The Best Skating Rinks in Toronto

No.1

Entertainment• Downtown / Old Toronto

Nathan Phillips Square Ice Rink

“Skate under the twinkling lights with the illuminated TORONTO sign for an unforgettable photo op, and grab a hot chocolate from a nearby concession.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Nathan Phillips Square is the beating heart of Toronto’s winter scene, transforming the city’s civic plaza into a sprawling, open-air ice rink that feels quintessentially urban. Framed by the modernist architecture of City Hall and the iconic 3D TORONTO sign, the rink offers a skating experience that is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the exercise. You are skating in the middle of the downtown core, surrounded by the glow of the city lights and the constant hum of the metropolis. It is a space that draws everyone from tourists capturing the perfect photo to locals taking a quick, breezy lap after work. While it can get incredibly busy, there is a unique energy here that you simply won't find at the smaller, neighbourhood rinks. If you are planning a visit, know that skating itself is free, but you will need to pay for rentals if you don't have your own gear. The rental kiosk accepts cash, debit, and credit, but be prepared to leave a piece of government-issued photo ID as a deposit. The rink is seasonal, typically running from late November through mid-March, and it is best to visit on weekday mornings or early afternoons if you want to avoid the massive weekend crowds. There are no reservations, so just show up and be ready to wait in line during peak hours. If you get hungry, there are usually food trucks parked nearby, but for a better experience, head into the PATH or nearby Queen Street eateries to warm up with a hot drink after you turn in your skates.

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No.2

Entertainment• Harbourfront

Harbourfront Centre's Natrel Rink

“Don't miss the lively DJ Skate Nights on Saturdays for a vibrant atmosphere, and take advantage of free skate rentals offered on those evenings.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Located at the heart of the downtown waterfront, the Harbourfront Centre skating rink is a quintessential Toronto winter experience. While it was formerly known as the Natrel Rink, the space continues to serve as a premier outdoor destination, offering skaters a spectacular backdrop of Lake Ontario and the city skyline. Operated by the Harbourfront Centre, a non-profit cultural organization, the rink is deeply integrated into the neighbourhood’s vibrant arts and culture scene. The atmosphere is consistently lively, especially during the winter months when the area transforms into a hub of activity. It is widely recognized for its DJ Skate Nights, which turn the ice into an open-air party, drawing crowds that appreciate the blend of urban energy and crisp lakeside air. The rink is a community staple, providing a rare, accessible space for locals to gather, exercise, and enjoy the season. Admission to the rink is completely free, making it an ideal spot for a spontaneous outing. If you do not own skates, rentals are available on-site for a reasonable fee, and you can even snag free rentals on Saturdays. For the best experience, aim to visit on a weekday evening to avoid the heaviest weekend crowds, or lean into the bustle by attending a Saturday night DJ session. While there is no formal reservation system, the rink can get busy, so plan accordingly. The facility includes convenient amenities like heated change rooms, lockers, and skate sharpening services. If you need to warm up, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants along Queens Quay, though the rink itself is strictly for skating. Keep in mind that the season typically runs until early March, weather permitting, so check the Harbourfront Centre website before heading down to ensure the ice is open.

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No.3

Entertainment• Don Valley

Evergreen Brick Works Skating Rink

“The magical ambiance is amplified at night with twinkling lights, making it a perfect spot for a romantic skate or a unique family outing.”

— Very Toronto Editors

The Evergreen Brick Works skating rink is a standout in Toronto’s winter landscape, defined by its industrial-chic setting within the repurposed Don Valley Brick Works. Managed by the non-profit organization Evergreen, this rink is a masterclass in adaptive reuse, weaving through snow-covered gardens and beneath the massive, exposed steel beams of the former factory. The atmosphere is distinctively raw and atmospheric, especially in the evenings when the space is illuminated, making it a popular spot for those looking to escape the typical arena experience. It is a core component of the site’s broader mission to promote sustainability, utilizing an ECO CHILL® system that repurposes heat from the ice refrigeration to warm the adjacent buildings. Admission to the rink is free, though skate rentals are available for a nominal fee, which goes toward supporting Evergreen’s programming. Because it is an outdoor, weather-dependent facility, always check their website or social media before heading out, especially during unseasonably warm spells or extreme cold. It is a fantastic place for a casual skate, but don't expect a traditional hockey-style rink; the layout is more about the experience of the space. If you are planning a visit, take advantage of the free shuttle bus from Broadview Station to avoid the parking headache. Afterward, grab a coffee or a bite at the on-site market to warm up.

