Ice Skating in Toronto: 15 Best Outdoor Rinks in 2025

Growing up in Toronto, I’ve had the privilege of enjoying the city through all the seasons. No matter when you visit Toronto, there are so many fun and interesting things to do!

But when winter arrives and covers the city in a fresh layer of snow, it’s time for one of the best outdoor winter activities ever: ice skating.

Toronto has dozens of outdoor leisure skating rinks open to the public all across the city. Most outdoor city ice rinks open the end of November, but it’s important to check the schedule early in the season.

In this post, I’m excited to share what I consider to be the BEST outdoor ice skating rinks in Toronto, where to rent skates, and tips for the perfect skating excursion in the city.

So, lace up those skates and keep reading to find the top ice skating rinks in Toronto!

Outdoor Skating Rinks in Toronto Worth Visiting

❆ Visit my Google Maps leisure skating list for the location of each of these outdoor skating rinks in Toronto.

1. Nathan Phillips Square

❆ Rink Open: November 30, 2024 – March, 2025

• Address: 100 Queen St W, Toronto, Ontario
• Skate Rental: Yes
• Best for: free outdoor skating with Instagram-worthy spots, ideal for families, couples, and anyone seeking a memorable downtown Toronto experience.

Based on personal experience, I can tell you that Nathan Phillips Square (Toronto’s city hall) is the best outdoor skating rink in Toronto. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in ice skating in Toronto. It is certainly one of Toronto’s best things to do in winter.

Not only is it free to skate at city hall, but the iconic Toronto sign and holiday lights make it a beautiful place to skate in winter. Skate rental is also available.

Located in downtown Toronto, the rink is beside the Eaton Centre shopping mall and the Sheraton Hotel is right across the street. It’s easily accessible by the TTC and public transportation.

There are also change room facilities, washrooms, and a concession stand. Nathan Phillips Square is popular, so it can get crowded during peak times. This is especially true during holiday celebrations, such as the Cavalcade of Lights.

2. The Bentway Skate Trail

❆ Rink Open: December 21, 2024 – February 19, 2025

• Address: 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON
• Skate Rental: Yes – $12 for 2 hours for adults, $10 for youth
• Great for all skill levels, families, and anyone seeking a unique outdoor skating experience in downtown Toronto.

The Bentway Skate Trail is personally my favourite Toronto leisure skating spot! The facility includes music, lights, skate rental, washrooms, and a limited concession stand. Skate sharpening is also available here. This location has it all!

Nestled under the Gardiner Expressway, the trail is a 220-meter figure-eight loop, making it a truly unique urban skating trail in downtown Toronto. A Green P parking lot is conveniently located right beside the rink.

There are a a range of fantastic freebies and community events, including the Polar Bear Skate, where skaters strip down to their underwear and skate for a good cause, offered at this fun location.

3. The Well Skating Rink

❆ Rink Opens: November 24 – December 31, 2024

• Address: 410 Front St. W., Toronto, ON
• Skate Rental: Yes – $10 per hour (donated to charity)
• Best for: those seeking a unique, romantic vibe in downtown Toronto. Great for a date night!

The Well is a brand new mixed-use space in the heart of Toronto, located at Spadina and Wellington. There are lots of things to do at The Well including new retail stores, live entertainment, and cozy spots to grab a drink.

There is also a new outdoor ice skating rink at The Well. The rink is small but lovely, and it has a romantic ambiance. Perfect for a date night or family skate. Ice skating at The Well is much less crowded than the popular Nathan Phillips’ Square.

Skating is free and skate rentals are also available.

Following your skate, be sure to enjoy some additional Holiday at The Well events. You can order a glass of wine or a hot drink and warm up with a blanket or in front of one of the outdoor fire pits.

☞ See Also: Why The Well is Toronto’s Newest Must-Visit Downtown Destination

4. Evergreen Brick Works

❆ Rink Open: December 2024 – February 19, 2025

• Address: 550 Bayview Ave., Toronto, Ontario
• Skate Rentals: Yes – $5 suggested donation
• Website: Skating at Evergreen Brick Works
• Ideal for families and individuals seeking a relaxed outdoor skating experience in a natural winter setting.

The ice skating rink at the Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto is a small, covered outdoor skating rink in a beautiful setting. From December to March, weather permitting, you can skate your heart out. Skate rental is also available.

Paid parking is available on-site and for those looking to take the TTC, there is a free shuttle from Broadview subway station. There is also excellent winter hiking at the Brickworks.

Evergreen Brick Works also lights up the rink at night, creating a magical ambiance. On particular dates, there are also DJ Skate Nights with great music and food vendors.

