14 Fantastic Places to Go Outdoor Ice Skating in Ontario with Kids
One of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to get out and enjoy the chilly Ontario winter is to lace up a pair of ice skates and head out to the local rink.
I love to ice skate! It is my favourite winter sport, and I have been skating for as long as I can remember. But I also prefer to skate in fun and interesting places
So, if you are adventurous like me, or just looking for a more unique experience, we have you covered!
From forested paths to skating on a canal, we have put together a list of the best places to go ice skating in Ontario.
14 Best Places to Go Ice Skating in Ontario with Kids
When presented with the idea of taking the family out for some ice skating, most people remember back to their times spent in a local arena, or if you were lucky, gliding on a community pond. Nowadays, ice skating outdoors has become a very popular pastime in Ontario.
As a result, so many amazing opportunities have become available. We are no longer limited to the smelly indoor rinks!
Now you can choose to glide through a lush forest, skate with an incredible urban skyline as your backdrop, or enjoy the unique experience of skating through a city park.
With so many incredible options to choose from, we narrowed it down to the most popular or unique experiences we could find. What will your favourite Ontario ice skating experience be?
Ice Skating Trails
We have broken our favourite ice skating experiences down into two categories: Trails and Rinks. There are both refrigerated (man-made) trails and natural trails included in our list below.
1. Gage Park – Brampton
At over 100 years old, Gage Park is one of Brampton’s oldest municipal parks.
This is where you will find a wonderful skating trail that winds its way through the park, amongst the trees and twinkle lights, and past a gorgeous gazebo.
Although this park is located right in the heart of Brampton’s downtown core, you wouldn’t know it once you are on the ice.
I have been skating here for as long as I remember, and it absolutely never loses its charm! In fact, it is one of the nicest trails to visit, if you don’t have the time to drive up north.
Best of all, Gage Park does not only have skating! You will also find food trucks, fire pits to warm up at, skate rentals, and even a DJ on the weekends.
Best of all, it’s free to skate at Gage Park!
So, whether you are taking the kids for an afternoon outing or heading to the park for a romantic date night, Gage Park really has it all!
Where: 45 Main St S, Brampton
When: January to early March – Monday to Sunday, 10 AM– 10 PM
Cost: Free
Skate rentals: Yes – Thursday through Sunday
2. The Bentway – Toronto
The Bentway is definitely a unique ice skating trail located in the heart of Toronto’s urban jungle.
This 220 meters, figure-eight skate trail, can be found winding its way UNDER the Gardiner Expressway!
Have fun skating around the track, while enjoying the sights and sounds of the city.
The Bentway even has an on-site winter village where you can get cozy at one of the warming stations.
And of course, what is ice skating without hot chocolate? Head to the Bentway on Monday evenings from 5 pm until 8 pm where you can enjoy free hot chocolate and skate rentals.
You can also purchase hot beverages all weekend long in the winter village.
Where: 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto
When: December 16, 2024, to February 17, 2025 – Weekdays from 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Weekends/Holidays from 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
Cost: Free
Skate rentals: Yes – $12 for adults & $10 for kids, helmets for $5
3. Colonel Samuel Smith Park – Etobicoke
Colonel Samuel Smith Park is located in the city of Etobicoke, northwest of Toronto.
The park has wonderful waterfront views, a large trail system, and is the perfect place for bird and wildlife viewing.
Colonel Samuel Smith Park is also home to a 250-meter figure-eight skate path, that meanders through the trees.
There are even heated pavilions for warming up after a skate, or for taking a break to share some hot cocoa!
Where: 3145 Lake Shore Blvd W, Etobicoke, ON M8V 4B6
When: December 2024 – March 2025 (weather permitting) – Daily from 10 am – 9:30 pm
Cost: Free
Skate rentals: Yes
4. Rideau Canal Skateway – Ottawa
The Rideau Canal is Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, which makes skating the 7.8km (4.8 miles) stretch extra special.
Not only is the Skateway open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but thanks to its universally accessible facilities like access ramps, heated change rooms, and washrooms, it’s a great place for families to visit.
Not to mention, all along the Skateway you can find food and drink kiosks, traditional BeaverTail treats, as well as skate and accessory rentals.
As one of Canada’s most iconic skateways, this should definitely be on your family ice skating experience bucket list!
We definitely had a fabulous time skating the canal during one of our visits to Winterlude. It was such a unique experience!
Where: Ottawa
When: January to early March – 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
Cost: Free for admission, $33 for skate rentals
Skate rentals: Yes
5. Storybook Gardens Winter Skating Trail – London
The Storybook Gardens outdoor winter skating trail is 250 meters long.
