Ontario is a winter delight for ice skating fans with plenty of outdoor Ice rinks and skate Trails/pathways to choose from. There is an ice rink in Ontario for your preference is a romantic glide under the stars, an active game of shinny on a frozen lake, or a breathtaking skate through the forest. We’ll introduce you to Ontario’s top 5 ice rinks in this post. Check them out this winter and have fun with your loved ones!
1. Rideau Canal Skateway, Ottawa
The Rideau Canal Skateway, stretches close to 8 kilometers from downtown Ottawa to Hartwells Locks, is the biggest naturally frozen ice skating rinks in the world. Based on the weather, the skateway is open from January to March. Skate down the historic canal, enjoy the views of the Chateau Laurier and the Parliament buildings. You could even pit stop at one of the many rest stops for a hot beverage or a grab a quick snack. Every year, at the Skateway, during the WinterLude celebrations, you can also enjoy beautiful ice sculptures, snow slides, and Lots of entertainment.
Be sure to check this website for latest updates/closures before planning your visit:
https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/rideau-canal-skateway
Click here – Capital Skates website for more information, or call 819-576-6839.
Hours:
· Open from Monday to Sunday – 10 am to 10 pm
- Equipment rental NOT AVAILABLE after 8 pm.
Rates:
· All rentals require a deposit. Reservation and payment online only.
2. Arrowhead Provincial Park, Huntsville
Arrowhead Provincial Park is the one of best ice rinks where enthusiasts of the great outdoors will find hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, and camping. The 1.3 kilometer ice skating track that snakes through the snow-covered forest is the park’s main attraction, though. The Ice Rinks track is illuminated at night for a mystical skating experience, and it is open from late December to mid-March. Bring your own skates and helmet, or you can even rent them at the park. A sizable outdoor rink for hockey and recreational skating is also available in the park.
Know before you go!
Visit https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/arrowhead for more details.
Availability of skating and skiing is weather dependent. Check Arrow park Twitter handle for updates and the Snow Report for ski conditions.
Location: 451 Arrowhead Park Rd. Huntsville
Distance: 1.3 km trail which winds in between through the Muskoka forest
Open Hours: 11 am – 5 pm daily
Price: $17 – $20 per vehicle
3. Cranberry Ice Trail, Bala, Muskoka
Visit the Cranberry Ice Trail in Bala, Muskoka, Ontario’s cranberry capital, for a delightful and unusual skating experience. The route is open from late December to
early March and begins at the Muskoka Lakes Winery and Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh. The 1.2-kilometer walk circles cranberry bogs that span 12 acres. You can warm up by the fire, try some cranberry wine, and skate amid the frozen berries. In the evening, the trail is illuminated for a romantic skating beneath the stars.
2024 Update:
The Cranberry Ice Trail opens to public on January 20, 2024. You must schedule
your arrival time online in advance in order to access the trail. Although the facility normally has full reservations for weekends, walk-ins are welcome if space is available. Please check in advance. In addition, weather permitting, Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery offers Light the Night skating on Saturdays. See the video below to get mesmerized!
This covers the fire pit, benches, and firewood; food is offered for an additional cost.
Alternately, rent a 1/4 acre and enjoy skating with your bubble. You can rent skating areas for two hours, and for an extra charge, you can get food, ice hockey boards, and goals.
Make sure to take advantage of Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery’s various enjoyable outdoor activities. Rent a private fire pit and spend an afternoon skating or snowshoeing on the designated snowshoe trails.
For bookings and details, visit https://cranberry.ca
Trail Hours: 11am – 4pm daily, except Saturdays when it is 10am – 4pm and then again at 6pm – 9pm for Light the Night skating. Trail availability is ALWAYS weather dependent.
4. Gage Park Ice Rinks, Brampton
Historic Gage Park is a popular destination for both locals and tourists in downtown
Brampton. The park has a rose garden, a playground, a gazebo, and a lovely
fountain. The park turns into a winter wonderland in the winter, complete with a figure-eight ice skating trail winding through the trees. The Ice rinks and route are free to use and is available from late November to mid-March. You have the option to rent skates at the park or bring your own. In the evening, the trail is illuminated, resulting in a colorful and joyous ambiance.
Families and skating lovers from Brampton, GTA and beyond are drawn to Gage Park, Brampton, for its unique skating route. Come skate through magnificent trees of the park; it’s a beautiful and unique experience. Glide on the ice with grace under a starry sky, immersed in the splendor of the stunning park setting – this is winter magic at its best. Gage Park Ice Rinks is the ideal location for crafting magic of this kind. The park’s winding ice paths provide a pleasant change of pace from circling around an arena. A fantastic skating rink for almost everyone, including nature enthusiasts searching for a more genuine woodland skating experience, couples seeking an inexpensive pastime, and families and friends looking for a way to stay active during this chilly winter.
Location:
Gage Park Ice Rinks is located immediately South-west of the intersection of Main St. South and Wellington St. West in the historic downtown of Brampton, south of Brampton’s City Hall.
Street parking is available nearby, in addition to frequently free underground parking beneath City Hall.
For hours and more info, click here: http://bit.ly/2GdNHyt
5. Storybook Gardens, London, Ontario
Storybook Gardens is one of top family-friendly Ice rinks in Ontario, London that has a splash pad, a zoo, and a theme park. A 250-meter outdoor skating ice rink winds across the park’s grounds during the winter, providing a distinctive skating experience.
The trail is best suited for skaters of all ages and skill levels and is open from December to March. Bring your own skates and helmet, or rent them at the park. In addition, the park features a carousel, a warming tent, and a snack bar. There are plenty more ice rinks in Ontario to discover; these are just a few of the greatest. You may select an ice rink that fits your style and mood, whether you’re searching for a romantic date night, a fun family outing, or a solo adventure. So come winter, grab your skates and hit the ice!
Hours of Operation: Storybook Gardens may be closed if there is inclement weather. Please visit Hours of Operation page and closures and cancellations page to
ensure programming, events, rides and attractions are running as scheduled.
For more details, visit https://london.ca/storybookgardens
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Lace up your skates and glide 7.8 km through downtown Ottawa day and night on this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ottawa’s enchanting Rideau Canal Skateway has officially opened, welcoming eager skaters after a hiatus of nearly two years.