James AllenCanada has its game on when it comes to hockey and ice skating, so it’s no surprise that Toronto is the place to do so. In a city that’s proud of its hockey heritage and has produced some phenomenal figure skaters, you better believe we’ve got great ice rinks.
These ice skating rinks in the 6ix have the best Zamboni-groomed ice and also bring something special to the table.
Whether it’s a neighbourhood vibe or a kind of pro-level facility, these rinks are where memories are made and buns are frozen (literally). So, read on and start lacing up those skates!
Mel Lastman Square Rink
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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/956/index.html#tab=dropin
Address: 5100 Yonge St, North York, ON M2N 5V7, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-338-3343
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 9:30 PM
Mel Lastman Square Rink offers an enchanting urban ice skating experience. Here, you’ll be surrounded by towering skyscrapers and twinkling city lights as you glide across the icy surface.
The place is fairly spacious, accommodating both beginners and professional skaters comfortably. There may be restrictions during special events or extreme weather, so it’s worth checking out the city’s website for any updates before heading down.
| Pro tip: The rink sometimes offers free basic skating lessons on weekends; check their event schedule online regularly. |
Otter Creek Centre
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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/251/index.html
Address: 140 Cheritan Ave, Toronto, ON M4R 1S8, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-392-2489
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
The Otter Creek Centre has an intimate, family-friendly vibe with an ample-size rink. It’s great for those hoping to dodge the larger crowds usually found at downtown venues without sacrificing the quality of the ice or the thrill of the skate.
A helmet with a full-face cage is mandatory for children, so keep that in mind, but worry not; they have rentals if you don’t own one. The schedules are split between pleasure skating and shinny (that’s pickup hockey for the uninitiated).
| Pro tip: Otter Creek offers private skating lessons, and there’s often ticket ice in the morning for figure skaters. |
Harry Gairey Rink
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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/31/index.html#tab=dropin
Address: 275 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M5T 2S4, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-392-0335
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 10 PM
Homed in Alexandra Park, Harry Gairey Rink offers a spectacular and quintessentially Torontonian skating experience. It attracts a colourful mix of skaters, from skilled hockey players to tiny first-timers clutching their parents’ hands.
You’ll want to pay attention to the schedule, as it’s divided into leisure skates, adult skates, and family skates. It’s also home to the annual “Puck Drop” event, which is something every hockey fan needs to see at least once in their life.
| Pro tip: Try to visit on a weekday afternoon if possible, as the weekends tend to get pretty crowded. |
Hodgson Skating Rink
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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/1220/index.html
Address: 276 Davisville Ave, Toronto, ON M4S 1H2, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-392-0924
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
Hodgson Skating Rink, nestled in the beautiful community of Davisville, features a very chill, laid-back vibe. Here, it’s all about enjoying the simple pleasures: good ice, beautiful views, and a hot cup of coffee.
The rink is part of the larger Hodgson Public School property and is typically used for school activities during the day, but it’s open to the public on weekday evenings and weekends. Note that helmets are mandatory for children under six years old.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to bring snacks and hot drinks to warm up, as there is not always a snack bar available. |
High Park Rink
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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/77/index.html
Address: High Park, 300 Colborne Lodge Dr, Toronto, ON M6S 2T9, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-396-7378
Operating hours:
- Monday – 9 AM to 10 PM
- Tuesday to Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
High Park Rink is loved by locals for its spaciousness and remarkable views. Designed as a major leisure skating destination, the rink is part of the larger High Park, Toronto’s largest public park.
It is important to note that hockey is strictly banned on this rink, so it’s totally for skaters. Moreover, the atmosphere is relaxed, and you can enjoy the beautiful sights of the park all around you, including Grenadier Pond and High Park Zoo.
| Pro tip: After skating, explore the park; there’s a lot to see, including historical buildings and beautiful gardens, even in the winter. |
Campbell Park Rink
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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/1053/index.html
Address: 195 Campbell Ave, Toronto, ON M6P 3V7, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-392-6921
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
Still buzzing with Raptors’ spirit, Campbell Park Rink is a hidden gem snuck into a neighbourhood park. Plenty of space, good ice, and, hey, it even boasts a skating trail for those seeking a little more adventure.
Do note that they have different schedules for free skate sessions, shinny hockey, and reserved team practices, so check prior to heading down. Just ease on your blades and enjoy a chill moment right in the middle of the city.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to ask about their “Skate Lending and Learn to Skate Program,” perfect for beginners or those who don’t own skates. |
Nathan Phillips Square
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/1089/index.html
Address: 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N1, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-392-2489
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Arguably Toronto’s most famous skating rink, Nathan Phillips Square’s twinkling lights and city hall backdrop are perfect. The energy here is off the charts, and the thrill of ice skating under the gaze of the famous Toronto sign is exhilarating.