Located in London, Ontario, the ice trail winds through the beautiful grounds of Storybook Gardens, offering a tranquil and scenic skating experience.
A definite perk to skating at Storybook Gardens is the Beavertails concession stand!
Conveniently located rink-side, you can jump off the ice and head over to indulge in this truly Canadian treat.
Of course, if delicious deep-fried dough covered in cinnamon sugar is not your thing, the concession stand also sells poutine, hot dogs, and hot beverages.
Of course, the best time to visit is during the evening when you can admire the special lights and decor that line the skate trail.
Washrooms are available onsite. Registration is required for all public skate trail sessions. Helmets are required for kids 5 and under.
Where: Storybook Gardens, 1958 Storybook Lane, London
When: Open until Mid-March, 2025 – Tuesday through Sunday
Cost: $4.00 to $5.00 per person
Skate rentals: Available for $7.00 per person.
6. Arrowhead Ice Skating Trail – Muskoka
Arrowhead Provincial Park is an awesome place to visit if you are looking for a unique family ice skating experience.
The 1.3km ice trail loop winds gently through the evergreen forest, making it quite scenic, especially after a fresh snowfall!
It’s also quite convenient for families with younger children, in that the ice trail leads directly to a seating area, complete with cubbies for storing your shoes, and a fire pit for warming up.
If you are lucky enough to be in the park on a Fire and Ice Night, the trail is lit with hundreds of Tiki Torches. Amazing!
This is definitely high on my personal list of favourite skating experiences of all time.
Where: 451 Arrowhead Park Rd, Arrowhead Provincial Park, Huntsville
When: Late December or early January to early March – Daily from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cost: Free for admission, $21.00 per car for admission to the park
Skate rentals: $15.00 for 3 hours
7. Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery – Bala
Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery is a gorgeous cranberry farm located in Bala, Ontario. There, you will find a 1.2 km ice skating loop around 12 acres of cranberries.
With trees and forested areas on one side of the trail and cranberry beds on the other, it really is a unique experience.
And if you are looking for a little more excitement, Muskoka Lakes also has a bog hockey rink, where you can practice your puck handling!
A daily trail pass will cost you $19 for adults and $15 per child on a weekend (weekdays are less). Skate rentals are available for $15 per half day. They even offer skate sharpening.
There is a changing tent located steps from the trail, offering benches to change into skates, and cubbies to store your shoes.
There are also fire pits along the skating trail, where you could stop for a rest or to warm up.
And for a truly unique Muskoka experience, every Saturday night the winery holds a Light the Night skate. The entire trail is illuminated by 400 tiki torches from 6 pm until 9 pm.
It is amazing! Our family enjoyed a clear, crisp night, so there were plenty of stars out. The kids had a fabulous time, making this family ice skating experience a complete success!
And don’t forget to grab some delicious house-made snacks, hot-mulled cider, or a bottle of their Cranberry Wine to go!
Where: 1074 Cranberry Road, Bala, Ontario
When: December 27, 2023, to March Break 2024 (weather permitting) – Daily from 11 am to 4:00 pm
Cost: $12 – $19 for a daily trail pass. $15 per half-day skate rental.
Skate rentals: Yes
8. Woodview Mountaintop Skating – Blue Mountains
Enjoy views of the Niagara escarpment as you glide along the incredible Woodview Mountain Skating trail.
Located at the top of Blue Mountain, this 1.1 km ice path is a must-do experience when visiting the area.
Enjoy the scenic views during the day, or skate in the evening under thousands of twinkle lights.
Either way, it is definitely one of the best places to go ice skating in Ontario with kids.
And with world-class accommodations and ski hills nearby, you can turn your skating adventure into a full-fledged winter weekend getaway for the whole family!
Where: 201 Scenic Caves Road, Unit AW2, The Blue Mountains, ON L9Y 0P2
When: December to March (weather permitting) – Daily, 12 pm – 8 pm
Cost: $17 – $29
Skate rentals: Yes
9. Peterborough Lift Lock Skating Trail
*** May Not be Operating for the 2025 Season ***
The Peterborough Lift Lock is not only a National Historic Site, but it is also the highest hydraulic lift lock in the world.
During the winter, the site becomes home to one of the most unique places to ice skate in Ontario.
When the Trent-Severn Waterway freezes, the City of Peterborough opens a large section of the canal for public skating.
As long as the green flag is visible, enjoy skating along this iconic water route, or grab a hockey stick for an impromptu game of pick-up.
This family-friendly location is definitely a must-do if you are visiting Peterborough in the winter.
Where: Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site Visitor Centre, 2155 Ashburnham Dr, Peterborough
When: January 2025 to March 2025 (weather permitting)
Cost: Free
Skate rentals: No
Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks
The following selections are some of the best outdoor rinks to go ice skating in Ontario. Although smaller in size than the trails, many of the rinks come with awesome views of the city.
