Glide into the new year at these free outdoor skating rinks in Toronto

Time to lace up, Toronto! As we’re in the thick of winter, it may be hard to drag yourself outdoors but the city has a variety of free and scenic skating rinks to make the most of the chilly season.

Whether you’re an avid skater or looking for a new activity to try with friends, skating is a quintessential Canadian pastime in the winter and there’s many rinks across the city for residents and visitors to easily access.

Here are our picks for some of the top, free skating rinks around the city, located in landmarks or offering beautiful views that you need to check out this winter.

Nathan Phillips Square

A list of skating rinks in Toronto isn’t complete without mentioning the iconic rink at Nathan Phillips Square. Cavalcade of Lights is currently happening at the square until Jan. 7 where you can embrace the festive spirit and skate among dazzling lights and the glittering Christmas tree.

You can bring your own skates or rent them on site, and every Saturday night from 4 to 7 p.m. visitors can rent skates for free, courtesy of Desjardins Financial Group.

For more information, click here.

The Bentway

The skating rink at the Bentway is officially open! Located under the Gardiner Expressway, the figure-eight skate trail is an Instagrammable spot to cruise with friends and family. The rink is open daily until Feb. 17. Visitors can also bring their own skates or rent them for a fee.

Starting Jan. 6, visitors can enjoy free hot chocolate every Monday from 5 to 8:30 p.m., thanks to the CityPlace Fort York BIA. And starting on Jan. 9, there will be free skate rentals every Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m., courtesy of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

For more information, click here.

Harbourfront Centre

Skate by the lake at the Harbourfront Centre. Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, the Harbourfront Centre rink offers stunning views of Lake Ontario, a perfect backdrop for gliding with friends and family.

Read More Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre is opening its ice rink and has free skate rentals

Skate rentals are available, and free on Saturdays thanks to the Waterfront Business Improvement Area.

For more information, click here.

Evergreen Brickworks

Skate among Toronto’s lush nature at Evergreen Brickworks. Visitors will have a unique inside-outside experience as the rink is located in Koerner Gardens, where they’ll skate under the beams of the historic brick factory. The rink is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the week and 1 to 5 p.m. on weekends, with exceptions during the holidays.

Skate rentals are available for a suggested fee of $5 which will go towards supporting free programming at Evergreen Brick Works.

For more information, click here.

Mel Lastman Square

Known as another Toronto staple for skating, Mel Lastman Square’s outdoor rink is one that won’t leave you disappointed. The beautiful park in North York features 20,000 square feet of open space, with the pond converted into an ice rink in the winter months.

Unsupervised leisure skating is typically open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with some exceptions during the holidays.

For more information, click here.

High Park

This centrally-located park in the city not only has an outdoor rink to access, but also features beautiful trails and even a zoo, making it a convenient one-stop destination for families.

The park’s two tennis courts convert into a skating rink during the winter months, and there are various skating programs available for all to enjoy, from leisure skating to shinny with adults and children.

For more information, click here.

Colonel Samuel Smith Park

Located in the Kipling and Lakeshore area, this park is home to the city’s first ice skating trail in a figure-eight shape, which first opened in 2010. The 250-metre long trail is located next to the Power House House Recreation Centre, providing beautiful views of nature in Etobicoke.

The rink is typically open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information, click here.

For a full list of other outdoor rinks in the city, click here.

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