Close-up of a person's hands in warm mittens holding a cup of hot chocolate.

Old Firehall Confectionery 

Where to enjoy hot chocolate after skating in Ontario

Toronto and Greater Toronto Area (GTA)

Le Gourmand Bakery

A short drive from Colonel Samuel Smith Skating Trail, Le Gourmand Bakery takes pride in the quality of the ingredients in its products. The muffins and cookies have received rave reviews from many regular customers. There are also vegan and gluten-free options.

Location: 2897 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Toronto

Colonel Samuel Smith Park: 65 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive, Etobicoke

Cocoalatte

The peppermint cocoa, hot apple cider or hot cocoa from the quaint family cafe in Toronto’s St. Clair West neighbourhood will warm you up. Just a short drive south of Cedarvale Park Outdoor Skating, the cafe offers a wide assortment of drinks that are also available from the expresso menu.   
   
Location: 671 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto

Cedarvale Park: 443 Arlington Avenue, York

Hello Coffee

After skating laps at the ice rink in Christie Pits Park, look across Bloor Street West to spot Hello Coffee’s vibrant blue exterior. The inside of the cafe matches its bright and uplifting external decor. Menu items include muffins, pastries, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Milk alternatives include almond, soy, oat and macadamia.

Location: 800 Bloor Street West, Toronto

Christie Pits Park: 750 Bloor Street West, Toronto

Saving Gigi Cafe

Saving Gigi Cafe is located west of Christie Pits Park. They serve all-day brunch and delicious baked treats. The cafe is also close to Ossington Subway Station.

Location: 859 Bloor Street West, Toronto

Christie Pits Park: 750 Bloor Street West, Toronto

Demetres Bramalea

Slide into a comfortable booth at Demetres after spending time at Chinguacousy Park Skate Trail and savour the gourmet options on the dessert menu. Seasonal menu selections offer new flavours to enjoy with waffles, crepes, cakes and other sweet treats. 

Location: 50 Peel Centre Drive, Brampton

Chinguacousy Park: 9050 Bramalea Road, Brampton

Bruce, Grey and Simcoe

Harrison Park Inn Restaurant

Harrison Park Inn Restaurant offers the convenience of dining in Harrison Park for those who enjoy the year-round park activities. The restaurant is very close to The Harrison Park Good Cheer Outdoor Rink and has great panoramic views to enjoy while connecting with family and friends over hot chocolate. 

Location: 137 2nd Avenue East, Owen Sound

Harrison Park: 75 2nd Avenue East, Owen Sound

Birgit's Bakery Cafe

Enjoy delicious pies, pastries and soup at Birgit's Bakery Cafe, where owner Birgit makes baked goods from scratch using organic ingredients and spelt wheat blends. Desserts are prepared with fruits, nuts, chocolate and cream. Homemade syrups are made as a sweetener for warm drinks. 

Location: 948 2nd Avenue East, Owen Sound

Harrison Park: 75 2nd Avenue East, Owen Sound

York, Durham and Headwaters

Goldie’s Cafe + Eatery

Warm up with flavoured lattes, cappuccinos or a hot chocolate at Goldie’s cafe after a fun skate at the Pat Bayly Square rink in downtown Ajax.
 
Location: 75 Bayly Street West, Ajax, Durham Region

Pat Bayly Square: 420 Harwood Ave South, Ajax

Old Firehall Confectionery

It's a treat to visit Old Firehall Confectionery in downtown Unionville, where chocolate is prepared with a lot of love. From simple hot chocolate to rich and creamy Belgian dark chocolate topped with whipped cream and crushed chocolate shavings, the Hot Chocolate Bar has something for all chocolate lovers. 

Check out the delicious assortment of magical chocolate bombs that release a delicious and creamy cocoa mix with hot milk. It’s the perfect end to a fun day of ice skating.

Location: 170 Main Street, Unionville

Markham Civic Centre Skating Rink: 171 Town Centre Boulevard, Markham

Northumberland

The Pink Cafe

This cafe makes a playful and charming statement about the colour pink in its decor and the items on the menu such as “pink dog” and “pink loaf”. Just a short drive from Rotary Harbourfront Outdoor Skating Rink, the cafe has cozy seating to enjoy organic and fair trade coffee and other drink selections. 

