Get ready to lace up your skates and dive into frosty adventures as we unveil the best skating trails Ontario. From the enchanting Woodview Mountaintop Skating Trail in Collingwood’s Blue Mountain Resort to the magical Cranberry Marsh Ice Trail in Bala, Muskoka, and the record-breaking Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa, journey through a winter wonderland like no other. Whether you’re twirling beneath tiki torches at Arrowhead Provincial Park, gliding (maybe with a skating aide!) through the urban vibes of the Bentway Skating Trail in Toronto, or soaking up the scenery at LV Four Seasons Trail, the Ontario skating trails saga is one wild ride!
So grab your mittens, cue the twinkling lights and join us as we take you on a tour of fun skating trails in the heart of Ontario.
Arrowhead Provincial Park
Embark on a wintery adventure at Arrowhead Provincial Park, home to one of Ontario’s best skating trails in the Muskoka region. This 1.3 km icy wonder which isn’t just a trail; it’s a journey through what’s like a fairy-tale evergreen forest. You absolutely need to have this on your winter bucket list.
For something extra, time your visit for the Fire and Ice Nights at Arrowhead Provincial Park. Picture the trail as a dreamy wonderland, lit by hundreds of tiki torches… it’s a date night dream!
If you can make it happen, avoid the weekend hustle and bustle by visiting during the week. Guarantee a spot by snagging an Advanced Daily Vehicle permit. The Arrowhead skating trail is open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm when the sun is shining. But the real magic unfolds during the Fire and Ice Nights, kicking off from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Your admission covers access, and if you’re sans skates, no worries—rentals are available at the park office.
Don’t miss the opportunity to glide through this winter wonderland in Muskoka, Ontario. Find out more about the Fire and Ice Nights. Your icy adventure awaits! Visit Arrowhead Provincial Park – Fire and Ice Nights
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Bentway Skating Trail
Dive into the cool groove of Ontario skating trails right in the heart of Toronto at the Bentway Skating Trail. Since its debut in 2018, this 1.75-kilometer marvel beneath the Gardiner Expressway has has redefined winter in the city and adds a vibrancy to the Toronto waterfront.
Glide along the 220m figure-eight skate trail, surrounded by woven arches that’ll make you feel like you’re skating under the northern lights. And here’s the best part—it won’t cost you a dime! Free skating, plus extra goodies like hot chocolate on Mondays and free skate rentals on Fridays. It’s a winter dream come true!
Experience the essence of Ontario skating trails at The Bentway. For all the details, head over to their website… your icy adventure is just a skate away! Visit The Bentway.
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MacGregor Point
Explore the diverse natural beauty of MacGregor Point Provincial Park along Lake Huron’s shoreline. This all-season park, located just south of Port Elgin, boasts a seven-kilometer stretch of coast, offering a complex ecosystem to discover.
Find yourself amidst the stunning waterfront snowshoeing routes and a winter bird-filled marsh walk. But the highlight is the 400-meter skating trail at MacGregor Point. It is shorter than some of Ontario skating trails but the trail’s picturesque scenery adds a special charm to the winter experience. MacGregor Point also offers skiing, snowshoeing, camping and other winter fun while you’re visiting.
Under the right conditions, the 400-meter skating trail at MacGregor Point becomes a magical outdoor experience, lit up for evening skating until 10:00 p.m. daily. It’s open from dusk till dawn, weather permitting. Access to the skating trail is included in the park admission. Take a day trip if you can to enjoy this Ontario skating trails at MacGregor Point. Visit MacGregor Point.
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Cranberry Marsh Ice Trail
Skating with cranberries? Yes, you can! Experience a unique blend of nature and winter fun at the Cranberry Marsh Ice Trail in Bala, Muskoka.
You can skate a 1.2 km loop around 12 acres of cranberries! The loop is surrounded by a picturesque landscape of forest on one side and cranberry beds on the other. This one-of-a-kind skating trail is a delightful addition to the Ontario skating trails scene.
Once your toes and nose turn numb, warm up at the Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery with hot mulled wine or hot cran-apple cider sourced directly from the farm. Don’t miss the torchlight skating every Saturday night from 6 pm – 9 pm, weather permitting, adding a magical touch to your skating experience.
There is also torchlight skating every Saturday night from 6 pm – 9 pm (weather permitting). While you’re visiting, check out the Guided Farm Tour or hike the snowshoe trails. There are also tutored wine tasting, or sip on wine at your own pace while nibbling on cheese on the fireside patio.
Immerse yourself in the charm of skating trails in Ontario at the Cranberry Marsh Ice Trail in Bala.
Visit Johnstons Cranberry Marsh Ice Trail.
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Gage Park, Brampton
Gear up for some frosty fun at Gage Park’s Ontario Skating Trails—it’s like stepping into a winter wonderland right in downtown Brampton! Picture this: a skating trail adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, a charming gazebo, and the cozy vibe of small-town charm.
