Though we’re not a fan of the cold, one great pro about winter is watching all the skate rinks around the city open up for our enjoyment.
Whether you are a Toronto native or are just getting used to the Canadian winter, I can promise that skating is a fun winter activity that you, your friends and family can definitely enjoy.
Here’s your guide on where to slip, slide and fall all over the city.
Harbourfront Centre
This one is my personal favourite. Located right along Queen’s Quay, Harbourfront Centre is a beautiful outdoor rink in both the day and night.
In fact, every Saturday night you can attend their DJ skate nights with music blaring and golden LED lights all around.
Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Rental: Bring your student card to rent skates for $10, a helmet for $6 or both for $13.
The Bentway
Located right under the Gardiner Expressway, this ice rink is set to open on Dec. 20 and remain open until February. During the holiday time, the ice rink turns into what they call a “winter village” with hot chocolate and beverages for skaters.
The good thing about the bentway is that it is covered and instead of your normal ice rink, it is a 220 metre trail for you to venture on.
Hours: Daily 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Rental: Skates are $10 for all adults
Greenwood Park
Like the Bentway, this ice rink is not your typical set-up. Greenwood’s ice rink is actually in the shape of a figure eight. It’s a great place to go to if you want a break from the downtown core and is accessible at Greenwood subway station.
In addition, if you want to grab some friends and play a game outdoors, they have a second rink for drop-in shiney.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Rental: Skates are $10 for all adults
Sherbourne Common
Enjoy a leisurely skate at this hidden skating rink in the city. Though there may not be any fancy music or DJ’s here, it’s a relaxing spot to do a few spins around or learn how to skate away from the public eye.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Rental: There are no rentals at this location, bring your own skates! BYOS if you will.
Lake Devo
Ok, laugh at me now but it’s almost kind of cool that our campus has a mini ice rink during the winter.
If you’re sick of being on campus and want to venture somewhere else, that’s totally understandable. But if you live on or near campus and want to fool around with some friends or get a late night game of shinny in—Lake Devo may become your new winter bestie.
Hours: Anytime. Literally.
Rental: None! BYOS!
Nathan Phillips Square
You thought I was going to make a list and not include THE city hall skating rink? Even though you may bump into fifty people you know and have to deal with tourists, city hall is an iconic place to skate in the city.
Take pictures under the rink’s lights and decor, grab a hot chocolate and hit up Queen Street West or the Eaton Centre after.
Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Rental: Skates are $10 for all adults and helmets are $5
Dufferin Grove Park
This rink not only has public skating hours but times for shinny games for adults, women’s only and kids.
Again, if you want to venture outside of the downtown core, this is a great place to take friends, your significant other or family. The park also has a clubhouse with a snack bar for all of my constantly hungry friends out there.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Rental: If you don’t have your own skates, the park says you can borrow a pair for a donation of $2.