This natural setting with trees at the centre makes it an enchanting spot for a memorable Toronto ice skating experience.

5. Colonel Samuel Smith Skating Trail

❆ Rink Open: November 25, 2024 – March 2025

• Address: Colonel Samuel Smith Park, 3145 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Toronto, ON
• Skate Rental: No
• Perfect for all skill levels, with easy parking and indoor changing facilities. It’s great for families and kids seeking a scenic winter activity in Toronto.

The Colonel Sam Smith Skating Trail is a figure-eight-shaped trail in Toronto’s west end. It winds 250 metres through the park and along a wooded shoreline. The trail meanders through the trees, creating a magical experience.

There is an indoor changing area and washroom facilities available. The trail is also conveniently located beside a large parking lot.

What’s more, the skating trail is beside the historic Power House Recreation Centre, a charming brick building built in 1888. It provides a warm place to lace up, especially on colder days.

You can even enjoy skating at night with the well-lit path and music to set the mood. So, if you’re seeking a unique, off-the-beaten-path skating experience in Toronto, the Colonel Sam Smith Skating Trail is a great option.

6. Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail at College Park

❆ Rink Open: November 23, 2024 – March 2025

• Address: 444 Yonge St., Toronto, Ontario
• Skate Rental: No
• Ideal for those seeking a charming downtown skating experience, offering a quieter alternative to busy Nathan Phillips Square.

Immerse yourself in the heart of downtown Toronto at the Barbara Ann Scott Skating Trail at College Park. While there are no skate rentals, this beautiful ice trail offers a unique and serene skating experience.

It’s conveniently located near the subway but finding parking near here can be a challenge. This rink also has a heated indoor area to change your skates and a washroom.

At night the trail is adorned with enchanting light decorations, creating a magical atmosphere for your evening skate. If you need a break or a snack, there are nearby shops and restaurants.

This lovely little ice skating trail at College Park offers a more relaxed and enjoyable skating session than some of the other popular rinks.

So, if you’re seeking a quieter and more charming urban skating experience in Toronto, make sure to check out this hidden gem.

7. Riverdale Park East

❆ Scheduled Rink Open: November 23, 2024 – March 2025

• Address: 550 Broadview Ave., Toronto, Ontario
• Skate Rental: No
• Perfect for skaters of all levels, offering a scenic experience with stunning views of the Toronto skyline and CN Tower.

Get ready to lace up your skates in one of Toronto’s hidden gems, Riverdale Park East. This outdoor rink has not just one but two skating rinks, including a large rink with boards and a charming figure-eight trail, perfect for skaters of all levels.

As you skate across the ice, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the downtown skyline, with the iconic CN Tower towering above. It’s has a great toboggan hill and it’s an ideal spot to watch the sunset, making your pleasure skating experience truly unforgettable. It is one of the prettiest places to leisure skate in the city.

8. High Park Ice Rink

❆ Rink Open: November 23, 2024 – March 2025

• Address: High Park, 1873 Bloor St. W., Toronto, Ontario.
• Skate Rental: No
• Ideal for individuals and families seeking a picturesque skating experience in High Park, with plenty of winter activities to enjoy.

Discover the beauty of winter at the High Park skating rink in Toronto, one of the city’s most picturesque spots for outdoor skating. Nestled in the heart of High Park, this rink offers an opportunity to enjoy a leisurely skate in this beautiful Toronto park.

Safety Note: Skating on Grenadier Pond or open water in High Park is not allowed (despite what other sites or social media might suggest). Stick to designated areas for a safe skating experience.

9. Greenwood Outdoor Ice Skating Rink

❆ Rink Open: November 23, 2024 – March 2025

• Address: Greenwood Park, 150 Greenwood Ave., Toronto, Ontario
• Skate Rental: No
• Great for outdoor ice hockey and recreational skating, with options for both experienced skaters and pick-up hockey games.

Greenwood Outdoor Ice Rink in Toronto has not one but two skating options: a large ice hockey rink and a charming figure-8 skate pad right beside it.

The hockey rinks come with boards and a covered area, which is especially great on rainy days. You’ll find benches to comfortably put on your skates and even access to bathrooms if needed.

Street parking is available, and the warm indoor facility provides a perfect place to change and relax.

Whether you’re into pick-up hockey (also known as shinny to us Canadians) or just gliding along, you’ll find a well-kept skating trail and a spacious outdoor rink to match your skating preferences.

And there’s more to Greenwood Outdoor Ice Rink—if you’re up for some tobogganing, there’s a great hill right in the park.

