Published 2 November 2026 · By Jatin Dua, Broker of Record, RE/MAX Quantum Realty
My top five outdoor skating spots in downtown Toronto are Nathan Phillips Square, The Bentway Skate Trail, the College Park trail, Trinity Bellwoods Park and the Regent Park rink. All are free to skate. City rinks show first skates on 28–29 November 2026, and The Bentway opens 12 December 2026.
This guide is for families, condo owners and anyone thinking about living in downtown Toronto who wants to know where to skate outdoors this winter. You will get five rinks and trails in the core, what each one is like, what it costs, the 2026–27 dates confirmed so far, and what living near them means if you are buying.
How did I choose these five downtown rinks?
I started with the City of Toronto’s open data list of outdoor artificial ice rinks and kept the ones inside the downtown core, which I am treating as TRREB districts C01 and C08. I added The Bentway, which is not a City rink but is run by a non-profit conservancy under the Gardiner Expressway and is free to skate.
I weighed three things: what makes the ice different, how easy it is to reach on foot or by transit, and who it works for. The order is my judgement, not an official ranking.
On timing, the City says outdoor artificial rinks typically open in late November and close in March. The City’s posted drop-in schedules for Nathan Phillips Square, College Park, Trinity Bellwoods and Regent Park show the first skates on the weekend of 28–29 November 2026. Weather can change that, so check the rink status before you go.
1. Nathan Phillips Square
What it’s like
In winter, the fountain pool in front of City Hall at 100 Queen St. W. turns into an outdoor artificial rink. The City’s open data lists the ice pad at 182 by 100 feet. The square also hosts the Cavalcade of Lights, a festival the City says has run since 1967, with nightly skating and light installations through the holiday season.
Who it suits
This is the rink for visitors, first-timers and anyone who does not own skates. The City’s skating page names Nathan Phillips Square as the City rink where you can rent skates. Expect crowds on December weekend evenings.
What it costs
Skating is free. Rentals are run by a private operator, whose website lists $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under for a two-hour rental, with helmets extra. Rates can change, so confirm on site.
What to check
The posted schedule shows leisure skating from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the opening weekend. The City’s facility list for the square includes a change room and a washroom.
2. The Bentway Skate Trail
What it’s like
The Bentway is a 220-metre figure-eight trail under the Gardiner Expressway at 250 Fort York Blvd. For 2026–27 it opens on 12 December 2026 and runs to 28 February 2027. The Bentway says that is eight days earlier and nearly two weeks longer than last season. This winter the trail is lit by a public art installation called Àdìrẹ on Ice, by artist Odudu Umoessien.
Who it suits
It suits families and new skaters, because a loop with no boards feels easier than a hockey rink. Families can try Skate & Create on Saturdays from 9 January to 27 February 2027, which pairs skating with free drop-in art workshops at the Fort York Visitor Centre. Beginner lessons run on Wednesdays from 6 January to 24 February 2027, and Friday DJ skate nights start on 8 January.
What it costs
Skating is free. The Bentway lists adult skate rentals at $15 and sharpening at $12. Rentals are free on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. between 7 January and 25 February 2027. Beginner lessons are $15 per session. Rentals and the concession are cashless, and you need government-issued ID and a signed waiver to rent.
What to check
From 12 December to 3 January the trail is open daily from noon to 9 p.m. From 4 January it opens weekdays from 5 to 9 p.m. and from noon on weekends and holidays. Rentals and concessions are closed Monday to Wednesday after the holidays. The annual Polar Bear Skate is on 27 December 2026.
3. College Park and the Barbara Ann Scott skate trail
What it’s like
College Park sits at 420 Yonge St., near College Street. The City says the park reopened in 2019 after a major revitalization and now has gardens, a children’s play area, a reflecting pool and the Barbara Ann Scott ice trail. It is a small, calm loop surrounded by towers.
Who it suits
It works for office workers on a lunch break, students and condo residents in the Bay Street corridor. College subway station is at the corner, so it is easy to reach without a car.
What it costs
Skating is free. There are no City rentals here, so bring skates or look for the free Skate Lending Library van, which the City says starts visiting rinks on 20 November 2026.
What to check
The opening-weekend schedule lists the trail as an unsupervised leisure skate from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. With no staff on the ice, make sure young children wear helmets.
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4. Trinity Bellwoods Park
What it’s like
Trinity Bellwoods is a 14.6-hectare park on Queen Street West at Strachan Avenue. The City says its artificial rink sits south of Dundas Street West on Gore Vale Avenue, and open data lists the pad at 180 by 80 feet. The park’s facility list includes a change room, a washroom and the Trinity Community Recreation Centre in its south-west corner.
Who it suits
This is a neighbourhood rink for west-side families and hockey players. The opening-weekend schedule mixes leisure skates with shinny for children with a caregiver, youth, women and adults.