Location: 73 King Street West Unit 6, Cobourg

Rotary Harbourfront Rink: 35 Albert Street, Cobourg

Hamilton, Halton and Brant

SYNONYM Shop

SYNONYM Shop is south of Hamilton Waterfront Outdoor Rink - Pier 8 on Hamilton’s popular James Street. It boasts the work of the local artist community on its walls and is a cozy cafe with products made from scratch and a wine bar and bookshop rolled into one. 

Location: 328 James Street North, Hamilton

Hamilton Waterfront Outdoor Rink - Pier 8: 47 Discovery Drive, Hamilton

Mulberry Coffee House

A local venue for art and music, Mulberry Coffee House is a spacious historical building with lots of comfortable seating. Warm up on a cold day with a hot beverage from the hot drink menu including organic coffee and assorted flavourful teas.

Location: 193 James Street North, Hamilton

Hamilton Waterfront Outdoor Rink–Pier 8: 47 Discovery Drive, Hamilton

Lola Choco Bar and Sweet House

Close to Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond is a charming cafe within downtown Burlington’s Village Square that serves homemade pastries and other delightful treats to enjoy with hot chocolate.

Location: 423 Elizabeth Street, Unit 13, Burlington

Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond (Spencer Smith Park): 1340 Lakeshore Road, Burlington

Ottawa and Southeastern Ontario

Stella Luna Gelato Cafe

Known for its sublime award-wining gelato, Stella Luna Gelato Cafe is a great place to visit for a hot cup of chocolate after skating along the Rideau Canal. 
 
Location: 1103 Bank Street, Ottawa

Rideau Canal: Rideau Canal Skateway interactive access points

Oat Couture Oatmeal Cafe

Just a few blocks from Stella Luna is the cafe that redefines ways of eating oatmeal. Oat Couture Oatmeal Cafe offers a relaxing atmosphere where you can sit down and enjoy great conversations over a cup of hot cocoa.

Location: 1154 Bank Street, Ottawa

Rideau Canal: Rideau Canal Skateway interactive access points

CACAO 70 Eatery

This popular chocolate hot spot is close to Lansdowne Park Skating Court. Originally a chocolate drinking bar, CACAO 70 Eatery offers delicious variations of chocolate from fondues and milkshakes to pizza and more. 

Location: Unit 109, 225 Marché Way, Ottawa

Lansdowne Park Skating Court: Princess Patricia Way, Ottawa

Kingston Coffee House

Conveniently located near Springer Market, Kingston Coffee House is an easy trek for hot chocolate after skating. Inside, large windows provide excellent views of the market square and make for a cozy atmosphere during the winter. Vegan and gluten-free treats are available, including daily fresh-baked goods.

Location: 322 King Street East, Kingston

Springer Market: 216 Ontario Street, Kingston

Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington

Red Brick Café

Housed in a red brick heritage building, Red Brick Café has musical guests, an art gallery and a happy atmosphere that makes it popular among the regulars. Visit for the hot cocoa and stay longer for the sandwiches, soups and wraps and the warm and inviting community spirit.

Location: 8 Douglas Street, Guelph

Market Square Rink: 1 Carden Street, Guelph

Southwestern Ontario

Black Walnut Bakery Cafe

After skating rounds at Victoria Park’s outdoor skating rink, head to the family-run business that offers meals made from scratch with hot chocolate made with semi-sweet chocolate. 

Location: 724 Richmond Street, London

Victoria Park: 580 Clarence Street, London

Habitual Chocolate

Treat yourselves to a piping hot chocolate at this local gem after skating a few laps at the Woodstock Civic Centre Arena. Both milk and vegan options are available.

Location: 389 Dundas Street, Woodstock

Civic Centre Arena: 895 Nellis Street, Woodstock

 

Northeastern Ontario

Nourish Cafe

Reishi Hot Cocoa at Nourish Cafe is a healthy way to round off a day of skating at Ramsey Lake Skating Path Trail. Menu items feature gut health-boosting unsweetened chocolate.

Location: 146 Durham Street, Greater Sudbury

Ramsey Lake Skating Path Trail: starts at the corner of Elizabeth Street and McNaughton Terrace near Science North

 

Experience more winter activities in Ontario and great places to eat

Last updated: September 19, 2023

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