10. Kew Gardens Ice Rink

❆ Scheduled Rink Open: November 23, 2024 – March 2025

• Address: Kew Gardens, 2075 Queen St. E., Toronto, Ontario
• Skate Rental: No
• Ideal for individuals and families seeking a unique outdoor skating experience with beach views in a picturesque setting.

Prepare for a delightful skating experience at Kew Gardens Ice Rink in the east end of Toronto. This lovely rink can be found in the heart of the Beaches neighbourhood. What makes it truly special is the view of the beach as you skate, creating a unique and picturesque setting.

You’ll appreciate the convenience of restrooms and heated changing facilities right beside the rink, and they’re open all year, providing a cozy escape from the elements. Keep in mind that, being located on the beach beside Lake Ontario, it can get a bit chilly, so be sure to dress warmly.

The outdoor artificial ice rink at Kew Gardens Park is well-maintained and a favourite spot for pick-up hockey (shinny), adding to its fun atmosphere.

While you are in the area, I highly recommend taking a walk along the 3.5-kilometre boardwalk at Woodbine Beach, a walk through Glen Stewart Ravine, or a stop at one of the many local restaurants and cafes on Queen Street.

So, if you’re looking for an enchanting outdoor ice rink on the beach in Toronto, this is the place to be.

11. Withrow Park Skating Rink

❆ Scheduled Rink Open: November 23, 2024 – March 2025

• Address: Withrow Park, 725 Logan Ave., Toronto, Ontario
• Skate Rental: No
• Perfect for families and individuals seeking winter activities near the subway and Danforth neighbourhood.

This neighbourhood park is located on Logan Avenue just south of Danforth Avenue. It offers a fantastic outdoor skating experience within the beautiful surroundings of Withrow Park.

Withrow Park is located close to the vibrant Danforth area, known for its restaurants and shops. Plus, the subway is just a stone’s throw away, making access a breeze.

Whether you’re into skating, tobogganing, or simply enjoying the winter ambiance, Withrow Park is the place to be for an unforgettable Toronto winter experience.

12. Paul Quarrington Outdoor Ice Rink at Sherbourne Common 

❆ Rink Open: November 23, 2024 – March 2025

• Address: 61 Dockside Dr., Toronto, Ontario
• Skate Rental: No
• Best For: individuals, families, and kids who are learning to skate and want an uncrowded skating experience.

Discover the hidden gem of downtown Toronto at the Paul Quarrington Outdoor Ice Rink at Sherbourne Common. This small outdoor Toronto skating rink on the waterfront promises an intimate and uncrowded experience.

While there are no amenities or skate rentals available on-site, the rink is ideal for kids or beginners who want to learn to skate.

The 920-square-foot rink, set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Ontario and the downtown skyline, provides a lovely waterfront view that’s sure to captivate visitors.

13. Mel Lastman Square Rink

❆ Rink Open: November 23, 2024 – March 2025

• Address: Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St., North York, Toronto, Ontario
• Skate Rental: No
• Best For: anyone who wants to enjoy skating in a bustling square surrounded by shops and restaurants with easy access to public transportation.

Enjoy a fun winter skating experience at Mel Lastman Square Rink in North Toronto. This outdoor rink is located in a busy square, creating an exciting and lively atmosphere for skaters. It is also open during the Holiday Fair in the Square, one of Toronto’s best Christmas activities.

While skate rentals are not provided on-site, you can bring your own skates to take full advantage of the ice. The rink is beautifully illuminated at night, adding a touch of magic to your skating experience.

Located in North York, it’s a vibrant area with shops, restaurants, and easy access to public transportation.

14. Union Station Roller Express (indoor roller skating rink in 2024-25)

In 2024-25, Union Station will host a free indoor roller skating rink instead of an outdoor ice skating experience.
❆ November 28, 2024 – February 2, 2025

• Address: Union Station, 65 Front St. W., Toronto, Ontario
• Skate Rental: Yes – Free

Experience the thrill of roller skating in the heart of the city at Union Station in Toronto. This popular roller rink offers free skate rentals, DJ Skate Nights, and 19+ Winter Mixers.

Union Station is not just a transportation hub; it’s a busy centre of winter excitement in the heart of Toronto. So, if you’re eager for an unforgettable and night of roller skating, make sure to visit this iconic spot.

15. Skating at Snow Flake Lake at Canada’s Wonderland

❆ Rink Open: November 16, 2024, to January 4, 2025. 

• Address: Canada’s Wonderland, Vaughan, ON
• Skating and Skate Rental are available for an additional fee
• Best for: families who want to enjoy skating in addition to rides, entertainment, and other holiday activities.

Snow Flake Lake is accessible as part of Canada’s Wonderland annual WinterFest event. Tickets are required for both WinterFest and the ice skating, but it’s a fun holiday event just north of Toronto.

