January is here and many of us are eager to get some exercise to burn off the few pounds we gained over the holidays. Skating is a great way to do this! Are you interested in learning about the best places to go outdoor skating in Toronto? From iconic downtown rinks with city skyline views to quieter neighbourhood parks, Toronto offers plenty of free outdoor skating options during the winter months. And best of all: City of Toronto outdoor rinks are free to use. Below is a guide to some of the most popular outdoor skating rinks in Toronto, including hours and skate rental availability.
Before You Go: Outdoor Skating Tips in Toronto
Skating is free at City of Toronto outdoor rinks and some rinks offer skate rentals.
Hours vary by rink and can change weekly — always check the rink hours on City of Toronto “Drop-In Skating” before heading out.
Weekday mornings and early afternoons are typically less crowded.
Helmets are strongly recommended, and are mandated for children under 6.
Dress warmly and arrive ready — some rinks have limited or no change rooms.
Outdoor rinks may close temporarily due to weather or ice conditions.
Best Outdoor Skating Rinks in Toronto
Nathan Phillips Square (City Hall), 100 Queen Street West, Toronto
Cost: Free skating (Skate rentals are Adults $15 and Children 12 and under $10 (2 hour rental)
Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Good to know: Toronto’s most iconic skating rink, surrounded by City Hall and downtown lights, the skating rink get very busy on evenings and weekends.
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto
Cost: Free skating (Skate rentals are Adults $15; Children $10; free on Saturdays)
Hours: Monday to Thursday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Good to know: Beautiful waterfront views and a festive atmosphere. It can be windy since you are so close to the lake so dress warmly.
The Bentway Skate Trail, 250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto (under the Gardiner Expressway)
Cost: Free skating (Skate rentals available Thursday and Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Adults (skates) $12.99; Youth (skates and helmet) $12 (2 hour maximum).
Hours: Monday to Friday: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Good to know: A unique skate trail rather than a traditional rink, which is protected from snow and sun by the Gardiner.
College Park, 420 Yonge Street, Toronto
Cost: Free skating
Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Good to know: Central location near transit; College Park has a food court and washrooms. This rink is popular with downtown workers and students.
Christie Pits Park, 750 Bloor Street West, Toronto
Cost: Free skating
Hours: Monday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday: 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Good to know: A well-loved west-end rink with a strong community feel.
Toronto Metropolitan University Square, 50 Gould Street, Toronto
Cost: Free skating
Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Good to know: Smaller rink in the heart of downtown, popular with TMU students.
Monarch Park, 115 Felstead Avenue, Toronto
Cost: Free skating
Hours: Monday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.; Friday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday: 3 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Good to know: A quieter east-end option that’s great for families.
Greenwood Park, 150 Greenwood Avenue, Toronto
Cost: Free skating
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Good to know: One of Toronto’s only covered outdoor rinks, this rink is a great option during light snow.
Kew Gardens, 2075 Queen Street East, Toronto
Cost: Free skating
Hours: Monday, Wednesday: 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Friday: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday: 3 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.; Sunday: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Good to know: This rink is located in the heart of the Beaches. After skating, enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants along Queen Street East.
Withrow Park, 725 Logan Avenue, Toronto
Cost: Free skating
Hours: Monday: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Friday: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Good to know: Popular with local families, this rink tends to be quieter than downtown rinks.
Riverdale Park East, 550 Broadview Avenue, Toronto
Cost: Free skating
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Good to know: The rink is located in a scenic park setting with views of the Don Valley and Toronto skyline.
High Park, 1873 Bloor Street West, Toronto
Cost: Free skating
Hours: Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Good to know: High Park is one of Toronto’s largest parks; after your skate, enjoy a winter nature walk throughout in High Park.
If you’re planning to visit outdoor skating rinks in Toronto, bookmark this page and double-check hours the day you go, especially after a snowfall or during extreme cold. Happy Skating!
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