The 7 Best Ice Skating Rinks in Toronto

Toronto is a city with an abundance of things to do, and ice skating is one of the most popular winter activities. It’s not just for kids! The city has tons of options when it comes to choosing the perfect rink. From outdoor rinks with stunning views or small, neighbourhood indoor rinks, Toronto has something for everyone when it comes to this winter pastime. We have put together a list of the 7 best ice skating rinks in Toronto.
So grab your skates and let’s see the sites!
Summary

How Much Does It Cost to Ice Skate in Toronto?

Ice skating for most ice skating rinks is typically free. The exceptions are when rinks charge a membership or an admission fee. Most of the time, the only cost you will encounter is for renting skates, helmets, and skating sharpening services.
Rental Skates (Children 12 & Under) $5 – $8
Rental Skates (Adult)  $10 – $15
Skate Sharpening $8 – $12
Helmet $5 – $8

The Best Ice Skating Rinks in Toronto

Now that we know when the best time is to skate in Toronto, let’s take a look at some of the rinks that make up our city.

1) Nathan Philip Square

Nathan Philip Square
Photo Credit: Michael Rawle
Nathan Philip Square is a great place for ice skating, in downtown Toronto. It’s free and has tons of people visiting it all year long because not only does its central location make for an easy commute from any neighborhood; you can also enjoy skating here for free! The rink itself may not be the biggest, but there are few places where traffic isn’t constant so this spot will never disappoint when we say that they have something going on at every moment imaginable – even during lunchtime hours (which actually might work out better than expected).
Reservations are required and a limited number of spots will be available for those who can’t make their reservations online.
Business Information
Address 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N1
Phone (416) 392-2489
Operating Hours Everyday: 10am – 10pm

Customer Review:

"Nathan Phillips Squares remains an important Toronto landmark. The outdoor rink is a winter classic for tourists and some locals. (Remember that rental skates are never the best to learn how to skate, however). The public place welcomes all kinds of events all year long. The architecture of the surrounding buildings is very unique. Enjoy the view. It always feels special."
- Nat Ouellet
"Beautiful rink to skate on in the winter. You will not be disappointed. Whether you live in the city, or you’re just visiting, this is a token experience to check off your to-do list! "
- Emily

2) Harbourfront Centre

Harbourfront Centre
Photo Credit: Mustafa Ahmed
Nestled along the beautiful shoreline of Lake Ontario, Harbourfront Centre’s rink is one of Toronto’s most scenic spaces. Its stunning and unique location provides visitors with a chance to enjoy some ice skating while also being able to try out some new restaurants for their dinner plans after they skate!
The view from this waterfront space includes CN Tower just enough distance away so that you can take selfies all day long without getting tired or bored – no matter what time it may be when hunger strikes; then there are plenty of other places close by where delicious food awaits your appetite at any hour (or even early).
Business Information
Address 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8
Phone (416) 973-4000
Operating Hours Mon-Thurs & Sun: 10am – 10pm Fri & Sat: 10am – 11pm

Customer Review:

"We went to the artificial ice rink just beside it by the concert stage. It is the cutest set up with twinkle lights around the trees and changing lights by the stage. Also a great view of the CN tower. This rink is super fun even though it is small, great for tourists or to bring a date. Totally recommend "
- Vivi Wilds
"Much quieter than the experience at Nathan Phillips Square. The view over the lake is phenomenal on one side, and the CN Tower on the other. Great music playing, fun atmosphere. Skate rentals are $12.50 (tax included) and you have to leave photo ID as collateral. Lockers are available for a loonie (has to be a loonie) and larger ones for a toonie. I would recommend bringing water as the vending machines tend to be out of commission. Great experience!"
- Ashlea J. Russell

3) Mattamy Athletic Centre (Ryerson University)

Mattamy Athletic Centre (Ryerson University)
Photo Credit: Mattamy Athletic Centre
Mattamy Athletic Centre has always been a great place to go and skate. Located on Carlton Street, near Yonge and College Streets it is surrounded by university students who are always up for an adventure or two!
If you’re looking for an ice skating rink surrounded by youths and locals, then head over to the Mattamy Athletic Centre. This is a great place where anyone can come together in unity! There’s plenty of room–even if it gets crowded sometimes-to enjoy some time on skates under its historic roof with friends old or new .
Business Information
Address 50 Carlton St, Toronto, ON M5B 1J2
Phone (416) 979-5339
Operating Hours Mon-Fri: 6am – 11pm
Sat: Closed
Sun: 9am – 6pm

Customer Review:

"It was a fun place. Skating was great and staff were very helpful. A definite must to bring your kids"
- Sara DeLuca
"Nothing can beat skating where the Maple Leaf's used to play, It obviously looks different. But there is still an awesome rink to skate."
- Alex K

