A skating trail is more magical than a rink: you glide through parks, under bridges or through forests. Here are the best in and near Toronto.
In Toronto
- The Bentway Skate Trail: a loop under the Gardiner Expressway near Fort York, free to skate.
- Colonel Samuel Smith Park, Etobicoke: a figure-eight skating trail by the lake, run by the City.
- Natrel Rink at Harbourfront: a rink rather than a trail, but right on the waterfront.
City-run outdoor rinks and trails usually open in late November or early December, weather permitting. Check the City of Toronto’s skating page for hours.
Near Toronto
Several GTA towns have skating trails in parks and downtown squares. See outdoor skating near Toronto.
Day trips
Ontario’s forest skating trails, such as those in cottage country, make a great winter outing once it’s cold enough, usually January. Ottawa’s Rideau Canal Skateway is another bucket-list experience. See Christmas in Ottawa.
Why skate a trail instead of a rink?
A skating trail turns a skate into a journey. Instead of circling a rectangle, you glide along a path through trees, around a park or under a city landmark. Trails are usually less crowded at any one spot, great for practising longer strides, and more scenic for photos. They’re also a good choice for confident beginners, since there’s no traffic of fast skaters cutting across the middle.
Toronto trails in more detail
The Bentway. Running beneath the Gardiner Expressway near Fort York, the Bentway’s skate trail is one of the most unusual places to skate in North America, with art installations, lighting and music on many evenings. See our Bentway skate trail guide.
Colonel Samuel Smith Park, Etobicoke. This lakeside park has a figure-eight skating trail surrounded by trees, run by the City. It’s quieter than downtown rinks and perfect for families.
Other City trails and ovals. Several City parks have skating paths or large ovals. Check the City of Toronto’s skating locator for a full list and current conditions.
Skating trails in the GTA
The suburbs have some excellent trails too. Brampton, Mississauga, Vaughan, Markham and Oakville have run skating trails or loops in parks and civic squares. See outdoor skating near Toronto.
Forest and lake skating farther afield
When winter is cold enough, usually from January, Ontario’s forest skating trails in cottage country and the famous Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa are bucket-list experiences. Natural ice depends heavily on the weather, so always check conditions before travelling. Christmas in Ottawa
Safety on natural ice
Never skate on ponds, rivers or Lake Ontario unless the area is officially maintained and marked open. Ice thickness can vary dramatically over a short distance, and moving water weakens ice from below. Stick to supervised rinks and trails.
Skating trails: FAQ
What’s the best skating trail in Toronto? The Bentway for something unique; Colonel Samuel Smith Park for a peaceful lakeside loop.
Are skating trails free? City-run trails are free. Some private trails charge admission.
Tips
- Check conditions: trails close in thaws and heavy snow.
- Bring skates or rent: rentals are available at some sites.
- Helmets are recommended for kids and beginners.
More: outdoor skating in Toronto · Nathan Phillips Square skating
