+20 of the Best Ice Skating Trails in Ontario to Visit this Winter
If you grew up anywhere near a rink or a frozen pond, you know there’s just something special about skating in the winter. I grew up skating every single winter, so to me, one of the best things you can do once the temperatures drop is lace up your skates and take a spin on the ice.
Ontario is home to some truly iconic ice skating trails — from the famous forest skating trail at Arrowhead Provincial Park to the world-renowned and historic Rideau Canal. But what a lot of people don’t realize is that those aren’t the only places to skate. There are so many other incredible ice skating trails in Ontario that fly under the radar and are just as magical (and often way less crowded).
In this guide, I’m sharing the best ice skating trails across the province, including the well-known favourites and a few hidden gems you should totally add to your winter bucket list. Whether you’re planning a winter day trip or a cold-weather getaway, these skate trails prove that winter in Ontario is full of magic!
Rideau Canal Skateway
One of the best outdoor ice-skating trails in Ontario that’s free is the Rideau Canal Skateway!
Every winter the historic canal in Ottawa is transformed into the world’s largest skating rink, reaching over 7 km long. Typically open from January through early March, depending on weather, it’s a great spot to add to your winter in Ottawa bucket list.
Plus, you’ll find various food and drink vendors, like Beavertails, to keep you fueled for your skate.
Arrowhead Provincial Park
The Ice Trail in Arrowhead Provincial Park is another one of the best skate trails!
This forest ice skating trail is 1.3 km long and travels through an enchanted section of evergreens. On Friday and Saturday nights, the trail becomes a magical experience called Fire and Ice with torches illuminating the path.
Arrowhead is one of my favourite provincial parks to visit in the winter. Along with the skate trail, there’s plenty of other winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Plus, don’t miss the Big Bend Lookout, it’s one of the best lookouts in Muskoka.
You must book an Ontario Parks reservation to access the trail. These can be booked 5 days in advance. But if you want to avoid the weekend crowds, I recommend visiting during the week.
MacGregor Point Provincial Park
Another great park to visit in the winter is MacGregor Point Provincial Park. The park is one of the best places to visit in Port Elgin.
In the winter, you can enjoy its skate trail that’s a 400-metre loop through the forest. And like Arrowhead, you can skate through the forest at night as the trail is lit.
Nina’s Way in Kivi Park
One of my favourite skate trails is Nina’s Way in Kivi Park. As one of the top winter activities in Sudbury, the skate trail 1.3 km long.
Located in Kivi Park, Nina’s Way is a scenic outdoor skating trail that winds through the forest. And it’s lit with twinkling lights in the evening.
You can make it a full day a Kivi Park! There’s plenty to do in the park, including fat biking, snowshoeing and there’s a bonfire to warm up at near the skate trail.
Muskoka Lakes Winery
When it comes to the best places to visit in winter in Muskoka, I highly recommend planning a visit to Muskoka Lakes Winery.
This incredible winery is best known for its fall cranberry experience. But in the winter, one of the bogs is transformed into a skate trail.
The Muskoka Lakes Winery ice skating trail is a 1.2 km loop and typically open from the end of December through to March Break, weather permitting. When darkness descends, the skating loop is lit with hundreds of tiki torches for a truly memorable experience.
You can totally spend the whole afternoon at the farm, enjoy a skate, snowshoe the trails and enjoy some hot mulled wine.
Rentals available at Muskoka Lakes Winery if you don’t own skates.
Woodview Mountain Top Skating
One of the most popular winter destinations in Ontario is Blue Mountain!
In the winter Blue Mountain is home to a 1.1 km outdoor ice skating loop that offers scenic views. The best part is that with you can access the trail and get skate rentals when you stay at Blue Mountain.
If you’re planning to visit as a day trip, a single-use attraction ticket includes the skate loop as well as some of their other winter activities like the winter mountain coaster.
Countryside Adventures
If you’re looking for a forest skating trail in Ontario that’s near Ottawa then head to Countryside Adventures.
This outdoor adventure park in Moose Creek is 45 minutes southeast of Ottawa and features a 3 km skating trail. You can grab a day pass to Countryside Adventures and enjoy the skate trail, the snowshoeing trails and snow tubing.
Simcoe County Museum
I may be biased since I live near Barrie, but it’s home to a hidden gem of a skate trail.
The Simcoe County Museum is a great addition to any day trip to Barrie itinerary. Especially in the winter when the grounds are transformed into a skating loop through the forest and heritage buildings.
