Mel Lastman Square Rink

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.