BEST SKATING TRAILS IN ONTARIO
By Natalie Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Key Takeaway: Ontario’s skating trails capture the heart of winter. From forest paths lit by lanterns to rinks beneath city skylines, these spots offer a genuine way to enjoy the cold season. Some are peaceful, others full of life, but each delivers that unmistakable thrill.
Why Skating Trails in Ontario Are a Must-Try Winter Experience
When people talk about Canada, they talk about hockey and “eh” and Tim Hortons and being polite and a whole bunch of other things. While most of them are actually pretty accurate, not EVERYONE plays hockey! However, you will be hard pressed to find an Ontarian who has never skated. It seems to be one of those things that kids growing up in Canada do…especially since many of Ontario’s city rinks offer lessons for as little as $50 a term (8+ classes) and offer FREE Public Skating and free Shinny Hockey at many outdoor rinks. There are some skating experiences that are standouts though and the ones on this list are definitely worth a visit. Be sure to check the status of each before you head out, since these outdoor rinks depend on weather conditions.
Top Skating Trails in Ontario That Are Worth Visiting
What Are the Top Skating Trails in Southwestern Ontario?
MacGregor Point Ice Trail
Located in Port Elgin, MacGregor Point Provincial Park is known for its abundance of outdoor activities including outdoor hockey, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. But the main attraction is the 400-metre ice trail for ice skating in the park with stunning views surrounding the trail. The park illuminates the trail with tons of lights for skating under the stars until 10:00 pm every day of the week. A perfect spot for the whole family, a group of friends or a date night! Guarantee your spot by booking your daily vehicle permit in advance.
What Are the Best Skating Spots in the GTA?
Nathan Phillips Square
If you come to Toronto, you should make time to visit one of Toronto’s famous downtown ice rinks with its unique downtown backdrop and the CN Tower in the background. They offer skate rentals from 10am-10pm every day including Dec 25; New year’s eve til 9pm. Accessible by street car and subway, it is easy to get to and so much fun!
The Bentway – Toronto
Back in Toronto, The Bentway is a skating rink with an urban twist. Located under the Gardiner Expressway, this unique spot offers an industrial-chic atmosphere that’s perfect for the city dwellers. With cool art installations and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s a hotspot for both locals and visitors. Check their events calendar – they often host themed skate nights and live performances to add an extra layer of excitement to your icy adventure.
Chinguacousy Park & Gage Park – Brampton
If you live in or near Brampton, you have a choice of 2 cool trails. Chinguacousy Park is a new trail, designed in a ‘canal’ shape with natural bends and more than 2000 sq. meters of ice surface. It can accommodate up to 500 skaters and also has seating along the trail so you can watch the colourful skaters go by. Gage Park’s trail lets you skate through the trees of this gorgeous park and it’s free! The park is beautifully lit during the evenings, creating a magical ambiance. It’s a family-friendly spot with a cozy outdoor fireplace to warm up after your skate. It even has a DJ spinning tunes on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday Afternoons.
Evergreen Brick Works – Toronto
The Evergreen Brick Works outdoor skating rink in Toronto weaves through snow-covered gardens under exposed beams from the roof of the old brick factory. In the evening, tons of beautiful lights come on, lighting up this greenery filled space to make your ice skating experience one to remember. They offer free public skates and paid lessons. Bring your own skates or you can rent a pair of skates for $5 a pair.
Spray Lake Ice Skating Trail
In Holland Marsh, Spray Lake Ice Skating Trail is a 2 km trail that has twists and turns around Spray Lake. This ice skating trail has stunning views for a fun outdoor day of ice skating. Grab your skates and book your time slot for the whole family to enjoy ice skating in this stunning area!
Where Are the Best Places to Skate in Central ON?
Woodview Mountaintop Skating – Blue Mountain
If you’re on the hunt for a skating experience that takes winter wonder to new heights, Woodview Mountaintop Skating in Ontario is your ticket to frozen paradise. Ice skate along a 1.1 km loop trail nestled atop a scenic mountain with spectacular views of the Niagara Escarpment. Beautiful during the day, but even more magical at night when the skate trail is lit by tiki torches and thousands of interactive lights. You can access the skating trail via the Scenic Caves road and is open daily from 12pm-8pm so you can skate in the daytime and in the evening. Skate rentals are available.