Throw in some incredible light displays, maybe some music, and you have yourself the makings of a magical family skating experience!
10. Rink of Dreams – Ottawa
Located in front of Ottawa City Hall in Ottawa’s downtown core, the Rink of Dreams is a convenient spot to skate.
Enjoy the sound of music over the speakers, and visit after sundown to see the rink lit up in multiple colours.
This rink is less crowded than the Rideau Skateway and has a warming station available on evenings and weekends, which is perfect for families.
A BeaverTails kiosk is also open on weekends for a post-skating treat.
Where: 110 Laurier Ave. W, City Hall, Ottawa
When: December to mid-March, seven days a week, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Cost: Free admission.
Skate rentals: Yes
11. Nathan Phillips Square – Toronto
Toronto’s largest and most iconic skating rink is a festive way to spend a winter day.
Of course, lacing up your skates at night when the rink is illuminated with warm lights and glistening star ornaments, is also pretty incredible!
Take your picture in front of the Toronto sign, listen to the music, and have a great time skating with the family.
The rink is also open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to create that perfect holiday tradition!
I have wonderful memories of skating here as a child with my Dad at Christmastime. We have even taken the kids a few times. Love it!
Where: 100 Queen St. W, Toronto
When: November 30th, 2024 – March 16th, 2025 – Every day from 10 am – 9:45 pm
Cost: Free for admission
Skate rentals: $15 for Adult skate rentals and $10 for child skate rentals
12. Evergreen Brick Works Rink – Toronto
Experience the magic of one of the best places to go ice skating in Ontario – Toronto’s Evergreen Brick Works.
Featuring both public skating, as well as skating lessons, the Evergreen Brick Works Rink is definitely a must-do experience in Toronto.
It’s interesting to note, that Evergreen Brick Works uses a unique refrigeration system for sustainable cooling.
This incredible outdoor ice skating rink meanders through snow-covered gardens and under the exposed beams of the old brick factory roof.
Be aware that advanced registration is required for all public skating at the Evergreen Brick Works Rink.
Where: 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4W 3X8
When: December to March, weather permitting
Cost: Free
Skate rentals: Yes – $5
13. Wayne Gretzky’s Winery – Niagara-on-the-Lake
If you happen to be visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake during the winter months, head over to Wayne Gretzky’s Winery.
It’s definitely not a typical location for an outdoor skating rink, but given the estate’s owner, it totally makes sense!
Take the kids for a few laps around the rink during the day, or enjoy featured events like Saturday DJ nights. Either way, it is sure to be a unique experience.
And if you are looking for more than just ice skating, you can rent rink-side tables, or cabanas with fire pits, where you can order a bite to eat and some of the winery’s signature beverages.
We had an absolute blast skating there with the kids, and then grabbing a bite from the Whiskey Bar Patio. It’s a little on the pricey side, but definitely worth the experience.
Where: 1219 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake ON L0S 1J0
When: December to March, weather permitting – Friday & Saturday – 11:30 am to 7 pm, Sunday – 11:30 am to 6 pm
Cost: $5
Skate rentals: Yes – $10
14. Celebration Square – Mississauga
Located in the heart of downtown Mississauga, Celebration Square is a fun place to visit any time of the year.
During the winter, the Square is transformed into a large family-friendly outdoor ice rink.
Lace up your skates and whirl around the rink, all while having city hall and the Mississauga skyline as the backdrop.
Since we are local, we have been taking the kids skating here for years. Keep an eye out on the City of Mississauga’s website for special events happening at the rink.
Warm up with some hot chocolate, as you sit and relax in the adjoining park area. You will also find at least one food truck adjacent to the rink if you are feeling peckish after your skate!
The rink is patrolled on weekdays from 4:30 pm to 9 pm, on weekends from 10 am to 9 pm, and on holidays.
If you want to see what the rink conditions are, or how busy it is, have a look at their webcam for a live feed!
Where: 300 City Centre Dr, Mississauga ON L5B 3C1
When: December to March, weather permitting – Daily – 10 am to 10 pm
Cost: Free
Skate rentals: Yes. Skates – $15, Helmets – $5 (2-hour rental) – Skate sharpening is also available
Final Thoughts
As one of Canada’s national pastimes, ice skating is definitely woven into the lives of all who call this amazing country home. I mean… can you even call yourself Canadian if you don’t know how to skate?? 🤣🤣
And with so many incredible and unique places to go ice skating in Ontario, we are sure that you will find at least one experience that your family will love!
Do you have a favourite place to go ice skating in Ontario? We would love to hear all about it!
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