Great Places to Skate in Toronto

“Skating away on the thin ice of the new day” This my friends would be incredibly unsafe, so I would not recommend it. For those that enjoy the natural ice of lakes and ponds, I would strongly suggest that the ice be no thinner than 10 inches, be especially aware of the shorelines as this is where the ice seems to be the weakest. I have always envied those that live in the rural regions of Canada and other parts of the world. The Rocky mountains gaze down upon a perfectly smooth lake glace as the sun reflects its golden haze for a day’s worth of activity.

Yes, we have all seen the commercial, where a helicopter drops of a massive cooler of beer as the day’s frozen pond hockey game nears its end. It is almost iconic in its imagery. Beautiful and near perfect. However, this is practically mythical for those of us that live in urban populations.

Bloor Bears

For us dwellers of the dreaded and sometimes revered metropolis, these images are far from what encounter when we dawn our skates for an afternoon, of doing circles around some of the cities more established skating habitats. Where I grew up, this was just an illusion. Every 30 minutes, the freight trains passed our local rink. Most of the time, we did not notice. It was our skating paradise, and the memories I have of that location harbour emotion that allowed me to enjoy my boyhood and endure adolescence. For that, I will be forever grateful.

Yes, he did, yes I did, I paid homage to a grizzly outdoor pad of ice nestled in the west end of Toronto right near the railway tracks. Here I was every one of my hockey heroes as I was growing up, with the dream of one day aspiring to that legendary illusion. Not unlike many other boys and girls from coast to coast to coast. There was no lake and no pond. It was simply perfect. Saturday morning, we would play hockey. In the evening, primarily to meet girls, we would skate around in circles with our hockey gloves on while Tchaikovsky played over the antiquated public address system. I can hear it now. Forgive me. I started to lament and reminisce.

The city is home to many outdoor public ice rinks just like this one. I hope you begin to understand the essence of the undaunting spirit and connection that we have toward the crackling of ice underfoot as you take that next stride. Ice skating is a rite and privilege.

With my skates done up, my toque planted firmly on my head. My coat snapped shut; all you can see are my eyes. I hit the music play button on my phone, and I begin to move not so gracefully along some of the most innovative surfaces that the city of Toronto has created. Please lace ’em up and come with me on an afternoons journey onto some of the most spectacular places to skate in Toronto.

Colonel Samuel Smith Park

Located in the west part of Toronto at the base of Kipling avenue at 3145 Lakeshore Blvd West you will find the Colonel Samuel Smith Park. The Park itself is near the Humber College South campus and just north of Lake Ontario. Here you will find a dynamic figure 8 that meanders through the trees in a whimsical array of sights and sounds. The dressing room, located in the “Power House,” is significant, and it is communal ( shared by both males and females) and is an ideal place to get out of the cold periodically as the wind off of the lake can be frightful at times. 

For those that prefer a more rustic and conventional approach to warming up, the rink has a wood-burning stove for such occasions. There are no concessions on the property, so bring your own tea ( wink wink.) The trail is open and supervised every day from 10 am until 10 pm, with metered parking on the premises. The facility is public until March 22, 2020, for this season. Weather permitting. 

Queens Quay Harbourfront- Natrel Skating Rink

For a lively night of skating, the Harbourfront Natrel rink has introduced lighting and music for a Saturday night skating dance party. It is located centrally on the shores of Lake Ontario. Natrel skating rink has everything the skating enthusiast would hope to want. A large surface- although round (ish), it is still a treat both during day and night. Let the lights and sound bounce around you under a starry municipal sky as you look back to the Toronto skyline. It is both poetic and romantic. 

The location contains warm change rooms and lockers for your convenience. For those that do not have the equipment, skates and helmet rentals are available at a reasonable rate. Skating is open every day from 9 am, with easy access by T.T.C. Please remember that being on the lake weather conditions may affect the usage of the facility. If you are concerned, please call ahead. Being at Queens Quay in the heart of the downtown, you will be sure to find a place or two to indulge in an adult beverage or family meal. So bundle up and have a great night.

The Bentway Skating trail

Within a short walking distance from the C.N.E. ground, you will find The Bentway skating trail. I have to admit it did take me a few minutes to find a place to park. When the dust had settled, in this case, ice, I was pleasantly surprised as to what I found. Located under the Gardiner expressway at 250 Fort York Blvd adjacent to the Armoury grounds is a delightful skating trail that seems both out of place and in harmony with its surroundings. Tranquillity placed under a highway with the C.N. Tower and other edify of prosperity in the background.

The Bentway is 220 meters of skating bliss. The surface is hard and fast with the shape of an artistically designed figure eight. The area around the skating pad organized. Surprisingly, there is very little wind. I would have thought that it would be very gusty, but it was not. The music was enchanting, and the lighting well-conceived for such a cavernous space. You didn’t feel like you were under a major roadway, but something akin to a postmodern North pole where Santa decides that he and the elves need to get fit.

There are all of the amenities you would expect, including skate and helmet rental and change rooms. Here I think they fell a little short; the indoor change room that I visited was tiny and would not accommodate more than thirty people comfortably. The washrooms were spotless, although they too were small. There was substantial room outdoors to put your skates on; the restrooms are another matter. Not to dwell on the negatives, the Bentway also incorporates the Corona Apres patio for those that have a thirst for a frothy beverage or something more.

