Toronto Opens Outdoor Ice Rinks for the Winter Season

Toronto outdoor rinks are opening for the winter season, with free skating, a Skate Lending Library and expanded accessible programs citywide.

TORONTO — Toronto’s winter recreation season is officially underway. Mayor Olivia Chow and Councillor Paula Fletcher (Toronto–Danforth) marked the moment at Greenwood Park this morning as the City began opening more than 50 outdoor artificial ice rinks and skating trails across Toronto.

“There’s nothing more Toronto than stepping onto the ice on a crisp winter morning,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “With rinks opening across the city and free skates available, I hope everyone will bundle up, grab a friend and enjoy the best of winter.”

Most rinks are scheduled to open by Saturday, December 6, offering free public leisure skating, figure skating, shinny, ringette, instructional programs and rentable permits for community groups. Residents are encouraged to check rink status before heading out via the City’s service alerts page.

The City’s rink status page is available at:
https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/places-spaces/parks-recreation-service-alerts/outdoor-rink-closures-service-alerts/

Skate Lending Library Returns for 2025–26 Season

The Skate Lending Library, in partnership with Desjardins Financial Group, is returning this season to help residents of all ages participate in outdoor skating—especially newcomers, families and first-time skaters.

Through its mobile unit, the program provides:

• 250 skate aids

• 130 pairs of skates and helmets

• A fully customized and accessible vehicle to serve communities citywide

The program is free, requires no reservations, and will visit multiple outdoor rinks throughout the winter.

More information and program schedule:
https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/program-activities/ice-snow-activities/public-leisure-skating/skate-lending-library/

Improving Accessibility at City Rinks

To ensure inclusive access to winter recreation, the City continues to enhance accessibility options at its rinks. This includes:

• Public access to sledges at indoor and outdoor rinks for adaptive skating

• Ability for residents using manual or powered wheelchairs to access the ice during leisure skate times

• Staff support on site to assist with safe entry onto the ice

Sledges can be booked 10 days in advance by contacting Adapted and Inclusive Recreation Services at 416-395-6128 or aiscw@toronto.ca.

City of Toronto kicks off the winter season as it begins to open outdoor ice rinks

Read the full news release: https://t.co/SIm4Vwo6ug pic.twitter.com/pYtdNQdBSM

— City of Toronto 🇨🇦 (@cityoftoronto) November 29, 2025

More Winter Activities Across Toronto

Beyond skating, Toronto’s winter programming includes:

• 1,500+ parks with 270 km of cleared paths

• Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre, operating January to March (weather permitting)

• Designated outdoor fire pits, bookable through the City’s website

Full winter recreation listings are available at: www.toronto.ca/onlinereg

Source: City of Toronto — Official News Release, November 29, 2025

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