Embark on a Winter Wonderland: 10 Captivating Skating Trails in Ontario for 2024
As the skating season in Ontario ushers in the magic of winter, it's never too early to plan your frosty adventures. Ontario boasts a collection of enchanting skating trails and pathways that promise an unforgettable winter experience.
Here are 10 must-explore locations:
Richmond Green Skate Trail
Location: 1300 Elgin Mills Road East, next to Tom Graham Arena
Features: A 250-metre looped skating trail adorned with evening lights, offering a delightful and free experience.
Woodview Mountaintop Skating
Location: 201 Scenic Caves Road, Unit AW2, The Blue Mountains
Features: A 1.1 km ice skating loop atop Blue Mountain, providing breathtaking views of the Niagara Escarpment. After sunset, thousands of interactive lights illuminate the trail for a magical nighttime skate.
Hanna Park Ice Skating Trail
Location: Bailey St, Port Carling, ON
Features: A 200-metre open ice skating trail, free to use and maintained by dedicated volunteers. It opens shortly after the New Year, making it a worthwhile winter road trip.
Icelynd Skating Trails
Location: 6865 Fernbank Rd, Stittsville, Ontario
Features: Opening on January 13th, 2024, this trail offers two kilometres of natural ice trails illuminated by string lights and natural solar lighting, creating a magical evening experience.
The Bentway
Location: 250 Fort York, under the Gardiner
Features: The Bentway brings back its skating experience with free skate rental nights, free hot chocolate nights, beginner skate lessons, and the beloved Polar Bear Skate.
Rideau Canal Skateway
Location: Ottawa
Features: Head to Ottawa for the world's largest skating rink, the Rideau Canal Skateway. Opening its season to the public in January, it's a must-visit for a fantastic skating experience.
Gage Park Outdoor Skating Recreational Trail
Location: Main St. South and Wellington St. West in Downtown Brampton
Features: A popular family attraction in Brampton, this skating trail offers a thrilling day along the ice, open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM and on weekends.
Arrowhead Provincial Park
Location: 451 Arrowhead Park Rd, Huntsville, ON
Features: A stunning skating trail, especially at night, weather-dependent but typically opening in January.
Colonel Samuel Smith Park
Location: 65 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Road
Features: Tucked away near Humber Lakeshore campus, this figure-8 shaped skating trail offers an infinite amount of laps for winter enjoyment.
Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery Ice Trail
Location: 1074 Cranberry Road, Bala
Features: Discover a 1.2 km ice trail looping around 12 acres of cranberries, open annually on December 27. On Saturday nights, the trail is lit with 400 tiki torches for a mesmerizing 'Light the Night' skating experience.
Plan your winter escapades early, and make the most of these spectacular skating destinations across Ontario. Lace up those skates and embrace the winter wonder!