Family-friendly city ice skating rinks and trails
Evergreen Brickworks, Toronto
Whether you’re teaching your kids to skate for the first time or gliding over the ice with teens in tow, there’s no shortage of welcoming spots to lace up and make memories. Urban parks, ponds and canals are converted into scenic skate trails and rinks each winter, against the backdrop of snowy city skylines.
Many local skating rinks are accessible by public transportation, making it easy to go ice skating in the city 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
Evergreen Brick Works Skating Rink
A leader in sustainable, eco-tourism, this multi-use downtown attraction features a beautiful indoor-outdoor ice skating rink under exposed brick factory beams.
A built-in refrigeration system keeps the ice fresh and the conditions just right for new skaters to find smooth sailing. Check out the schedule for free public skating and various learn-to-skate programs.
Head to the nearby Evergreen Marketplace for warmth and snacks after your skate.
Ice skate and helmet rentals are available and there is paid parking on-site.
Location: 550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto
Nathan Phillips Square
One of Toronto’s most photographed attractions, this downtown pond-turned-rink is located directly in front of City Hall and beside the famous TORONTO sign.
Skating at Nathan Phillips Square is free and ice skate rentals are available on-site, making it a great impromptu urban activity.
Location: 100 Queen Street West, Toronto
The Bentway
Don’t miss skating the über-cool 250-metre skate trail that loops underneath the downtown Gardner Expressway. Gather at the outdoor warming station and purchase snacks and drinks from the state-of-the-art bar.
The Bentway skate trail is free to enjoy. Skates and equipment can be rented for a small fee on a first-come, first-served basis from the concession stand.
Learn more about the facilities and services offered at this popular public space.
Location: 250 Fort York Boulevard, Toronto
Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail
Channel your inner Olympian at this five-metre-wide oval rink at College Park, named after the 1948 gold medalist.
This skating rink is free to use and conveniently located near the Toronto subway and streetcar lines. Warm up with coffee and other drinks in the shopping and dining complex next door.
Location: 420 Yonge Street, Toronto
Celebration Square Ice Skating Rink
During the winter, the popular outdoor public events space in downtown Mississauga is transformed into a winter wonderland with a festive, well-lit skating rink.
Skate rentals and sharpening services are available.
Location: City Centre Drive, Mississauga
Gage Park Skating Trail
In the heart of historic downtown Brampton, the festive Gage Park Outdoor Recreational Skating Trail lights up for enchanting evening ice skating.
Skating is free at Gage Park and ice skate rentals are available.
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 views of the Lake Ontario shoreline as you glide along this free skate trail.
Ottawa Region
The Rideau Canal Skateway
Perhaps the most iconic skating trail in the country, this natural skateway stretches 7.8 kilometres between downtown Ottawa and the Hartwells Locks, making it the longest outdoor groomed skateway in the world.
The Rideau Canal Skateway is weather-dependent, opening each winter when the Rideau Canal freezes and stays open as long as the canal remains frozen. 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.
Skating on the Rideau Canal is free and equipment rentals are available.
Location: 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
Southeastern Ontario
Springer Market Square
Located in front of City Hall, this free downtown skating rink is just one more reason to visit Kingston in the winter.
Visit nearby Trailhead Skate Rental for equipment rentals.
Location: 1 Market Street, Kingston
Southwestern Ontario
Storybook Gardens Winter Skating Trail
Storybook Gardens, a beloved family amusement park, opens each winter for ice skating. The 250-metre skating trail is extra wide and loops around the park grounds.
The Beavertails concession serves hot and cold beverages, snacks and of course, the famous pastries on evenings and weekends.
There is a minimal admission fee and while skate rentals are available, you’ll need to bring your own helmet. Pre-registration is encouraged.
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 fun on the ice during the day and is lit up for evening skating.
Located on the grounds of the Richmond Green Sports Complex and Park, the trail offers visitors access to a heated change room and washrooms.
Skate rentals are not available, so you’ll need to bring your own.
Admission is free and parking is available on the property.
Northeastern Ontario
Ramsey Lake Skating Path
Glide up to the front doors of Science North in downtown 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, typically from mid-January to March.
Skating at Ramsey Lake is free. Bring your own ice skates.
Location: Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury
Lee Park Oval and Skating Trail
The skating trail and traditional skating oval in North Bay’s Lee Park are located downtown on Memorial Drive near Lake Nipissing waterfront.
Outdoor lights allow for evening ice skating and admission is free.
Location: 800 Memorial Drive, North Bay
Hollinger Skate Path
One of several outdoor ice rinks in Timmins, Hollinger Skate Path is a well-lit skate trail through Hollinger Park.
Admission is free, skate rentals are available and you can warm up in a heated trailer or by the fire.
Location: 565 Algonquin Boulevard East, Timmins
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 snacks and drinks at The OutPost. Limited skate rentals are available and helmets are required for skaters under 12 years old.
The rink is free for hotel guests and the general public. Follow Pillar and Post on Facebook for regular updates and rink conditions.
Location: 48 John Street West, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Algonquin Park, Muskoka and Parry Sound
Bracebridge Ice Skating Trail
A Muskoka winter staple—the skating trail at Memorial Park Winter Village in the downtown area of historic Bracebridge is a favourite for families.
The free trail wraps around the park, with twinkling lights creating a romantic ambiance for evening skating.
Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma
Clergue Park Skating Trail
Located along Sault Ste. Marie’s waterfront in Clergue Park, this beautiful skating trail delivers scenic views of the St Marys River.
Skate for free throughout the day and into the night.
Location: 10 East Street, Sault Ste. Marie
Northwest Ontario
Prince Arthur’s Landing
Take in the beauty of Lake Superior in the wintertime from the waterfront rink at Prince Arthur’s Landing in Thunder Bay.
Warm up by the outdoor fire pit and enjoy a hot drink from the concession.
Skating is free and skating aids are available.
Location: 2201 Sleeping Giant Parkway, Thunder Bay
Whether it’s the nostalgia or the thrill of trying something new, ice skating in Ontario’s urban settings, surrounded by twinkling lights and the city skyline, carries an undeniably magical charm.
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Last updated: October 31, 2025