The rink is located right at the entrance to Canada’s Wonderland in front of Wonder Mountain. You must pre-book your 30-minute skating experience and sign a waiver. This allows skaters to enjoy their time on the outdoor rink without over-crowding as there are limited sessions.

16. Skate By The Lake: Harbourfront Outdoor Rink

❆ Rink Open: December 21, 2024 to March 5, 2025. 

Address: 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8

Exciting news! The City of Toronto has announced that the ice rink at Harbourfront will re-open for the 2025 winter season. Originally closed in 2023, public backlash has resulted in a return of the skating rink this year.

Skating is free and skate rental is available. Saturday’s will be a great day of the week to visit with free skate rentals and DJ Skate Nights every Saturday night.

17. McCowan District Park Skate Trail and Rink

❆ Rink Open: November 23, 2024 – March 2025

Address: 150 McCowan Rd., Scarborough, ON

McCowan District Park located in Scarborough has an impressive Skating Rink and Skate Trail perfect for leisure skaters. This skating path is definitely one of Toronto’s best kept secrets.

There is lots of free parking, an indoor, heated change room, and washrooms. There is also a great playground and play structure. It’s also not very crowded at all. While there is no skate rental, I think this rink is a great option if you are in Toronto’s east end.

Tips for Outdoor Leisure Skating in Toronto

Wear a Helmet

Safety first! Many rinks require skaters to wear a helmet.

• For children aged 6 and under, it’s mandatory to wear a CSA-approved helmet that covers the back and sides of the head on city rinks.
• For those 7 and over, a CSA-approved hockey helmet is recommended.

Take Advantage of Free Drop-in Programs

Many outdoor skating rinks in Toronto offer free drop-in programs, allowing you to enjoy skating without any cost.

Check Schedules and Hours

Be sure to check the schedules and hours of operation for the rink you plan to visit, as they can vary from one location to another. Many are also weather-dependent. This will help you plan your visit accordingly.

Arrive Prepared: To make the most of your skating experience, it’s a good idea to arrive fully dressed for your skate. This includes wearing appropriate clothing for the cold weather. Not all Toronto rinks rent skates, so you will want to confirm skate rental is available before you visit the rink.

Skating in Toronto FAQs

How many outdoor skating rinks are there in Toronto?

There are over 50 outdoor skating rinks all across Toronto. The majority of rinks are maintained and run by the City of Toronto.

The City of Toronto website provides all the information you need, including hours of operation, amenities, and address.

Is ice skating free in Toronto?

Almost all skating is free in Toronto. The City of Toronto maintains over 50 outdoor skating rinks across the city.

When is the best time of year for skating in Toronto, Ontario, Canada?

The best time for ice skating in Ontario is typically during the winter months, from late November to early March. This period offers the most reliable and enjoyable ice-skating conditions.

However, the specific timing can vary from year to year based on weather conditions, so it’s a good idea to check with individual rinks for their opening and closing dates. If you’re looking for a classic winter skating experience, aim for the heart of the winter season.

Do you have to pay to skate at Nathan Phillips Square?

Skating at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto is free. However, skate rentals may be available for a fee if you don’t have your own skates.

The rink is usually open to the public during the winter months, and if you have your own skates, you can enjoy the ice without any additional cost.

Can you rent skates at City Hall, Toronto?

Yes, you can rent skates at Toronto City Hall, specifically at Nathan Phillips Square. The rental service allows visitors to enjoy ice skating at the iconic rink without the need to bring their own equipment.

Keep in mind that rental availability and fees can vary, so it’s a good idea to check with the specific skate rental facility at Nathan Phillips Square for the most up-to-date information.

Leisure Skating in Toronto: Final Thoughts

Ice skating is one of winter’s best activities and here in Toronto we have many excellent outdoor rinks to choose from and most of them are free!

Whether you’re a seasoned skater or lacing up for the first time, Toronto welcomes ice skaters of all ages and skill levels to try skating in a Canadian winter tradition.

From skating at the iconic Nathan Phillips Square to the lesser-known gems tucked away in various neighbourhoods, Toronto’s outdoor rinks are a place to try skating for the first time, spend time with family and friends, or perhaps head out on that first date!

So, whether you live in Toronto or are a visitor eager to experience winter in Canada, don’t miss the opportunity to try ice skating in Toronto.

Before You Go: Learn More About Visiting Toronto

Now that you’ve read this post outlining the best places to skate in Toronto, you may be interested in reading my complete list of winter activities in Toronto and my review of the Sheraton Centre Hotel, located right across the street from Nathan Philip’s Square.