Arrowhead Provincial Park – Huntsville
For a picturesque experience, make your way to Arrowhead Provincial Park in Huntsville. This not so hidden gem boasts a stunning ice trail that winds through the snow-covered pine trees. Imagine the serenity of gliding through nature’s white wonderland, surrounded by the peaceful silence of the forest. Skate rentals are available, and you can even skate at night with the trail illuminated by torches at one of their Fire & Ice Nights. This is a busy spot in Muskoka so make sure to plan ahead as a booking permit is required.
Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery
At the Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery you can skate on frozen cranberries! This unique outdoor ice skating experience is one you can’t miss. Surrounded by views of 12 acres of cranberry fields in beautiful Muskoka, this 1.2 km loop ice skating trail is just as magical during the day as it is at night. Choose evening ice skating with 400+ tiki torches lit up to make this ice skating experience
Where is the Best Place to Skate in Northern ON?
Nina’s Way Skating Path at Kivi Park
Skate along the 1.3 km skating path of Nina’s Way Skating Path at Kivi Park. This ice skating experience will take you through trails of beautiful birch trees around each twist and turn. Looking for an evening skate? The park lights up the paths at night with LED lights and music for a unique night time skating experience. If you get cold from all the ice skating, you can warm up by the fire in the outdoor lounge. The park also offers tons of other outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy!
What Is Ontario’s Most Iconic Skating Experience?
Rideau Canal Skateway – Ottawa
Now, if you’re up for a bit of a skate-cursion, head to the nation’s capital, Ottawa, and experience the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink – the Rideau Canal Skateway. Stretching over 7.8 kilometers, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a winter marvel. Glide past historic landmarks and enjoy the lively atmosphere with vendors selling hot cocoa and BeaverTails, a Canadian pastry favorite. During the holiday season you can visit the Ottawa Christmas Market where you can cozy up to an open fire with some hot mulled wine after your skate. Or visit during Winterlude when the canal transforms into a winter festival wonderland. From ice sculptures to live music, the canal is not just a skate; it’s becomes a festive celebration on ice. Winterlude kicks off February 2 to 19th and is the perfect time to plan a trip to Ottawa.
Plan Your Ontario Winter Activities With Summer Fun Guide
Most public rinks will rent skates and helmets if you don’t have any, and some even serve steaming hot beverages or rich hot chocolate, so all you really need is your sense of fun during these beautiful winter months. From a forest skating loop lit by stars to classic community ice nights, every glide feels like a little winter adventure. Explore more skating trails & Ontario winter favourites, plus cozy places to stay in our Things To Do and Places To Stay in Ontariosections and start planning your next outing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SKATING TRAILS IN ONTARIO
What is the famous skating trail in Canada?
The most recognized is the Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa. It’s the world’s largest outdoor skating rink and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing visitors from across Canada and beyond each winter.
What is the longest skating rink in Canada?
The Rideau Canal Skateway also holds that title. When fully open, it stretches 7.8 kilometres from downtown Ottawa to Dows Lake, offering an unmatched skating experience through the heart of the city.
Can I skate on Lake Ontario?
Generally, no. While parts of Lake Ontario may appear frozen in deep winter, the ice is unstable and unsafe for skating. Instead, choose one of Toronto’s outdoor rinks or nearby maintained trails, such as those at Ontario Place, Nathan Phillips Square, or Harbourfront Centre, which offer safe, well-kept ice with great views of the lake.
When do outdoor skating rinks open in Ontario?
Outdoor skating rinks in Ontario usually open between late November and early January, depending on weather conditions. Refrigerated city rinks often open first, sometimes in late November or early December, while natural ice rinks and skating trails typically open once there are several consecutive days of freezing temperatures, usually in December or January.
Happy skating!
Natalie