Carve out some winter fun in Ontario on an outdoor ice surface
Ice skating outdoors in fresh winter air is one of the most popular Canadian past times. But believe it or not, ice skating did not start in Canada.
Ice Skating is believed to have actually started in Scandinavia more than 2000 years ago. Skating began as a means of transportation. According to the Canadian Encyclopedia the word ‘skate’ likely comes from the German word ‘shake’ meaning shank. The first skate ‘blades’ were not made of metal, but of animal shank bone. The history of skates in Canada can be traced back to the French in the 1600’s and to the Iroquois peoples before that.
Unique & Cool Skating Locations That Are Outside
What is most exciting is that these surfaces are so neat – you can skate on historic sites, through parks, on mountain tops and the most unique – on a cranberry bog! Do not forget to bring your camera. These are memories in the making and the scenery is perfect for social media friendly snaps! That being said, remember to be safe and aware of yourself and other skaters. Don’t get in the way of other skaters, it could get dangerous.
Best Places to Skate in Ontario
From the more modern days of shinny on the pond to the newest craze of skating trails, there has always been a quest for the best outdoor ice.
Today you can find ice surfaces all over from commercial setups to backyard DIY’s. People love to skate and play hockey, do figure skating, race or just plain hold hands and glide. Skating is definitely a beloved activity for people of all ages. Ontario has a long list of skate trails, ODR’s (Outdoor rinks), municipal skating rinks that offer anyone a chance to get out and skate near them or while on a getaway.
In the province of Ontario there is no shortage of outdoor places to lace up your skates. Many municipalities also have indoor ice surfaces and public skate times if the outdoor weather is truly not cooperative.
Here are some favourite spots to carve and glide in Ontario.
Friday Harbour Resort The Skate Escape
The Skate Escape at Friday Harbour is a highlight of the winter season with ice skating, sweet and savoury treats, handcrafted beverages, live entertainment, and more.
Learn MoreBlue Mountain Village Woodview Mountaintop Skating
Sharpen your skates and cruise on our 1.1km ice skating loop while enjoying extraordinary views along the Niagara Escarpment. Ice skate rentals are available and all skill levels are welcome. Extraordinary views of the escarpment!
Learn MoreODR’s, Ice Rinks & Skate Trails in Muskoka
Is there anything more Canadian than gliding across an outdoor rink? Whether you are going for a skate with the family, or watching the kids play a pick-up game of pond hockey well after the sun sets, outdoor rinks are a right of passage for Canadians of all ages. There are a number of outdoor rinks across Muskoka that are available for public use, and are maintained throughout the winter (weather dependent). Ranging from popular trails like Arrowhead Ice Skating Trail and Muskoka Lake’s Farm and Winery Cranberry Ice Trail, the list also includes cool places to check out you don’t know about like the Hanna Park Skating Trail, The Honey Harbour Outdoor Skating Rink and more! Click the Learn More button to read the full list.
Ottawa Valley Skate Trails & Skate Loops
What could be more exhilarating than taking the family out into the cool, crisp air, slapping on a pair of skates and gliding the day away on one of our well-maintained municipal rinks. The Ottawa Valley region skating season is generally from December through to March (weather dependant).
Learn MoreOttawa Rideau Canal Skateway
A highlight of winter in Ottawa is the Rideau Canal Skateway. With a length of 7.8 kilometres, the Rideau Canal Skateway is also the world’s largest skating rink. Come and enjoy this scenic skating rink which begins in the heart of downtown and extends to Dows Lake. In between, warm up at rest areas, where there are toasty fires, hot drinks and tasty snacks.
Learn MoreBest Ottawa Weekend Getaway Package:
TBA 2024
Grab your skates and head to Ottawa to skate on the famous Rideau Canal. The Fairmont Chateau Laurier hotel is also located close to museums, the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Byward Market.
This package includes:
2024 TBA
Best Toronto Weekend Getaway Package:
Get Away Downtown Toronto & Save Package
@ Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
Don’t forget to pack your ice skates when staying at this Toronto hotel on Queen Street West. You’ll be right next door to Nathan Philips Square’s extra large outdoor skating rink. Don’t stress, you can also rent skates too.