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No.4

Entertainment• Fort York / CityPlace

The Bentway Skate Trail

“This trail provides a cool, architectural backdrop for your skate, often featuring community events, free rentals, and warming tables with cozy gas fires.”

— Very Toronto Editors

The Bentway Skate Trail is a masterclass in urban reclamation, transforming the neglected, concrete-heavy space beneath the Gardiner Expressway into a vibrant winter destination. Since its inception, this 220-meter figure-eight trail has become a quintessential Toronto experience, where the city’s industrial grit meets the joy of outdoor skating. Weaving between the massive highway pillars, the atmosphere is undeniably cool, especially at night when the lights illuminate the ice and the surrounding architecture. It is deeply connected to the Fort York neighbourhood, acting as a bridge between the historic site and the modern high-rises of CityPlace. It feels less like a traditional community rink and more like a deliberate, artistic intervention that forces you to appreciate the city’s unique infrastructure while you glide. For a first-timer, the best approach is to go during the weekday evenings after the initial holiday rush to avoid the heaviest crowds. Entry to the trail is free, but keep in mind that rentals and concessions are strictly cashless—bring your debit or credit card. If you don't have your own skates, you can rent them on-site, though you will need a valid government-issued ID and must sign a waiver. While there is a concession stand for hot drinks and snacks, don't expect a full meal; plan to grab dinner in nearby CityPlace or Liberty Village afterward. Check their website before heading out, as hours fluctuate throughout the season, and keep an eye out for special events like the Polar Bear Skate if you are feeling particularly brave.

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No.5

Entertainment• Downtown Yonge / College Park

Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail

“Enjoy a cozy downtown skate surrounded by skyscrapers, and keep an eye out for special opening day celebrations with free skate lending and s'mores.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Tucked away in the heart of the city, the Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail at College Park offers a refreshing, urban escape from the surrounding high-rises. Named in honour of the legendary 1948 Olympic gold medalist, this five-metre-wide oval rink is a testament to modern, sustainable design, holding the distinction of being the first exterior skating path in North America to utilize environmentally friendly CO2 refrigeration technology. The atmosphere here is distinctly local and unpretentious; you are just as likely to see office workers taking a quick lunch-hour glide as you are families enjoying a weekend outing. While it lacks the sprawling, rustic feel of some of the city's larger trails, its compact, circular layout and central location make it an incredibly convenient spot for a quick skate without needing to venture far from the downtown core. Since there are no on-site skate rentals, you must bring your own gear to enjoy the ice. The trail is completely free to use, making it an accessible winter activity, though it is worth noting that ice conditions can vary depending on the weather and maintenance schedule. For the best experience, aim for a weekday morning or early afternoon to avoid the crowds, or check the schedule for the popular Friday night #SkatesAndSounds DJ sessions in February, which bring a lively, festive energy to the park. There is a heated pavilion nearby for changing and warming up, but don't expect a full-service experience; it is a simple, functional space. If you get hungry, the surrounding College Park area is packed with quick-service dining options, perfect for grabbing a hot chocolate or a bite to eat once you have finished your laps.

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No.6

Entertainment• Etobicoke

Colonel Samuel Smith Park Skating Trail

“Immerse yourself in the quiet, natural beauty of this trail, which feels like skating in cottage country, and warm up in the renovated indoor change area.”

