Best Ice Skating Rinks in Toronto This Winter

Winter in Toronto means it is time to lace up your skates. From scenic trails under city lights to quiet neighborhood rinks, there are plenty of places to get on the ice. If you are looking for a fun way to enjoy the season, this guide to the best ice skating rinks in Toronto will help you find the perfect spot.

Where to Go Ice Skating in Toronto This Winter: 15+ Top Rinks

Iconic Downtown Rinks

Nathan Phillips Square

This is Toronto’s most famous skating rink. Located right in front of City Hall and the glowing Toronto sign, skating here is a classic city tradition, especially at night.

• Location: Downtown (100 Queen St. W)
• Good for: A busy, energetic skate in the heart of the city.
• Pro Tip: This rink is very popular with tourists and locals alike, so expect large crowds, especially on weekends.

Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail

Set in College Park, this circular trail is a smaller but lively downtown option. The rink often has seasonal decorations and music, creating a festive atmosphere.

• Location: Downtown (420 Yonge St)
• Good for: Quick laps in a central, accessible location.
• Pro Tip: This trail is great for a casual skate if you want to avoid the bigger crowds at Nathan Phillips Square.

Paul Quarrington Ice Rink

Located at Sherbourne Common, this waterfront rink offers wide-open views of the city and Lake Ontario. It feels more spacious and breezy than other downtown spots.

• Location: Waterfront (5 Lower Sherbourne St)
• Good for: Scenic skating with a great view of the lake.
• Pro Tip: After your skate, take a stroll along the Queens Quay waterfront trail.

Unique Skating Trails

The Bentway Skate Trail

Skating under the Gardiner Expressway is a unique Toronto experience. The Bentway trail is filled with art, lights, and music, giving it a modern, urban feel.

• Location: Fort York (250 Fort York Blvd)
• Good for: Night skating with a cool city atmosphere.
• Pro Tip: They often host special events and DJ nights on weekends, so check their schedule online.

Colonel Samuel Smith Skating Trail

This figure-eight trail in Etobicoke winds through a wooded area near the lake. The setting is calm and feels close to nature, making it a great escape from the downtown hustle.

• Location: Etobicoke (65 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Dr)
• Good for: A peaceful skate surrounded by nature.
• Pro Tip: It is less crowded than the central Toronto rinks, making it great for families.

Great Neighbourhood & Park Rinks

Mel Lastman Square Rink

Located in the heart of North York, this rink is surrounded by shops and restaurants, making it easy to turn your skate into a full day or evening out.

• Location: North York (5100 Yonge St)
• Good for: A convenient skate combined with errands or dinner.
• Pro Tip: The square often hosts winter events, so there is usually something happening nearby.

Evergreen Brick Works Skating Rink

Here, you can skate under the exposed beams of an old brick factory while weaving through snow-covered gardens. The setting is unlike any other rink in the city.

• Location: Don Valley (550 Bayview Ave)
• Good for: A unique setting and family-friendly atmosphere.
• Pro Tip: They often offer skating lessons and programs, so it is a great place for beginners to learn.

Kew Gardens Artificial Ice Rink

Located right by the water in the Beaches, the rink at Kew Gardens offers great views of Lake Ontario and the boardwalk.

• Location: The Beaches (2075 Queen St E)
• Good for: A scenic skate with lake views.
• Pro Tip: After your skate, walk up to Queen Street East to warm up at one of the many great cafes.

Greenwood Park

This east-end park has the city’s first covered outdoor rink, which helps keep the ice in great condition regardless of the weather. A scenic skating trail also runs alongside the main rink.

• Location: Leslieville (150 Greenwood Ave)
• Good for: Reliable skating conditions and having both a rink and a trail in one spot.
• Pro Tip: Because it is covered, it is a great option for a skate even on a snowy day.

Rennie Park Ice Rink

A Bloor West neighborhood staple, this park has one pad for hockey and another for casual skating, making it a great spot for everyone.

• Location: Swansea (1 Rennie Terrace)
• Good for: Both hockey players and casual skaters.
• Pro Tip: It is a popular local spot that can get busy with families and friends on weekends.

Withrow Park Rink

Located in the heart of Riverdale, the rink at Withrow Park is a busy and social spot. It’s a popular hub for the community, with a welcoming feel for skaters of all levels.

• Location: Riverdale (725 Logan Ave, in Withrow Park)
• Good for: A lively, social skate in a popular east-end park.
• Pro Tip: The park also has a great tobogganing hill, so you can make a full afternoon of winter fun out of your visit.

Albert Campbell Square Rink

This Scarborough rink is conveniently located right beside the Civic Centre. The landscaped square gives it an open and refreshing feel, making it a reliable choice for locals in the area.

• Location: Scarborough (150 Borough Dr)
• Good for: A convenient and accessible skate in Scarborough.
• Pro Tip: Since it is right at the Scarborough Town Centre, it is very easy to pair a skate with shopping or grabbing a bite to eat.

Sid Smith Artificial Ice Rink

This rink is located in Christie Pits Park, just near Koreatown. It is popular with locals and has an upbeat atmosphere with skaters of all ages.

• Location: Christie Pits (777 Crawford St)
• Good for: Casual neighborhood skating near great food spots.
• Pro Tip: After your skate, you are only steps away from the excellent restaurants in Koreatown and the Annex.

Harry Gairey Rink

This outdoor rink in Alexandra Park near Dundas West keeps things simple. It is a well-maintained surface in a park that feels community-driven and welcoming.

• Location: Alexandra Park (275 Bathurst St)
• Good for: Skating in a laid-back neighborhood atmosphere.
• Pro Tip: This rink is a reliable choice for a casual skate without the major crowds of the downtown core rinks.

Toronto Metropolitan University Community Park

This smaller rink is right on the TMU campus, making it a convenient option for students or those working nearby to get in a quick skate.

• Location: Downtown (50 Gould St)
• Good for: Quick spins for students and downtown workers.
• Pro Tip: Its central location and smaller size make it a good option for a skate during a lunch break.

Natural Ice Skating

High Park (Grenadier Pond)

When conditions are right, skating on Grenadier Pond is a classic Toronto winter experience. The large, natural surface gives you plenty of space to skate.

• Location: High Park (1873 Bloor St W)
• Good for: A traditional, natural ice skating experience.
• Pro Tip: Safety first. Natural ice is not maintained by the city. Always check the official City of Toronto website for ice status updates to ensure it is safe before you go.

Looking for a Place to Warm Up?

After spending some time on the ice, a warm drink by a fireplace is the perfect way to end your winter outing.

Check out our full guide to Toronto Bars With Fireplaces and Cozy Winter Vibes.

More…

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• https://www.destinationtoronto.com/things-to-do/outdoors-and-recreation/ice-skating
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