Toronto has more than 50 outdoor artificial ice rinks run by the City, plus a handful of signature rinks that are destinations in their own right: under the arches at City Hall, beside Lake Ontario at Harbourfront, beneath the Gardiner Expressway at The Bentway and along a figure-eight trail in Etobicoke. Most City rinks are free. Here’s where to skate this winter.
When do Toronto’s outdoor rinks open?
City of Toronto outdoor rinks usually start opening in late November, weather permitting, and stay open until mid-March. Signature rinks open on their own schedules: Harbourfront Centre’s rink has opened in late November alongside its tree lighting, and The Bentway’s trail usually opens in December (it opened on December 20 in 2025). Warm spells can close rinks temporarily, so check the City’s rink status page before you go.
Toronto’s best outdoor rinks
1. Nathan Phillips Square
Toronto’s most famous rink, in front of City Hall with lit arches overhead, the official Christmas tree during the Cavalcade of Lights and the Toronto sign beside the ice. Skating is free; rentals and sharpening are available on site. Full guide
2. Natrel Rink at Harbourfront Centre
On the waterfront at 235 Queens Quay West, with views of Lake Ontario and the city skyline. Harbourfront lights its tree on November 20, 2026, and the Miracle on Harbourfront Christmas bar opens right beside the rink the same day. Full guide
3. The Bentway Skate Trail
A 220-metre figure-eight trail beneath the Gardiner Expressway near Fort York, one of the most unusual skating spots in North America. Full guide
4. Colonel Samuel Smith Park skating trail
A looping skating trail through the trees in Etobicoke, near Lake Ontario. A favourite for families and a stop on the City’s past Cavalcade skating parties.
5. Civic squares across the city
- Mel Lastman Square, North York
- Albert Campbell Square, Scarborough Civic Centre
Both are convenient, free and less crowded than downtown.
6. Neighbourhood rinks
Community rinks like Dufferin Grove, Christie Pits and Greenwood Park have a local feel, shinny hockey times and public skates. The City lists hours for every rink on its website.
Skating near Toronto
Mississauga’s Celebration Square rink opens on November 21, Brampton has the Gage Park and Chinguacousy Park skating trails, and there are civic rinks across the GTA. See outdoor skating near Toronto and skating trails in and around Toronto.
Tips for skating in Toronto
- Check rink status on the City’s website or app before you go, especially after warm or rainy days.
- Go on weekday mornings for the emptiest ice. Holiday afternoons and weekend evenings are busiest.
- Know the schedule: many City rinks alternate public skating and shinny hockey times.
- Bring your own skates to skate free; rentals cost extra at rinks that offer them.
- Helmets are recommended, especially for kids.
Skating costs and rentals
City of Toronto outdoor rinks are free to use with your own skates. Skate rentals are available at some popular rinks, such as Nathan Phillips Square, for a fee; others have no rentals at all, so check before you go. Privately run rinks and trails may charge admission or ask you to book a time slot.
Pleasure skating vs. shinny
Most City rinks have set times for leisure (pleasure) skating and for shinny, a casual pick-up hockey game. Some sessions are limited to certain ages or skill levels. The City posts each rink’s weekly schedule online, so check it before you go, especially on weekends and school holidays.
Skating with kids
- Helmets are strongly recommended for children and beginners.
- Skate aids are available at some rinks to help little ones balance.
- Go early in the day when the ice is fresh and quieter.
- Bring extra mittens and socks; kids get wet quickly.
See also: Christmas in Toronto with kids.
The most festive rinks
- Nathan Phillips Square: skate beside the Toronto sign and the city’s official Christmas tree.
- The Bentway: a skate trail under the Gardiner Expressway, often with music.
- Natrel Rink at Harbourfront: lakefront skating with DJ nights.
- The Distillery and suburban squares sometimes add small seasonal rinks. Skating near Toronto
Want to glide farther than a rink allows? See skating trails in and near Toronto.
Outdoor skating in Toronto: FAQ
When do outdoor rinks open in Toronto? Usually from late November or early December, weather permitting, until about late February or early March.
Are outdoor rinks open on Christmas Day? Many City rinks have been open on holidays with adjusted hours. Check the City’s rink schedule before you go.
Is skating free in Toronto? Yes, at City rinks with your own skates.
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