— Very Toronto Editors

As Toronto’s first dedicated ice skating trail, this figure-eight loop remains a premier destination for those looking to escape the downtown grind without leaving the city. Designed by PMA Landscape Architects and opened in 2010, the 250-metre refrigerated path winds through a serene, wooded stretch of shoreline in Etobicoke, right next to the historic Power House Recreation Centre. The atmosphere is distinctly more relaxed than the high-energy rinks at Nathan Phillips Square or the Harbourfront, making it a favourite for locals who prefer a quieter, nature-focused glide. The proximity to Lake Ontario adds a crisp, refreshing quality to the air, and the surrounding parkland—once part of a psychiatric hospital campus—offers a unique, slightly haunting historical backdrop that feels worlds away from the urban bustle. Practicality is key here: there are no skate rentals or food concessions on-site, so come prepared with your own gear and a thermos of hot chocolate. The Power House building provides a large, heated change room with washrooms and open cubbies for your shoes, which is a massive plus on freezing days. Admission is free, and while it stays open daily, it is best to visit on weekday mornings or early afternoons to avoid the weekend family rush. Parking is available, but it can fill up quickly during peak times. If you are looking for a post-skate treat, Tatsu’s Bread on Lake Shore Boulevard is a fantastic local spot to warm up with a pastry, though do check their hours as they are closed on Sundays.

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No.7

Entertainment• North York

Mel Lastman Square Rink

“This rink is perfect for North York residents looking for a festive winter activity, with evening lighting and a Zamboni ensuring smooth ice.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Located in the heart of North York, Mel Lastman Square Rink is the quintessential urban winter escape. Named after the former mayor of North York, this public space serves as a vibrant community hub, transforming from a summer reflecting pool into a bustling outdoor skating rink once the temperatures drop. The atmosphere is distinctly North York—modern, busy, and surrounded by the towering glass condos and civic buildings that define the area. It is a popular spot for locals looking to get some fresh air without leaving the city, offering a unique, open-air skating experience right off Yonge Street that feels both accessible and distinctly metropolitan. If you are planning a visit, aim for weekday evenings or early weekend mornings to avoid the heaviest crowds. While the skating itself is free, skate rentals are available on-site through a third-party provider, which is a lifesaver if you don't own your own gear. There are no formal reservations required, but keep in mind that it is an unsupervised facility, so skate at your own pace. The rink is conveniently located steps away from the North York Centre subway station, making it incredibly easy to reach. After your skate, you are perfectly positioned to grab a coffee or a meal at one of the many restaurants lining Yonge Street, as the square itself doesn't have permanent food vendors.

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No.8

Entertainment• High Park

High Park Skating Rink

“Enjoy a leisurely skate in this expansive natural setting, and if conditions allow, you might even see people cross-country skiing on the park's trails.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Tucked away on the north side of the park near the outdoor pool, the High Park Skating Rink is a classic example of Toronto’s seasonal public infrastructure. During the winter months, the city transforms the summer tennis courts into a double-pad artificial ice surface, creating a functional, no-frills space that feels distinctly local. It lacks the polished, tourist-heavy atmosphere of downtown rinks, offering instead a quiet, community-focused vibe where you are just as likely to see neighbourhood kids practicing their crossovers as you are to see locals playing a casual game of shinny. The surrounding evergreens and the park’s rolling landscape provide a serene backdrop that makes you forget you are still within city limits, especially during evening skates when the lights hum against the dark, snow-dusted trees. Because this is a city-run facility, admission is completely free, making it an accessible spot for a spontaneous winter outing. There are no skate rentals on-site, so you must bring your own gear; ensure your skates are sharpened before you arrive, as the ice quality can vary depending on the temperature and usage. The rink includes basic change room facilities, but it is wise to arrive with your skates mostly ready to avoid the crowded benches. For the best experience, aim for weekday mornings or early afternoons to avoid the after-school and weekend rush. If you are planning a longer trip, the cafes and shops of Bloor West Village are just a short walk away, perfect for grabbing a hot chocolate or a post-skate meal to warm up.

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