Toronto has over 50 outdoor ice rinks where skaters can hit the ice this winter.
Most rinks are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
Skating goes until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays at the Harbourfront Centre. Saturday is also a DJ Skate Night at that waterfront rink.
All outdoor rinks are free to use but patrons must bring their own ice skates, except where rentals are available in locations like Nathan Philips Square.
This year, the city partnered with Desjardins Financial Group to make skating more accessible. A “Skate Lending Library” truck with free ice skates and helmet rentals will travel to some outdoor rinks this winter. A full schedule available online.
“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 said in a statement.
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. Details are posted to the city's service alerts webpage.
For those who want the real Canadian experience, the city has also approved skating on 39 natural ice rinks this winter season. Grenadier Pond is not on the list and skating on the inner Toronto Harbour is banned, even if it freezes.
More information about the rinks is available online.
