Despite this fall staying warmer than usual, a majority of Toronto’s outdoor ice rinks are poised to open this weekend. The remaining rinks will open next Saturday, Nov. 30.
Most rinks will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Skaters are encouraged to check if their local rink is open before heading out.
All drop-in programs are free and patrons must bring their own ice skates to most outdoor rinks, except where rentals are available in locations like Nathan Philips Square.
In a statement to TorontoToday, a spokesperson with the city explained that even though the weather has not been cold enough for ice to naturally freeze, the outdoor "artificial ice rinks have a refrigeration system that cools the pad so ice can be built and maintained at temperatures up to about 5 or 6 degrees [Celsius], depending on other weather factors [such as] sun, rain, [and] snow."
Back for a third winter in a row, the city is partnering with Desjardins Financial Group to make skating more accessible to all patrons. A “Skate Lending Library” truck with free ice skates and helmet rentals will travel to some outdoor rinks this winter, with a full schedule available online.
The city said, “This initiative is a great example of how we can work together to make outdoor winter activities more accessible so that everyone can enjoy the fun and health benefits of outdoor skating, no matter their circumstances.”
The City of Toronto is also hosting a “Skate Exchange” program that lets people donate skates that no longer fit and pick up a pair of gently used skates on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Most outdoor ice rinks will have changing rooms and lockers on site, although the city recommends all participants come to a skating session fully dressed for the cold weather.
On warmer days, some rinks will close until temperatures drop to below freezing, with timely announcements being made in that event.
To check if a rink is open, check its status on the city’s website under the “Parks & Recreation Service Alerts” tab or call 311.
Below is a list of the outdoor skating rinks opening Sunday, Nov. 23:
- Harry Gairey Rink at Alexandra Park - 275 Bathurst St.
- Broadlands Community Centre - 19 Castlegrove Blvd.
- Cedarvale Park - 443 Arlington Ave.
- Christie Pits - 750 Bloor St. W.
- College Park - 420 Yonge St.
- Colonel Samuel Smith Park - 3145 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
- Dieppe Park - 455 Cosburn Ave.
- Dufferin Grove Park - 875 Dufferin St.
- Ethennonnhawahstihnen Park - 80 McMahon Dr. E.
- Giovanni Caboto - 1367 St. Clair Ave. W.
- Glen Long Community Centre - 35 Glen Long Ave.
- Greenwood Park - 150 Greenwood Ave.
- High Park - 1873 Bloor St. W.
- Hodgson Leisure School Grounds - 276 Davisville Ave.
- Irving W. Chapley Community Centre - 205 Wilmington Ave.
- Kew Gardens - 2075 Queen St. E.
- Ledbury Park - 160 Ledbury St.
- McCowan District Park - 150 McCowan Rd.
- Mel Lastman Square - 5100 Yonge St.
- Monarch Park - 115 Felstead Ave.
- Nathan Phillips Square - 100 Queen St. W.
- North Toronto Memorial Community Recreation Centre - 200 Eglinton Ave. W.
- Otter Creek Centre - 140 Cheritan Ave.
- Ramsden Park - 1020 Yonge St.
- Regent Park - 480 Shuter St.
- Rennie Park - 1 Rennie Terrace
- Riverdale Park East - 550 Broadview Ave.
- Rosedale Park - 20 Scholfield Ave.
- Royalcrest Rink - 50 Cabernet Circle
- Paul Quarrington Ice Rink at Sherbourne Common - 5 Lower Sherbourne St.
- Sir Adam Beck Rink - 55 Eltham Dr.
- Sunnydale Acres Rink - 50 Amoro Dr.
- Trinity Bellwoods Park - 790 Queen St. W.
- Valleyfield Park - 35 The Westway
- Pleasantview Rink at Van Horne Park - 561 Van Horne Ave.
- Wallace Emerson Park - 1260 Dufferin St.
- West Deane Park - 400 Martin Grove Rd.
- West Mall Outdoor Rink at Dennis Flynn Park - 370 The West Mall
- Westway Outdoor Rink - 175 The Westway
- Withrow Park - 735 Logan Ave.
Below are the skating rinks set to open Saturday, Nov. 30 or later:
- Campbell Avenue Park - 225 Campbell Ave.
- Humber Valley Rink - 50 Anglesey Blvd.
- Jimmie Simpson Park - 870 Queen St. E.
- Joseph Bannon Park - 65 Mary Chapman Blvd.
- Lambton-Kingway Rink - 37 Marquis Ave.
- Prince of Wales Rink - 1 Third St.
- Queensway Rink - 8 Avon Park Dr.
- Rivercrest Rink - 30 Harefield Dr.
- Summerlea Rink - 2 Arcot Blvd.
- Toronto Metropolitan University Square - 50 Gould St.
- Westgrove Rink - 15 Redgrave Dr.