But it gets better! This year, Gage Park is turning up the heat with a DJ spinning tracks on Friday and Saturday nights, plus Sunday afternoons. The City of Brampton has your winter warmth covered with a crackling fire pit. And for those hunger pangs, there’s a food truck dishing out delights. Forgot your skates and helmet? No worries—they have rentals.
The skating trail extravaganza kicks off Sunday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays, the party stays alive until 11 p.m.
Gage Park is one of the ultimate Ontario skating trails hotspot. It’s at Main St. South and Wellington St. West in Downtown Brampton. Don’t miss out on this magical winter experience as one of the best skating trails Ontario. Visit Gage Park.
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Woodview Mountaintop Skating Trail
Get ready for a frosty adventure at Collingwood’s Blue Mountain Resort, the ultimate winter wonderland! It’s not just about epic skiing; they’ve got dining, cozy accommodations, and, wait for it… one of Ontario’s best skating trails!
The Woodview Mountaintop Skating Trail, a 1.1-kilometer loop, weaves through a snowy forest with sneak peeks of breathtaking views from the Niagara Escarpment overlooking Georgian Bay.
Slide into this icy paradise via Scenic Caves Road, typically open for skating fun from January to early March. For an extra dose of enchantment, hit the trail at night and bask in the magic of twinkling lights hanging over the skating surface. Grey County showers it with snow, creating a winter fairy tale you won’t want to miss.
To access the Woodview Mountaintop Skating trail, you’ll need to grab a Blue Mountain Play All Day ticket. It gives you unlimited, single-day access to the winter attractions to slide, skate, or snowshoe the day away. This includes Woodview Mountaintop Skating, snowshoe trail access at Scenic Caves Adventures, Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, Hike n’ Tube, and Plunge! Aquatic Centre.
While you’re in the area, why not or explore the charming town of Collingwood? The options for frosty fun are endless! Lace-up and let the Ontario skating trails magic unfold.
Need skates? No worries – skate rentals and skate aids are right on-site. Visit Woodview Mountaintop Skating Trail.
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Laurentian Valley Skating Trail
Dive into winter magic at the LV Four Seasons Trail, your go-to spot for Ontario Skating Trails fun! Picture this: a 1.5 km granular surfaced trail winding through a wooded wonderland. But, hold onto your skates—when winter arrives, this trail transforms into a breathtaking natural ice surface!
Guess what? Walking or skating here won’t cost you a dime during operating hours donations, big or small, are like snowflakes—unique and welcomed! The trail’s dedicated volunteers work hard to create and maintain this enchanting trail, and your donations keep the magic alive.
Feeling adventurous? There are several km’s of snowshoe trails too! Two different routes, because why settle for just one path? And here’s the secret: those snowshoe trails double up as hiking trails in the summer months. Talk about a year-round adventure!
Mark your calendar because this winter wonderland typically opens its gates in January and bids adieu in March, weather permitting (check the website for official opening). Skates are usually from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily but there are also night skates every Thursday and Saturday from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, lit up by charming lamp posts and string lights.
Picture this: over 1,000 skaters under the starry sky at each event! It’s become the hottest ticket in town. So, lace-up, grab your gear, and join the fun at the LV Four Seasons Trail—it’s where Ontario Skating Trails meet pure winter enchantment! Visit Laurentian Valley Skating Trail.
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Rideau Canal Skateway
Get ready for the ultimate frosty fiesta on the Rideau Canal, the granddaddy of Ontario Skating Trails! Ottawa proudly boasts the world’s largest natural ice rink—oh yes, Guinness World Records certified! From January to February, the picturesque Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, freezes over, turning into a winter wonderland that draws thrill-seekers from across the globe.
The Rideau Canal Skateway is a whopping 7.8 kilometers (4.8 miles) of icy bliss, stretching from downtown Ottawa’s heart to the sprawling Dows Lake. It’s not just a skating trail; it’s practically a winter festival of its own!
In the bustling downtown, you’ll stumble upon food and beverage havens, skate rentals, and toasty warming stations—like a winter carnival right on the ice. As you venture further, they might be a tad sparse, but fear not, the essentials are still sprinkled along this Ontario Skating Trail.
The Rideau Skating Trail is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to winter fun on the Rideau River. Brace yourselves because this frosty paradise typically opens its gates mid-January, weather playing along. And guess what? Zero admission fee to bask in the icy glory! Need skates? They have all sizes, and if you’re feeling fancy, there are kicksleds and support bars for beginner skaters.
If you find yourself in Ottawa during winter, this is THE activity you don’t want to miss!
Glide, twirl, and dance your way through the Rideau Canal Skateway—it’s where Ontario Skating Trails meet winter extravaganza! Visit Rideau Canal Skateway.
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