Toronto – The first signs of winter are almost here! The City of Toronto is opening some outdoor artificial ice rinks. Over the next two weeks, more than 50 outdoor ice rinks and skating trails are expected to open citywide, offering family-friendly activities including free public leisure and figure skating, shinny, ringette, instructional programs and permits for a fee.
Toronto is experiencing one of the warmest fall seasons on record. City staff are working hard to build and maintain ice despite the fluctuating temperatures and significant rainfall.
Know before you go skating
Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the City’s service alerts webpage for updates regarding artificial ice rinks and to check the status of local rinks by visiting the City’s webpage.
The Skate Lending Library is back
The City is once again partnering with Desjardins Financial Group to make it easy and fun for more residents and families to learn how to skate by providing access to skates, helmets and skate aids. The mobile Skate Lending Library is at several outdoor ice rinks throughout the season and includes:
- 250 skate aids that support the user and helps them maintain their balance as they skate
- 110 pairs of skates and helmets for children and adults
- A dedicated, customized truck that will travel to different locations across the City.
The program is free and no reservations are required. More information about the program and skate lending locations is available on the city’s webpage.
Accessibility at City-operated rinks
The City is continually improving accessibility at its facilities including during the winter season. Sledges – adaptive devices that provide opportunities for people with disabilities to participate – are available to the public for use during leisure skate programs at indoor arenas and outdoor rinks.
Sledges can be booked ten days in advance by contacting the Adapted and Inclusive Recreation Services Hotline at 416-395-6128 or by emailing aiscw@toronto.ca.
Individuals using manual or powered wheelchairs are welcome on the ice during leisure skate times. Residents are encouraged to check in with on-site staff to learn how to safely access the ice.
Winter in Toronto activities
Winter in Toronto is a season-long activation of outdoor fun and amenities that invites residents to embrace the cold by staying active and enjoying parks and recreation facilities throughout the winter.
Some of the many activities include:
- More than 1,500 parks, with 270 km of paths and roads cleared of snow
- More than 50 artificial outdoor ice rinks and skate trails
- Skiing and snowboarding at Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre, from January to March (weather and snowfall permitting)
- Designated outdoor fire pits that can be booked in advance through the new recreation booking system on the City’s webpage.
- Outdoor sports courts including 50 tennis courts with nets in place for winter tennis (please note snow is not cleared from courts)
Residents can learn more on the City’s webpage.