What it costs
All City drop-in skating is free. There are no rentals, so bring your own skates and, for shinny, your own stick and puck.
What to check
If you only want a relaxed skate, pick a leisure time on the schedule. Shinny players 18 and under need a CSA-approved hockey helmet with a visor or full cage.
5. Regent Park Athletic Grounds
What it’s like
The rink at 480 Shuter St. was revitalized with new lighting, dasher boards and fencing, according to the City. The field house has a renovated warming and change area and two accessible washrooms. Open data lists the pad at 120 by 80 feet.
Who it suits
It serves families in the east side of the core, including Regent Park, Moss Park and Cabbagetown. The opening-weekend schedule shows leisure skates on both days, plus shinny for ages six and up and adult shinny in the evenings.
What it costs
Free, like every City drop-in program. Bring your own skates.
What to check
Leisure skate times are shorter blocks here than at Nathan Phillips Square, so check the day’s times before you walk over.
How do the five downtown rinks compare?
| Rink | Address | Ice | Rentals | 2026–27 dates | TRREB district |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nathan Phillips Square | 100 Queen St. W. | Rink, 182 x 100 ft | Yes, private operator | Posted schedule from 28 Nov 2026 | C01 |
| The Bentway | 250 Fort York Blvd. | 220 m figure-eight trail | Yes, $15 adult | 12 Dec 2026 to 28 Feb 2027 | C01 |
| College Park | 420 Yonge St. | Skate trail | No | Posted schedule from 28 Nov 2026 | C01 |
| Trinity Bellwoods Park | 790 Queen St. W. | Rink, 180 x 80 ft | No | Posted schedule from 28 Nov 2026 | C01 |
| Regent Park Athletic Grounds | 480 Shuter St. | Rink, 120 x 80 ft | No | Posted schedule from 28 Nov 2026 | C08 |
Source: City of Toronto Outdoor Artificial Ice Rinks open data and location pages; The Bentway, Winter 2026–27 release (5 Nov 2026). Schedules checked 10 Nov 2026 and subject to weather.
One more worth knowing: the Harry Gairey rink in the north-west corner of Alexandra Park, 275 Bathurst St., with Scadding Court Community Centre just to the north. It is a good backup when Trinity Bellwoods is busy.
What do condos and homes cost near downtown rinks in 2027?
Most homes within a walk of these rinks are condos, so condo prices matter most here. The numbers below are district medians for the year to date, not prices for the streets next to any rink.
| District and type | Median sold price, Jan–Oct 2026 | Same period 2025 | Change | Average days on market | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C01 condo apartment | $600,000 | $642,650 | -6.6% | 37 | 2,138 |
| C08 condo apartment | $565,000 | $610,000 | -7.4% | 38 | 1,257 |
| C01 condo townhouse | $868,750 | $920,000 | -5.6% | 28 | 114 |
| C08 condo townhouse | $845,000 | $970,000 | -12.9% | 36 | 33 |
| C01 semi-detached | $1,395,000 | $1,480,000 | -5.7% | 26 | 143 |
Source: TRREB MLS data via REALM, January–October 2026 vs the same period of 2025. C01 covers the downtown core west of Yonge Street; C08 covers the core east of Yonge.
Prices in both districts are lower than a year ago, and condos are taking more than a month to sell on average. For a buyer with children, that gives you time to compare buildings by what is within a short walk, including a rink. You can read more in my guide to the top condos to buy in downtown Toronto, or check what a downtown condo is worth if you are thinking of selling first.
A rink should not decide which condo you buy, but it can break a tie. When two downtown units are close on price and layout, I ask families to time the walk from each lobby to the nearest rink and park. A five-minute walk gets used every week. A twenty-minute walk gets used twice a season. The same thinking applies to parks, which is why I put together a list of the best parks near CityPlace and Fort York, close to The Bentway.
What rules should you know before skating outdoors in Toronto?
- Helmets: the City requires a CSA-approved helmet for children six and under at leisure skates and recommends one for everyone older. Shinny players need a hockey helmet.
- Skates only: everyone on the ice must wear skates. Strollers are allowed at supervised leisure skates once staff give the go-ahead, and children must be strapped in.
- Accessibility: manual and powered wheelchairs are allowed during leisure skates. Sledges can be booked through the City’s Adapted and Inclusive Recreation service.
- Closures: rinks close after heavy snowfall for clean-up and may close on warm days when the ice softens. The City lists closures on its rink status map.
Do not skate on the inner harbour, lagoons or other open water, even in a deep freeze. The City does not allow it because temperature swings and salt run-off can weaken the ice without warning. Stick to maintained rinks and trails.
If you live outside the core, I have a separate list of the best outdoor rinks in Etobicoke.
