Places to go Ice Skating Outdoors in Toronto

Skating is one of the ultimate ways we as Canadians love to enjoy and embrace the cold winter months. It gets us outdoors and allows us to stay active while having some fun. This winter, head outside, lace up your skates with the family and try out some of these great outdoor skating rinks throughout Toronto.

Nathan Phillips Square

The skating rink at Nathan Phillips Square is located in the heart of the city. It’s right downtown in front of City Hall at the intersection of Queen Street West and Bay Street. During the winter months, the square is bustling with energy, from light displays, live entertainment, and firework shows, depending on when you time your skating adventure. (Usually around last weekend of November is when the excitement and light display kicks off).

You can bring the kids, rent out some skates if need be, and take in the bustling city vibe while enjoying one of the best spots in the city.

The Harbourfront Centre

If you’re interested in stepping away from the downtown core, you can head south towards the Harbourfront. Here, each winter you will find another popular spot for many Torontonians and visitors to take in the lakefront and city skyline. There’s also a DJ spinning some great tunes most weekends if you feel like trying your hand at dancing while you glide across the ice.

Withrow Park

For a calmer environment that isn’t so busy and amidst the city spotlight, you can head over to the Danforth. Here you can find Withrow Park where a smaller community rink is located. It’s also commonly used for teams to compete on, but is a great location since it’s steps away from the subway, along with quaint coffee shops that you can pop into afterward for some hot chocolate.

Christie Pits Rink

On the west side of the city, Christie Pits boasts a larger rink that is popular for local residents to enjoy. You can often find local hockey teams throwing down a game as families and onlookers watch nearby. So be sure to check out the schedules before heading here.

There’s never a shortage of places to enjoy some time on the ice. Toronto has a wide variety of rinks dotted throughout each and every neighbourhood. And no matter what type of vibe and backdrop you’re in the mood for, you can certainly find it throughout the city. Winter recreation is just one more item on a long list that makes Toronto one of the best places in the world to live. Find your Toronto rental home now!