The Bentway offers a charming place to spend an afternoon of family activity. The location is ideal, and I am confident it will be a venue that you will frequent often. The Bentway is open seven days a week from 12 pm-9 pm, admission is free to skate and is easily accessible by T.T.C. (Toronto Transit). Unfortunately, it will close February 17, 2020, for the season. So don’t delay, this should be a checked date on anyone’s winter calendar.

Toronto City hall

Skating at the Toronto City hall – Nathan Phillips square has been a tradition in the city since the mid-1960s and is still enjoyed by thousands each year. It is located at the corner of Bay and Queen street. This attraction has been a delight for all of those that have attended. Skate rentals are available, with change rooms and lockers located conveniently. The rink is open daily from December 2 until March 22, from 9 am-10 pm when there is an attendant on duty. The time on the ice is free. Although very accessible by public transit, there is ample underground parking at Nathan Phillips square. 

The square is home to many events throughout the winter season, and one that is not to be missed is the Christmas market that brings City hall into a new and exciting festival of light. Juxtaposing the modern City hall, on the northside with the Romanesque/ Victorian architecture that breed life into the old city hall to the east. Both are spectacular and are a metaphor for the transformation of the city of Toronto.  

Barbara Ann Scott Trail

For those that are familiar with the Toronto downtown, behind the College Park building at 420 Yonge Street at College Street, you will find The Barbara Ann Scott trail. For the real veterans of the city, it is the location of the old Eaton’s building. There are still some lovely Art deco representations of the era. Sorry, we are thinking of skating. Here you will find a Trail skating surface that is ideal for locals, guests and those that have just endured a long hard day. There are no indoor change rooms, but you will find many places to sit down and change into your skates.

 Being centrally situated, you have many of the conveniences that you would expect in the middle of the city. However, most of these would need to take place after your skating pleasure is over. It is open daily from 9 am- 10 pm, until March 22. Weather permitting. You just need to take the subway to College station on the number one line.

Looking to warm up or cool down, may I suggest Fran’s Restaurant a Toronto staple since the 1950s. No affiliation here, I just like the place.

Greenwood Park

Nestled in a quiet, unassuming park is a masterpiece for outdoor recreation in the city. Located in the cities east end at 150 Greenwood Avenue at Dundas street is the Greenwood park dual skating pad. (Please note that the easiest way to access the ice rink is from Stanton Avenue, one block west of Greenwood Ave.) Here you will find the only covered outdoor hockey rink in the city of Toronto. You would think that this would be enough. No, there is more. There is also a lovely outdoor “dog-legged” trail pad for recreational skating. 

There is plenty of room to put your skates on outdoors, but why would you when the common area to “lace ’em up” is vast modern and very clean. The washrooms, like the rest of the facility, are immaculate. 

I also noticed a visitor’s area with staff on duty. From the changing area, you also have an engaging view of the “pleasure” skating pad. I did not notice any type of kiosk for food or snacks. But don’t let that dissuade you, this is an ideal place to “shoot the puck around” or simply enjoy a winter’s afternoon out of the house with your family and friends. The rink will be open until March 22, 2020.

Don Mills Shopping Centre

Although a little farther north, I had heard of this rink in the Don Mills Shopping centre– just north of the Ontario Science Center and I had to check it out. The first thing I noticed was that I was parking in a massive shopping plaza, although they called it a mall. Where could the skating area be? Getting out of my car, I heard the sounds of “The Mighty Mighty Boss tones.” An amazing band from Boston, but here? Intrigued and perplexed, I need to discover what type of place this is. The music is everywhere. I feel like I am in some outdoor mall in Vail. Another block, and down another street, I find it the rink, right in the middle of the square.

The facility is small and circular. It was virtually empty other than a family learning to skate, while the music played on a very overcast day. There are no change rooms that one could speak of, but there are benches that you can change into your skates at the side of the ice surface. I wonder if they would mind if I put on my skates on in the Starbucks across the street?

Amenities are everywhere. Do you need a bite to eat, there are restaurants galore. Need some spa time, look no further. Are you looking for real estate? It was all there. You are surrounded by it all, yet a small ice surface stands triumphant. It is both enchanting and slightly weird. I am glad I made the trip north, or I would not have had this very surreal experience. 

If you are in the district, just follow your ears.

The city of Toronto has many dazzling places to spend your winter outdoors. Here I was only able to give a brief snapshot of the surfaces that my family and I find most enjoyable. Although it seems natural to stay inside and hibernate through the colder months, ice skating allows you to get outside. See some friends and perhaps make some new ones. So wipe the dust off your skates and dress warmly for a day of fun and activity.

Do you enjoy skating? Have you been to any of these skating areas? Perhaps you have a secret trail that you would like to share with us? I do know that north of the city, there are some fantastic trails to explore some as long at 2 kilometres. No matter where you skate or how often, the important thing is that you enjoy each carefree stride.

My privilege.
Your Vacation, Your Escape
V.T.E.