12 of the best skating paths and trails in and around Toronto
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When the temperature drops, it means it’s officially time to go ice skating.
And for those who find skating rinks too crowded, they might want to consider paying one of the many outdoor skating paths and trails a visit this winter.
Because there’s just something peaceful about getting to skate through the trees that makes you forget about the craziness of the city.
So get ready to lace up your skates and head to one of these magical skating trails and paths in and around Toronto this winter.
See also:
- Canada’s largest polar bear dip is coming to the GTA on New Year’s Day
- You can skate for FREE below the Gardiner Expressway again this winter (PHOTOS)
- You can skate in your underwear below the Gardiner this month
Barbara Ann Scott Skate Trail
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The Barbara Ann Scott skate trail, which is named after an Olympic gold medalist who received the Lou Marsh Trophy three times as Canadian athlete of the year, is a five-metre-wide trail that loops through College Park. The winding trail, which is designed to be a walking loop in summer, is the first exterior skating path in North America to incorporate state-of-the-art carbon dioxide technology in its refrigeration system.
Status: Open now
Address: 444 Yonge Street
Greenwood Park
For those interested in skating at their own pace, while still having the option to check out a rink, look no further than Greenwood Park. This park is home to an ice skating trail that’s located beside the city’s first covered outdoor ice rink.
Status: Open now
Address: 150 Greenwood Park
Colonel Samuel Smith Park
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This stunning Lakeshore skating path is actually made in the shape of a large figure-eight and provides skaters with plenty of scenic views. This rink is unsupervised so skaters will need to bring their own gear.
Status: Open now
Address: 145 Lake Shore Boulevard West
Dieppe Park Loop
City of Toronto
If you’ve got some little ones who want to go for an afternoon skate, you’ll find a great skating trail at Dieppe Park. There’s also a large outdoor rink located next door for those interested in a game of shinny.
Status: Open now
Address: 455 Cosburn Avenue
Richmond Green Skate Trail
Just under an hour north of the city, you can lace up and go for a twirl on Richmond Hill’s skating trail. The trail runs through 250-metres of natural space and the trail is lit up with lights for those interested in enjoying an evening skate.
Status: Open now
Address: 1300 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill
Arrowhead Provincial Park
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Despite being three hours from Toronto, this 1.3-kilometre trail in Huntsville is definitely worth the trip. The picturesque trails wind through thick Muskoka forest, creating the ultimate setting for a winter afternoon.
Status: Opening late December (weather permitting)
Address: 451 Arrowhead Park Road, Huntsville
Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh Skating Trail
If you’re in the Muskoka region, you can also check out the Johnston’s Cranberry facility, which features a gorgeous 1.2-kilometre skating loop that cuts through 12 acres of cranberries. With forest on one side and cranberry beds on the other, this is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
Status: Opening December 27 (weather permitting)
Address: 1074 Cranberry Road, Bala
The Bentway Skate Trail
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This winter marks the second season for The Bentway skate trail, which is located below the city’s busy Gardiner Expressway. The Bentway Skate Trail is a 220-metre long figure-eight loop, giving Torontonians the opportunity to explore the once vacant and forgotten space from a whole new perspective.
Status: Opening December 20
Address: Below the Gardiner Expressway at 250 Fort York Blvd.
MacGegor Point Provincial Park
For those who find themselves in the Port Elgin area this winter, you’re going to want to pay MacGregor Point Provincial Park a visit. Just three hours northwest of Toronto, you’ll find this 400-metre trail that winds through the park’s picturesque snow-covered trees. Every evening until 10 pm overhead trail lights will be turned on so you can skate under the stars every day of the week.
Status: Opening in December
Address: 1593 Bruce Road 33
Woodview Mountaintop Skating Trail
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It just so happens that Blue Mountain Resort’s Woodview Mountaintop Skating is home to a skating trail that’s unlike anything you’ve experienced before. For starters, the 1.1 km skating trail is located on top of a picturesque mountain, nestled between the top of the Orchard Express and Southern Comfort chairlifts. Here skaters can experience ice skating through a trail covered in snowy evergreens as they take in incredible views of the Georgian Bay.
Status: Expected to open December 20 (weather dependent)
Address: 108 Jozo Weider Blvd, Blue Mountains, Ontario
Chinguacousy Park
City of Brampton/Facebook
This sprawling outdoor trail features over 2000 sq. metres of ice and can accommodate up to 500 skaters at once. Designed in a unique canal shape, it features natural bends to allow skaters of all abilities to practice their skills. Seating is also available along the trail for those wanting to enjoy the ice from the sidelines.
Status: Open
Address: 9050 Bramalea Road
Gage Park Skating Trail
City of Brampton
Gage Park Skating Trail wraps around the park’s majestic gazebo, surrounded by massive trees and archways adorned in twinkling Christmas lights. The park and surrounding downtown are also draped in lights and accented with displays including a moose that’s five metres tall, a baby moose that sits at one-and-a-half metres, a snowman at five metres, and more.
Status: Open
Address: 45 Main Street South
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