The rink is well-maintained and has rentals if you need gear. You can even enjoy the winter market from mid-November to early January that surrounds the rink for some hot chocolate and festive cheer.
| Pro tip: Just remember, it’s often really busy, especially on weekends and holiday evenings, so patience is key here. |
Evergreen Brick Works
Website: https://www.evergreen.ca/evergreen-brick-works/
Address: 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4W 3X8, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-596-7670
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Evergreen Brick Works offers a unique skating experience with its picturesque skating trail, flanked by wild plants and industrial heritage. Nestled within this iconic site, the rink gives off a rustic charm that’s sure to woo nature lovers and photography geeks alike.
Helmets are encouraged during public skating hours, and if you’re a little rusty with your skating moves, they offer skating lessons as well. The rink provides a peaceful and dreamy escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
| Pro tip: You can skip the hassle of driving by taking a free shuttle from Broadview Station to get there, and don’t forget to explore the Farmers Market! |
Lambton Kingsway Rink
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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/818/index.html
Address: 37 Marquis Ave, Etobicoke, ON M8X 2M6, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-394-8468
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
Lambton Kingsway Rink may not have all the bells and whistles that other rinks boast, but it sure tops the list for good ol’ neighbourhood fun. Whether you want to play hockey game or need a place to teach kiddos how to skate, this rink does not disappoint.
The rink gives priority to various activities in different slots dedicated to public skating, adult skating, and shiny, and even has programs for the little ones. Just make sure to hit it at a time that suits your preferred form of winter fun.
| Pro tip: It’s located near a range of eateries, so plan for a nice post-skate meal. |
Westway Outdoor Rink
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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/804/index.html
Address: 175 The Westway, Etobicoke, ON M9P 2C2, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-338-4386
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 9:45 PM
Westway Outdoor Rink is an excellent no-frills spot that lets you enjoy skating without any distractions. Locals rave about the high-quality ice, thanks to the dedicated caretakers who maintain the rink.
The rink is spacious and uncrowded, with public skate hours in the late afternoon and the evening during the week. They even have shiny games for all those hockey buffs craving touch-the-puck opportunities.
| Pro tip: They have a heated changing facility on site, which makes gearing up for a skate or cooling down afterwards a breeze. |
Sid Smith Artificial Ice Rink
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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/196/index.html#tab=dropin
Address: 777 Crawford St, Toronto, ON M6G 3K4, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-392-7687
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
The lesser-known Sid Smith Artificial Ice Rink is waiting to impress you. The scenic view of the expansive park is the perfect backdrop for a casual leisure day of skating.
It’s open to people of all skating levels, so don’t fret if you’re just beginning to skate. The cold can be a tad too much here, so be sure to gear up adequately and perhaps bring along a cup of hot coffee to keep yourself warm.
| Pro tip: They have free Wi-Fi here, so you can snap some cool skating photos or selfies and share them instantly by making the best use of them! |
Giovanni Caboto Rink
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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/1068/index.html
Address: 1369 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6E 1C5, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-392-7762
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 9:45 PM
Giovanni Caboto Rink is armed with stellar features and smack in the middle of Earlscourt Park, so it’s easily a crowd’s favourite. They’ve got this nifty heated change room that’s lifesaving, trust me.
Now, they like to keep the space friendly for everyone, so hockey can only be played when the rink is not too busy. The rink typically operates from late November to late March, but still, the actual dates can fluctuate a smidge based on the weather.
| Pro tip: Early mornings are your best bet if you’re not a fan of crowded rinks. The hockey crowd generally strolls in the late afternoon. |
Humber Valley Rink
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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/816/index.html
Address: 50 Anglesey Blvd, Etobicoke, ON M9A 3B5, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-394-8467
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 9 PM
Humber Valley Rink is nestled at the west end of town. Kids and adults of all skill levels are welcome here since the rink’s ample space and the ice are maintained regularly, making for a smooth glide.
They have modest restrictions in place, with different skating schedules set for kids, adults, and hockey. You can either join the kiddos for their first ice rodeo or if speeding along and sniping goals is more your scene, you’re free to do that too.
| Pro tip: The rink is busiest during the evenings and on weekends. So, if you want the ice to yourself, hitting the ice on weekdays or odd hours might just do the trick! |
Phil White Arena
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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/477/index.html
Address: 443 Arlington Ave, York, ON M6C 3A2, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-394-2734
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 4 PM to 12 AM
Phil White Arena is located in Scarborough, and it’s pretty popular among folks who enjoy leisure skating and organized hockey. The ice here is primo because it’s super well-maintained and makes for an outstanding skate.
There’s no need to stress about the little ones because they have dedicated time slots for family skating sessions, so every member of the family gets to have a good, safe time. But remember, they don’t allow sticks and pucks during public skating hours.
| Pro tip: Weekdays often see lower rates for ice rental, so if you’re planning a private session, birthday party, or team event, booking the ice during a weekday is a surefire way to save some cash. Plus, they throw in complimentary access to a spacious party room. |