What to do next
- Check the City’s rink status map on the day you plan to skate, especially after snow or a thaw.
- Look up the Skate Lending Library schedule if your family needs free skates or helmets.
- Plan a Bentway visit for a Thursday evening between 7 January and 25 February 2027 to get free rentals.
- If you are buying downtown, map the walk from each short-listed building to the nearest rink and park.
- If you need to sell first, use the free estimator above for a starting number, then book a call with me to price it properly.
Need help with this? Talk to me.
I’m Jatin Dua, Broker of Record at RE/MAX Quantum Realty, and I’m the best agent to do this kind of work for you in Toronto and across the GTA. Over $100 million in GTA sales and 100+ families helped sell. Feel free to contact me any time: call or text 833-330-1925 or email [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
Where can I skate outdoors in downtown Toronto?
In downtown Toronto, the main free outdoor options for 2026–27 are Nathan Phillips Square, The Bentway Skate Trail, the Barbara Ann Scott trail at College Park, Trinity Bellwoods Park and the Regent Park rink. All are free to skate. Nathan Phillips Square and The Bentway also rent skates. Check each rink’s status before you go, because snow and warm weather can close them.
Is skating at Nathan Phillips Square free?
Yes, skating at Nathan Phillips Square is free, like all City of Toronto drop-in skating. You only pay if you rent equipment. The private rental operator’s website lists $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under for two hours, with helmets extra. Rates can change, so confirm on site during the 2026–27 season.
When do Toronto outdoor rinks open for 2026–27?
Toronto’s outdoor artificial rinks typically open in late November and close in March, according to the City. For 2026–27, the City’s posted drop-in schedules for several downtown rinks show the first skates on the weekend of 28–29 November 2026. The City runs more than 50 outdoor rink locations in a typical season.
When does the Bentway Skate Trail open in 2026?
The Bentway Skate Trail opens on 12 December 2026 and runs until 28 February 2027. It is open daily from noon to 9 p.m. until 3 January. After that it opens weekdays from 5 to 9 p.m. and from noon on weekends and holidays. Skating is free, and adult rentals are $15.
Can you rent skates at downtown Toronto rinks?
Yes, but only at a few downtown Toronto rinks. The City’s skating page names Nathan Phillips Square as its rink with skate rentals, and The Bentway rents skates on site for its 2026–27 season. The City’s free Skate Lending Library van, which starts visiting rinks on 20 November 2026, lends skates, helmets and skating aids at no cost.
Do you need a helmet to skate at Toronto outdoor rinks?
Children six and under must wear a CSA-approved helmet at City of Toronto leisure skates, and helmets are recommended for everyone older. For shinny hockey, players 18 and under need a CSA-approved hockey helmet with a visor or full cage, and adults need a CSA-approved hockey helmet. These rules apply at downtown rinks in 2026–27.
Can you skate on Toronto harbour or the lagoons?
No. The City of Toronto does not allow skating on the inner harbour, lagoons or other open bodies of water, including Grenadier Pond. Temperature changes and salt run-off can make the ice unsafe even when it looks solid. In 2026–27, use a maintained outdoor rink or skate trail instead, such as Nathan Phillips Square or The Bentway.
Are Toronto outdoor rinks open after a snowfall?
Not right away. The City of Toronto closes its outdoor artificial rinks after heavy snowfall so crews can clear the ice, and some rinks also close temporarily on warm days when the ice softens. Before you head out in winter 2026–27, check the City’s rink status map, which lists every location with a closure or service alert.
What is the best outdoor rink in downtown Toronto for kids?
For young kids in downtown Toronto, The Bentway’s figure-eight trail and the College Park trail are the easiest starts, because loops without boards feel less crowded than hockey rinks. The Bentway also runs free Skate and Create family art sessions on Saturdays from 9 January to 27 February 2027. Bring a helmet for any child six or under.
Sources
- City of Toronto: Drop-in Skating (rules, fees, rentals, rink status)
- City of Toronto: Skate Lending Library
- City of Toronto: Nathan Phillips Square location page
- City of Toronto Open Data: Outdoor Artificial Ice Rinks
- The Bentway: Winter 2026–27 season release (5 Nov 2026)
- The Bentway: Winter Skating hours and rentals
- City of Toronto: College Park location page
- City of Toronto: Cavalcade of Lights
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About the author — Jatin Dua, Toronto and GTA real estate broker
I am Jatin Dua, Broker of Record and co-founder of RE/MAX Quantum Realty Inc., Brokerage, Unit 101, 799 The Queensway, Toronto. I work with buyers and sellers across Toronto and the GTA and have helped more than 100 families sell. Four-plus years of active GTA transactions and over $100 million in sales volume.
Reach me at [email protected] or 833-330-1925, or book a call.