Icelynd Skating Trail
While everyone knows about the Rideau Canal Skateway, there’s a gem of a skating trail in Ottawa that you don’t want to miss – Icelynd Skating Trail.
Here you’ll find over 2 km of skating trail that make their way through a picturesque forest. It’s illuminated at night with twinkling lights. Plus, there’s bonfires to warm up by.
Insider Tip: You must purchase your tickets online in advance.
Town Square Skating Trail
One of the best ice skating trails in Ontario near me is the Town Square Skating Trail!
The skating trail is located in Alcona, next to the Innisfil Public Library and it’s free to use. Shaped in a figure eight, the trail is 240 metres long.
You can even skate the trail at night too. There are places to sit and put on your skates as well as plenty of parking in the library’s lot.
Ramsey Lake Skating Path
If you’re looking for a free ice skating trail in Ontario then head north to Sudbury!
The Ramsey Lake skating path runs along the shores of the lake from the Canoe Club to Science North – one of the top attractions in Sudbury. The trail is roughly 1.5 km.
Beckwith Skating Trail
If you’re looking for free things to do in Carleton Place then strap on your skates and head to the Beckwith Skating Trail!
Located in Beckwith Park, the skating trail is a 1 km loop. There are benches to sit and put your skates on before you head off, but no rentals available.
Be sure to check their Facebook page up to date trail conditions.
Royal Botanical Gardens
One of the most beautiful gardens in Ontario is Royal Botanical Gardens, is also a great place to visit in the winter.
Along with snowshoeing the trails, you can also take advantage of their ice skating. The skate trail is at Princess Point in Cootes Paradise Sanctuary in Hamilton.
Please check the on-site signage before heading out on the skating path.
RiverOak Skating Trail
One of the largest skating trails in Ottawa is at RiverOak, approximately 30 minutes from downtown.
River Oak is home to over 4 acres of ice! You’ll find 3.5 km of skating trails that wind throughout the property. Plus, this is one skate trail that allows you to play hockey, so bring your sticks and pucks.
When you need to warm up, you can pop into the lodge, grab a hot chocolate and a bit to eat.
Colonel Samuel Smith Skating Trail
If you’re looking for free skating trails in the GTA then head to the Colonel Samuel Smith Skating Trail!
Located along the shoreline of Etobicoke, the park features a figure eight outdoor skating trail next to the Power House Recreation Centre.
Richmond Green Skate Trail
Another free ice skating trail near Toronto is in Richmond Hill. The trail is at the Richmond Green Park and is a 250 m loop.
The trail is great to do during the day or at night when it’s all lit up with lights.
Storybook Gardens
If you’re looking for a family-friendly skate trail in southwestern Ontario, then plan a visit to Storybook Gardens.
Located in London, this beloved family attraction boasts a 250 m skate trail that loops around the grounds. It’s open afternoons and into the evening when the trail is lit by magical lights.
On weekends you’ll find Beavertails, where you can grab a treat and hot chocolate to enjoy. Plus, if you don’t have skates, don’t worry, they have rentals available.
One thing to note is that you have to grab your tickets in advance, but the good thing is that they are quite cheap.
Laurentian Valley Skating Trail
If you’re looking for a fun winter day trip from Ottawa, head to Pembroke.
The town is home to another gem of an ice skate trail, the Laurentian Valley Skating Trail. Winding through the forest, the 1.5 km skate trail is beautiful during the day and when it’s illumined at night.
You can make a day of it, enjoy the skating trail and then take advance of the snowshoe trails.
The Bentway
One of the most popular and coolest skate trails in Toronto is The Bentway!
Located beneath the Gardner Expressway, The Bentway is a 250 m loop that’s free to enjoy. Along with skate rentals, you can along grab snacks and drinks to fuel your skate!
More Unique Places to Ice Skate in Ontario
Friday Harbour – You can enjoy a scenic lakeside rink at Friday Harbour in Innisfil. No booking is required and there’s skate rentals.
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park – One of the best ice skating trails in northern Ontario is at Sleeping Giant near Thunder Bay. The 300 m loop is open from day through to nighttime.
Fern Resort – Guests staying at Fern Resort can enjoy its 1.5 km forest ice trail that’s also lit at night. They do offer day passes for visitors too but must be requested in advance.
Memorial Park Skating Trail – In the heart of Stouffville is the Memorial Park Skating Trail. This 275 m figure eight pathway is a fun and free family friendly place to skate in Ontario.
Kakabeka Falls – Another great spot to skate in Northern Ontario is at Kakabeka Falls. Here you’ll find a 160 m skating loop trail that’s open from morning through night.
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