as your family grows.
Urban parks, ponds and canals are converted into scenic skate trails and rinks each winter, against the backdrop of snowy city skylines. Many of these public skating rinks are accessible by public transportation, making it easy to go skating without the hassle of finding parking.
Note: Always check the weather conditions before you go and make sure the skating rink is open.
Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
Nathan Phillips Square
One of Toronto’s most photographed attractions, this downtown rink is located directly in front of City Hall and beside the famous TORONTO sign.
Rentals are available on-site, making it a great impromptu urban adventure.
Details: free; skate rentals are available
Location: 100 Queen Street West, Toronto
The Bentway
Don’t miss skating the über-cool 250-metre skate trail that snakes underneath the downtown Gardner Expressway.
Gather around the fire pit, relax on the comfy couches in the lounge area and enjoy snacks and drinks from the state-of-the-art bar just steps away.
Details: free
Location: 250 Fort York Boulevard, Toronto
Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail
Channel your inner Olympian at this 5-metre-wide oval rink at College Park, named after the 1948 gold medal winner.
Conveniently located near the Toronto subway line, it’s easy to reach. Coffee and other hot drinks can be enjoyed at the plaza next door to the skating rink.
Details: free
Location: 420 Yonge Street, Toronto
Evergreen Brick Works Skating Trail
The Evergreen Brick Works Skating Trail was created with kids and beginners in mind, with a built-in refrigeration system that’s designed to keep the ice fresh and the conditions just right for new skaters to find smooth sailing.
The skating trial is sheltered from the wind by the nearby factory building, but you’ll still get plenty of fresh air thanks to the open roof above.
Head to the nearby Evergreen Marketplace for warmth and snacks after your skate.
Details: free; open December to March 2023; skate and helmet rentals are available; check website for times; paid parking available
Location: 550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto
Gage Park Skating Trail
Right in downtown Brampton, the festive Gage Park Skating Trail lights up each night to welcome winter visitors.
With holiday lights glowing, a cozy firepit where you can warm up your hands and music playing while you skate, it’s easy to see why spirits run high after an evening at Gage Park Skating Trail.
Details: free
Location: 45 Main Street South, Brampton
Colonel Samuel Smith Skating Trail
The first skating trail in the city of Etobicoke, this figure eight loop is ideal for families with kids, as it’s open during the day.
Enjoy the beautiful shoreline scenery of Lake Ontario as you skate along.
Details: free
Location: 65 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive, Etobicoke
Ottawa
The Rideau Canal Skateway
Perhaps the most iconic skating trail in the country, this natural skateway opens each winter when the Rideau Canal freezes.
It stays open as long as the canal is frozen and stretches 7.8 kilometres between downtown Ottawa and the Hartwells Locks, making it the longest outdoor groomed skateway in the world.
Parking, rest areas and rentals make it a breeze. Like the city itself, you have to experience this firsthand to understand how cool it is. And be sure to sample the famous BeaverTail pastry.
Details: free
Location: downtown Ottawa
Southeastern Ontario
Springer Market Square
The free downtown skating is just one more reason to visit Kingston. Watch the Zamboni clean the ice before you hop back on the rink.
Head across the street to the cozy Kingston Coffee House for a hot beverage to warm you up.
Details: free
Location: downtown Kingston
Kawarthas and Northumberland
Trent-Severn Canal
Look for the green flag at the Peterborough Lift Lock on the heritage Trent-Severn Waterway to announce the canal is open for skating.
It’s the perfect day-time family outing and evening date-night destination. Be sure to check the website for updates on skating days and times.
Details: free
Location: Trent-Severn Waterway
Southwestern Ontario
Storybook Gardens Winter Skating Trail
The iconic kid-friendly amusement park at Storybook Gardens opens each winter to welcome Canada’s young skaters.
Families flock to this winter skating trail, which is extra wide to give even clumsy skaters room to wobble and just 250 metres long, so you don’t have to worry about small kids getting too tired.
Rentals are free on a first-come, first-serve basis, so make sure to get there early.
Details: registration is required; admission options include a day pass or an unlimited skating pass for the winter season; skate rentals are available
Location: 1958 Storybook Lane, London
York, Durham and Headwaters
Richmond Hill Green Skate Trail
Downtown Richmond Hill’s 250-metre looped skating trail offers outdoor excitement and fun on the ice.
Located on the grounds of the Richmond Green Sports Complex and Park, the trail offers visitors access to a heated change room and washrooms. Be sure to bring your own skates since no skate rentals are available.
Details: free admission; open daily December to March; parking is available on the property
Location: 1300 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill
Niagara Region
Pillar and Post Ice Rink in the Gardens
Enjoy a leisurely skate on the ice rink on a bright winter day at the Pillar and Post Inn and Spa in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Fuel up with great snacks and drinks at The OutPost.
Details: free admission, check in advance for the community verses hotel guests skating hours. Limited skate rentals are available and helmets are required for skaters under 12 years old.
Location: 48 John Street West, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Muskoka
Bracebridge Ice Skating Trail
Don’t miss out on this Muskoka winter staple—the skating trail at Memorial Park Winter Village in the downtown area of historic Bracebridge is a favourite for kids.
The trail wraps around a magical holiday-themed winter village where you can warm up with toasty beverages and tasty food after a day or evening of skating.
Details: free
Location: Manitoba Street and Kimberly Avenue, Bracebridge
Northern Ontario
Ramsey Lake Skating Path
Glide up to the front doors of Science North in Sudbury on this 1.5-kilometre skating path. The heated change facilities at both ends of the path are a big bonus.
The skating path typically opens when the minimum ice safety standards are met. Historically, this has been mid-January to March.
Details: free
Location: Ramsey Lake Road, Greater Sudbury
Clergue Park Skating Trail
Located along Sault Ste. Marie’s scenic waterfront, this beautiful skating trail gives you and your family incredible views of the lake.
The trail is in the popular Clergue Park and welcomes thousands of visitors each year. You can skate throughout the day or check out the trail at night for a family evening out.
Details: free
Location: 10 East Street, Sault Ste. Marie
Rabbit Lake Skating Trail and Rink
Located northeast of downtown Kenora at Rabbit Lake, the site includes a pond hockey rink and a skating trail.
Washrooms, a shack and bench shelters are available for visitors to use.
Details: free
Location: Kenora
Last updated: September 5, 2023