4) The Bentway Skate Trail

The Bentway Skate Trail
Photo Credit/The Bentway
This hidden gem of a skating rink is located underneath the Gardiner Expressway and was only opened in January of 2018! The Bentway Skate Trail is a 1.8 kilometer long trail that winds its way through a series of gardens, parks, and public spaces. This is a great spot to skate if you’re looking for something different than the average skating rink. There is no charge to use the trail and skate rentals are available on site.
Business Information
Address 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3K9
Phone (416) 304-0222
Operating Hours Mon-Fri: 10am – 6pm
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed

Customer Review:

"Great place to get some fresh air in the winter and lace up the skates ! Max 25 people on the ice rink and need to book ahead!"
- Brayden Hooper
"Beautiful night view and the skating ring under the Bentway is quite peaceful to enjoy on a gorgeous winter evening."
- David O'Connor

5) Mel Lastman Square Rink

Mel Lastman Square Rink
Photo Credit/Jenny H.
Mel Lastman Square is a beautiful park featuring 20,000 square feet of open space with fountains and an outdoor amphitheater. Located in North York it’s the perfect place to go ice skating if you’re looking for somewhere large where there are plenty of room on which ice skaters can enjoy their time without being cramped or have difficulty maneuvering around other people who may be using this area as well as themselves would like.
Also, they are always fun events happening at Mel Lastman Square, so it’s never a boring time.
Business Information
Address 5100 Yonge St, North York, ON M2N 5V7
Phone (416) 338-3343
Operating Hours Open 24/7

Customer Review:

"Great cute skating rink. At night the lights are gorgeous and the music is very retro and fun. They take care of the ice well and its completely free to skate as long as you already own skates."
- Kya R
"Awesome place to go skating, not to crowded and never any issues. The zamboni clears the ice enough to maintain ideal skating conditions."
- Ashli Ballowe

6) Union Station

Union Station
Photo Credit: Justin Gonsalves
Union Station is located right in front of the CN Tower and is a great place to skate if you’re looking for something with an incredible view. If you are visiting this rink, bring your camera! Their outdoor rink is surrounded by beautiful buildings and a stunning view of the Toronto skyline. Best of all, they have free admissions and rentals, so there’s no reason to check this rink out!
Business Information
Address 65 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5J 1E6
Phone 416 338 0889
Operating Hours Sun-Weds: 11am – 7pm Thurs-Sat: 11am – 9pm

Customer Review:

"I'm in love with this station just because of how beautiful it gets around the afternoon i come here just to have get a better view of the sky and my absolute favorite CN-tower. "
- Chris Heka
"Conveniently located close to Union station via rail. Can access go train and via train from the bus terminal with less than 5 min walk. Winters can be hard since some sections are not under the roof. Plan accordingly. There is also ticket office inside and also a convenience shop and restrooms."
- S.A. Shivram

7) Colonel Samuel Smith Park

Colonel Samuel Smith Park
Photo Credit: Jose San Juan
The Colonel Samuel Smith Park is a large park located in the northwest corner of Toronto. It has many features, including an ice rink that’s perfect for skating! The pond area is well maintained and there you can often find hockey games being played on it or after-skate sessions at one of their heated pavilions where everyone will be more than happy to warm up with some hot chocolate by your side.
Business Information
Address 3145 Lake Shore Blvd W, Etobicoke, ON M8V 4B6
Phone (416) 392-9715
Operating Hours Everyday: 10am – 9:45pm

Customer Review:

"A nice change of pace from other skating rinks. This figure-of-eight shaped short trail is fun and nicely maintained. Staff were nice when asking questions. Just be sure to skate in the "right" direction or some know-it-all patron will yell at you (as was the case for my 6 and 4 year olds)! "
- Daniel S.
"Nice place to skate. Close to a parking lot. Good washroom facilities, place to put on your skates and keep your stuff (no lockers available though. Skate rentals not available. But, I would highly recommend this place!"
- Daniel W.

FAQs About Ice Skating in Toronto

Skate rentals are available at most ice skating rinks, although some do charge for them. You can save money by bringing your own skates to many locations around the city.

The best time to go ice skating in Toronto is typically from December to March, although some rinks are open all year round. Check the website of the rink you want to visit for specific dates and hours of operation.

Yes, some rinks offer ice time for rent. However, it is often very busy so be sure to plan ahead. You can find more information on the website of the rink you’re interested in.

Most rinks require you to be at least 4 years old in order to skate, though children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Be sure to check the website of the rink you’re interested in to confirm the age requirement.

Conclusion

Toronto rinks are a great way to spend time with family and friends over the winter months. Many of the skating rinks also offer public skate times which are a fun way to meet people from around the city. Be sure to check out these locations if you’re looking for something different than your average rink!
Ice skating is fun, but there’s plenty of fun to be had off the ice, too. If you’re looking for some Toronto attractions that don’t require you to strap on a pair of skates, check out these ideas:

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