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Whether you’re training to be like Sidney Crosby, Scott Moir & Tessa Virtue, or just looking for a casual skate, there’s no better place to be than Canada. Not only are we known for our cold winters, we have the most rinks out of any country in the world! It’s hard to beat the feeling of gliding along the ice in the Great White North and we want to make sure you find the best spots. So, here are some of the best outdoor rinks across Canada.

1. Grouse Mountain Ice Skating Pond, Vancouver, B.C.

This rink is one of a kind along the West Coast. Although the rink is only 8,000 square-feet (about half the size of a standard NHL sheet), you likely won’t notice as you enjoy the scenery around the mountaintop. From ground level, you can take the tram up to visit the rink and spend some time in their cozy chalet where you and your family can warm up with a hot drink. Around the chalet, you can also check out reindeer, take a sled ride, and just enjoy the beautiful mountain air and panoramic views like 1.2 million other visitors do annually.

2. Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta

Voted one of the most beautiful skating rinks in the world by CNN Travel, Lake Louise is surrounded by the snow-covered Rockies, making it a breathtaking sight. The lake is cleared of snow daily and lit up until midnight. Skate rentals are available at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, but skating on the lake is free of charge!

3. Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

This rink was voted the best outdoor rink in Canada in 2006 by Reader’s Digest. The rink is located in the heart of Saskatoon, on the bank of the South Saskatchewan River. Open Monday to Sunday, skating on the rink is free of charge.

4. The Forks Outdoor Skating Trail, Winnipeg

This skating trail winds along two rivers in Winnipeg, the Assiniboine River and the Red River. The 9 km skating trail has a lot of history behind it, dating back to the early aboriginal peoples 6,000 years ago. Along the sides there are warming huts built by artists and architects from around the world as part of an art competition, which can also be used to keep warm and take a rest along the trail.

5. Arrowhead Provincial Park, Huntsville

Arrowhead Provincial Park is another great skating location with a 1.3 km trail through a forest full of snow-covered trees. This park holds the record for the longest man-made skating trail in Canada. While skating through the day is gorgeous, the nights are arguably better, as the trail is lit up by torches during the evening hours. Definitely a sight to see.

6. Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto

Nathan Phillips square is home to one of Toronto’s many outdoor skating rinks. You can skate right in front of Toronto’s City Hall everyday of the week, up until 10 pm. Skating here is free and rentals are available if needed. They also have heated indoor change rooms with lockers and a rink-side snack bar with hot drinks to keep you warm. This is definitely the can’t miss rink in Toronto!

7. Markham Civic Center Ice Rink, Markham

This rink is the largest in the GTA taking up 25,000 square feet. It’s open seven days a week for families and friends to get to together and have a good time. Skating is free, but you’ll need to bring your own equipment as rentals are not available.

8. Rideau Canal Skateway, Ottawa

No list would be complete without the famous Rideau Canal Skateway. This skateway is a World Heritage Site and the largest naturally frozen rink in the world, with a surface larger than 105 NHL rinks. Along the sides you’ll find stands that offer hot beverages and snacks to enjoy while you spend the day skating.

9. Le Domaine De La Foret Perdue, Quebec

This beautiful skating path is one of the many gems in Quebec. The skating path is about 12 km long and goes through a forest of pines covered in a blanket of white fluffy snow. Along the trail you will find ducks, sheep, deer rabbits and ponies, all which you can feed and pet, and you can end your skate with a nice warm hot chocolate.

10. Roulston Lake –  Plaster Rock

Roulston Lake is located in Plaster Rock, New Brunswick and gets completely frozen over during the winter months. It also hosts the World Pond Hockey Championships, featuring over 100 teams competing from around the world. Wayne Gretzky attended the event in 2016 There are at least 20 rinks that are carved on top of the late for the competition. But if you’re not a big hockey person, the rinks are open for public skate during the rest of the winter.

With our list in hand, we hope you can find a fantastic rink to skate on this winter. Remember that with outdoor rinks, skating only happens if the conditions permit, so be sure to check online if the ice is good and the rink is open. You wouldn’t want to travel hundreds of kilometers to the Rideau Canal only to find out it’s still water!

Subscribe to 411.ca’s blog to get the scoop on local events.

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