Toronto Welcomes Winter with Outdoor Ice Rinks and Seasonal Activities
TORONTO – The City of Toronto is gearing up for the colder months as the City begins opening its outdoor artificial ice rinks. Over the next two weeks, more than 50 outdoor rinks and skating trails will become available across the city, offering a variety of family-friendly activities including public leisure skating, shinny hockey, ringette, and instructional programs. Permits for rink use are also available for a fee.
Despite one of the warmest fall seasons on record, City staff are working diligently to prepare the rinks, battling fluctuating temperatures and heavy rainfall to ensure safe, quality ice for residents and visitors alike.
Skate Lending Library Returns
The City, in partnership with Desjardins Financial Group, is reintroducing the Skate Lending Library to make skating accessible for more families and individuals. The program, which travels to various outdoor rinks, includes:
- 250 skate aids to help maintain balance on the ice
- 110 pairs of skates and helmets for both children and adults
- A custom-designed truck transporting the equipment
The lending program is free and does not require reservations. More details, including locations, are available on the City’s website.
Let’s get ready for Winter! City of Toronto welcoming cooler weather by beginning to open outdoor ice rinks
News release: https://t.co/qu5o0MGjcE pic.twitter.com/AZhbrcRKMx
— City of Toronto (@cityoftoronto) November 22, 2024
Accessibility Enhancements
The City is committed to ensuring winter activities are accessible to all. Sledges, adaptive devices for individuals with disabilities, are available for use during leisure skate programs at both indoor arenas and outdoor rinks. Residents can reserve sledges up to ten days in advance by contacting the Adapted and Inclusive Recreation Services Hotline.
Additionally, manual and powered wheelchairs are welcome on the ice during leisure skate sessions. On-site staff are available to assist with safe access.
Embracing Winter in Toronto
Toronto’s winter programming offers a variety of outdoor amenities and activities for residents to enjoy the colder months. Key highlights include:
- More than 1,500 parks with 270 kilometers of paths and roads cleared of snow
- Skiing and snowboarding at Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre (January–March, weather permitting)
- Outdoor fire pits available for booking through the City’s new recreation system
- 50 tennis courts remaining open for winter play (snow is not cleared)
These seasonal activities are part of “Winter in Toronto,” a citywide initiative encouraging residents to embrace the season by staying active and exploring the city’s parks and recreation facilities.
For more information about outdoor rinks, skate lending, and other winter activities, visit the City’s dedicated web pages.
