Union Winter 2026: Free Roller Skating Guide & Tickets

If you’ve lived in Toronto as long as I have, you know that January in the city usually means two things: gray slush and the inexplicable urge to hibernate until May. But if there is one thing that gets me out of my condo and onto the TTC in the dead of winter, it’s the vibe at Union Station.

Forget the icy winds off the lake—we are heading underground. For Union Winter 2026, the station has transformed the TD West Carriageway into a retro roller-skating paradise. That’s right, we are trading blades for wheels again this year with the Union Winter Roller Express.

Whether you are a local looking for a cheap date night or a student planning a trip to the 6ix during your winter break, here is everything you need to know about renting skates, snagging tickets, and timing your visit perfectly.

Disclaimer: Dates and schedules are subject to change. Always check the official Union Station and university websites for the most current information before booking travel.

Union Winter 2026 Schedule and Dates

First things first: this event is completely free. In a city where a cocktail costs $22, “free” is my favorite word. However, you cannot just show up and expect to roll.

The Union winter 2026 dates run through January 18, 2026. The rink operates on a specific schedule to manage the crowds (and trust me, the crowds are real).

Regular Dates: Runs daily until January 18, 2026.
Closures: The rink is closed on December 24, 25, and 26 (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day), but back in action for the New Year.
Time Slots:
- Weekdays: Generally 1:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Mondays open at 4:00 PM).
- Weekends: Saturdays run 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM (19+ only after 6:30 PM). Sundays run 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM.
- Holiday Hours (Dec 22 – Jan 4): Open early at 11:00 AM on weekdays.

How to Snag Union Winter 2026 Tickets

Do not let the word “tickets” scare you—admission is $0. However, you absolutely need to pre-register.

Go Online: Head to the official Union Station website.
Book Your Slot: Look for the Union winter 2026 tickets registration portal. Slots open up on a rolling basis, and they vanish faster than a seat on the subway during rush hour.
QR Code: Save that QR code to your phone; it is your golden ticket into the Carriageway.

The Lowdown on Skate Rentals

If you don’t own a pair of retro quad skates, don’t worry. Skate rentals are free.

When you arrive, you will trade a piece of government ID for a pair of skates. They have sizes ranging from kids’ youth sizes up to adult men’s 13.

Pro Tip: Wear thick socks. Blisters are the enemy of fun.
Safety First: Helmets and protective gear (wrist guards, knee pads) are also available for free. If you are prone to falling (like me), take the knee pads. The concrete floor is unforgiving.

Best Time to Go

*Photo via Union Station (@torontounion) • Instagram*

If you want the rink to yourself (or at least enough room to attempt a crossover turn without taking out a toddler), timing is everything.

Avoid: Saturday afternoons and Friday nights. This is prime time for families and date nights.
Go: Tuesday or Wednesday evenings (open until 8:30 PM), or the late-night slots (9:00 PM – 11:00 PM) on Saturdays if you want an adults-only vibe.
The Sweet Spot: The first slot of the day (11:00 AM) usually has the freshest energy and the shortest line for rentals.

Planning Your Visit: A Guide for Out-of-Town Students

I see a lot of students visiting Toronto in January, dragging suitcases through the Great Hall. If you are visiting from the US or planning your semester around a trip north, you need to sync your calendar with ours.

I get tons of questions from friends studying south of the border who want to come up for the Union Winter Roller Express, so let’s break down the schedules for two common student hubs I hear about: Union College (NY) and Union University (TN). (Yes, they are different places, and yes, the names are confusing).

If You Are Visiting from Union College (NY)

If you are a Dutchman coming from Schenectady, you are likely operating on the unique Union College trimester system. Unlike the semester system most of us are used to here in Ontario, your year is split into three 10-week terms (Fall, Winter, Spring).

The Workload Factor: Because you’re cramming a full semester’s worth of learning into 10 weeks, the academic workload at Union College is intense. You take three classes at a time, but they move fast. This means your breaks are well-deserved.
When to Visit: Your best bet for hitting the Toronto rink is during your Winter Recess, which typically spans late December to early January.
Dates to Watch: According to the Union College Academic Calendar 24 25, winter classes start January 5, 2026. If you miss the winter window, you might have to wait until spring.
Holidays: You might be wondering, what holidays does Union College observe? They generally close for major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. If you are planning a long weekend trip to Toronto, MLK weekend in January is a prime target before the academic pressure ramps up.
Summer Plans: Does Union College have a summer session? Generally, yes, but it is limited and often reserved for specific programs or research. If you are free, Toronto in July is amazing, but the Roller Express will be long gone by then.
Looking Ahead: If you are a senior eyeing the finish line, the Union College graduation 2026 schedule has commencement set for June 14, 2026. That is perfect timing to plan a celebratory post-grad summer trip to Toronto (though you’ll be hitting patio season rather than skating season).

If You Are Visiting from Union University (TN)

For those coming from Tennessee, you are likely looking at the Union University Academic Calendar 2025 2026. You guys operate on a more traditional semester system.

Spring Break: If you can’t make it for the winter holidays, your next big window is spring break. The Union university spring break 2026 is slated for February 28 – March 8, 2026.
The Catch: The Roller Express closes on January 18, 2026. So, if you want to skate, you must come up during your winter break in early January before your spring semester kicks off.

One Last Tip for the Road

After you have hung up your skates and your legs feel like jelly, do not just head home. You are right in the heart of downtown, and there is plenty more to explore without spending a dime.

If you are looking to stretch that student budget even further, check out my other guide on keeping your wallet happy this month: 30 Free (Or Almost Free) Things To Do In Toronto This January 2026

See you on the rink, Toronto!

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