This package includes:
- Save up to 10%
- Book by March 31, 2023
- Promotional Code: ADP
- Valid Stay Dates: up to – March 31, 2023
More information about skating trails in Muskoka:
Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery Ice Trail
Skating trails are growing in popularity and for good reason. Who doesn’t want to skate hand in hand with their loved ones? Or play a pickup game of shinny with friends. Check out these fun Ontario skating trails, they might be near you or a little bit of a drive.
Muskoka has rapidly become the hub of skating trails in Ontario, offering several places to experience a twist to one of Canada’s most iconic winter experiences.
Deerhurst Resort An onsite waterfront skating trail! Lace up and hit their 250-metre trail this winter.
The Cranberry Ice Trail, Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery
Skate a 1.2 km loop around 12 acres of cranberries! This narrow designed skating trail really creates an intimate feel, perfect for hand holding with your special someone, or locking arms with your girlfriends.
Ice skating trail at Arrowhead Provincial Park, Muskoka
The 1.3 km Ice Skating trail winds through the thick Muskoka forest and is a winter experience like no other.
Memorial Park Winter Village, Bracebridge Muskoka
An ice skating rink that wraps around the park and carves in and out of Bracebridge landmarks, the Winter Village brings its own exciting take on a skating trail.
Lake Muskoka Ice Trail, Gravenhurst Muskoka
Muskoka Wharf Marine has cleared a huge trail on Muskoka Bay in Gravenhurst down at the Muskoka Wharf. The Marina is charging a flat fee of $5 per person (kids 7 and under are free), and the trail is open from 9am to 4:30pm for skating. There are no rentals on site, so bring your own skates.
More About Skating Trails in Collingwood & The Blue Mountains:
ToDoOntario – Blue Mountain Resort, Woodview Mountain Top Ice Skating
Other notable and picturesque Ontario places have some pretty cool ice skating trails too!
Woodview Mountain Top Skate Trail, Blue Mountain Resort
Sharpen your skates and cruise on a 1.1km ice skating loop while enjoying extraordinary views along the Niagara Escarpment. Ice skate rentals are available and all skill levels are welcome. After you skate, relax with a hot chocolate while enjoying the beauty of Blue Mountain. PS, it’s even cooler at night!
Toronto Outdoor Rinks & Skating Trails That Are FREE
If you’re in, or visiting, Toronto this winter. Here is a handy list of FREE outdoor skate surfaces and trails. Some are pretty cool!
The Bentway Skate Trail
Opens December 17, weather permitting
Skaters are invited to chill out and cozy up along a 220-metre figure-eight skate trail, located under the Gardiner Expressway.
Nathan Phillips Square
The skate pavilion and concession at the southwest corner of the Square provides skate rental and change room space, skating rink support facilities, a food concession, public washrooms and a generous upper level roof terrace for residents and visitors to take in the panoramic view of the Square.
TD Union Skate
Right at Union Station! Rink-goers can immerse themselves in an environment that welcomes all levels of skaters and fun. Whether you are an avid skater or someone lacing up a pair of skates for the first time. There will be DJ skate nights on Fridays and Saturdays as well as weekly free skating lessons on Tuesdays.
Evergreen Brick Works
The Evergreen Brick Works outdoor skating rink weaves through snow-covered gardens under exposed beams from the roof of the old brick factory. The skating rink is only open during the winter season. It is open to the public from December to March, weather permitting.
High Park
From free ice skating to pick up shinny check the programming schedule of this outdoor rink in High Park.
Ontario Resort Vacations with Ice Skating
Ice Skating on the Lake at Bayview Wildwood Resort
Bring your skates (or rent or borrow) on your next family or romantic getaway to these fine resorts and destinations in snowy Ontario.
Bayview Wildwood Resort, Severn Bridge Muskoka
Buttermilk Falls Resort, Algonquin Highlands
Cedar Grove Lodge, Huntsville
JW Mariott Rosseau, Minett
Nottawasaga Inn Resort, Alliston
Ogopogo Resort, Minden
Pine Vista Resort, Lakefield
The WestinTrillium House, Blue Mountain
See you on the ODR! Looking to warm up from the outdoors? Check out this list of the Best Après-Ski Locations in Ontario, perfect after any outdoor winter activity.