Skating outdoors is a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy the winter weather as a family. And, its a great excuse for some after-skating hot chocolate! Here’s a list of outdoor rinks in Vaughan and the GTA.
The following rinks are run by the City of Vaughan and are open from December to mid-March, weather permitting.
Dufferin Clarke Community Centre (1441 Clark Avenue West)
Garnet Williams Community Centre (501 Clark Avenue West)
Chancellor Community Centre (350 Ansley Grove Road)
Vellore Village Community Centre (1 Villa Royale Avenue)
Father E. Bulfon Community Centre (8141 Martin Grove Road) (please note: only open on Saturday & Sunday from 1pm – 3pm)
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 6pm – 8pm and Saturday & Sunday from 1pm – 3pm
Admission: $2.50 (ages 4-17), $5.25 (18yrs +), seniors (60+) $3.50 (you can also get a family pass for up to 5 people for $10.25)
Here are a few outdoor rinks in the GTA that are also worth visiting:
Richmond Green Skate Trail (1300 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill)
Enjoy a skate through the 250 metre looped trail, surrounded by trees, lights and music. Open from 10am – 10pm daily with lots of parking and heated changerooms, admission is free.
Don Mills Skating Oval (1090 Don Mills Road, Toronto)
This rink is small but its right in the middle of the Shops at Don Mills – shopping and skating make for a perfect afternoon! Admission is free, ice is open during mall hours.
Mel Lastman Square (5100 Yonge Street, Toronto)
Open from 11am – 11pm daily, sometimes with music after 4pm. There are changerooms available as well as benches around the ice.
Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West, Toronto)
Skate along the shoreline of Lake Ontario, then enjoy a hot drink at the rink-side restaurant. Open from 10am – 10pm Sunday – Thursday and 10am – 11pm Friday & Saturday. Admission is free and skates (and helmets) are available to rent. (see website for more details)
Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen Street West, Toronto)
Enjoy the sparkling lights and holiday decor while you skate in the heart of downtown Toronto. Open from 10am – 10pm daily (including holidays), admission is free. Skates and helmets are available to rent, see website for details.
