It’s that time of the year again when temperatures drop, holiday spirits run high, and outdoor skating rinks open for the winter season!
When you think of ice skating in downtown Toronto most people think of a visit to Nathan Philips Square Ice Skating rink at City Hall, but my favourite outdoor rink in the city of Toronto is the Natrel Rink located at Harbourfront Centre. It’s the perfect location, and as someone who has been ice skating for 18 years and counting, I love getting together with my other skating friends to practice jumps and spins outside, while gliding by the beautiful scenery.
For me, outdoor skating defines the Canadian lifestyle, especially when you think of hockey or figure skating events on a frozen pond during the Olympics. Whether you sign up for a learn-to-skate program, play a fun game of shinny, or just skate for pleasure – I encourage everyone to bundle up, strap on skates, and experience the joy of the sport.
Natrel Rink at Toronto Harbourfront Centre
Natrel Rink Skate Rental Shop
Don’t own a pair of skates or decided on a spontaneous visit to the rink? Hockey and ice skates are only $8 (adults) at Harbourfront Centre for an entire day! You can even rent a pair for use offsite, which is a brilliant idea if you wish to skate at a different rink. For extra safety, helmets and lockers are also available. The washrooms are inside as well. Also note, the area surrounding the rink – including the rental shop and café – has mats to walk on to ensure no one is stepping on the cement with their blades (which is a big no-no!). Watch out for the salt!
Natrel Rink Scenery
One of the main reasons I love the Natrel Rink is the scenery. Skating in any one direction is picturesque with interesting views of the city. Skating east and west is a great way to enjoy Harbourfront Centre’s buildings. Facing the boardwalk provides a pretty backdrop of the Toronto Island and the airport where during the daytime, you can see the planes land and take off as well as watch boats cross Lake Ontario. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to skate alongside the city skyline, CN Tower included! It would be crazy not to pull out a camera and capture the beautiful landscape and fun memories.
Natrel Rink
Compared to other outdoor rinks, the Natrel Rink is an unconventional shape and size. It’s quite large, which means more skaters can access the ice without overcrowding. I enjoy staying at the centre where I can practice spins and jumps since most people skate around the perimeter.
Don’t miss the fire pits hiding by the Zamboni entrance. If you feel your fingers and toes are about to fall off, take a seat by the crackling fireplace and thaw out your limbs while still enjoying the skating experience rinkside!
Food
Hunger is no issue at the Natrel Rink. The café is a few steps away from the edge of the ice, and you don’t even have to worry about protecting your blades or removing your skates since the mats surround the area. Grab a hot drink or choose from a wide selection of food off the grill. The prices are quite reasonable.
Harbourfront DJ Skate Nights at the Natrel Rink
What better way to spend a Saturday night than a fun dance party on-ice? Every Saturday between the hours of 8 to 11 pm DJ’s pump the music at the most scenic rink in Toronto! Expect bright lights, great music, and a fun time with friends.
If you still need convincing to check out the Natrel Rink at Harbourfront Centre, take a look at this video I created starring my friend and myself having fun on the ice. See ice skating through the eyes of figure skaters!
Skating is free. For Harbourfront skating hours and skate rental pricing information, visit:
Natrel Rink at Harbourfront Centre
235 Queens Quay West
416-973-4866
Where is your favourite outdoor skating rink?
For other outdoor winter adventures in Ontario:
– Exploring the Village at Blue Mountain Resort Collingwood
– The Winter Blues Are a Matter of Perspective at Blue Mountain
This will be a great activity to enjoy during the winter season. I definitely try this on my winter vacation in Canada
This looks like a much bigger rink than what we have in Vancouver. Looks like a lot of fun! Nothing like enjoying the outdoors in the winter with a bit of outdoor skating.
The rink is fairly large. I would say it’s a rink and a half! Ice skating really is such a wonderful way to spend the day outdoors with friends and families!
Wonderful! It looks like such fun – and you’re a great skater!
Thanks! I had a lot of fun skating as much as making the video!
Love this! I always focus so much on leaving Canada that you don’t always think of the nice things Canada does have to offer. They have a similar pond in Kingston that you can go skating on but I might head down to Toronto to go here too as I haven’t been in ages… Aha Happy New Year
If you are making the visit, I highly recommend the Saturday night DJ Skate Party! I just went to the one tonight and it was incredible, albeit quite busy. The theme was Caribbean, latin, jazz, and funk. And there were live drummers! Free samples of chocolate milk (try the dark chocolate) and hot chocolate. Mmmmm…Happy New Year!
Great information Lea. Thanks for making winter look fun.
Thank you, Martin. Anything I can do to inspire people to skate and enjoy the fresh air!
Looks like a lot of fun. Strangely, I miss the cold and snow.
It really is a lot of fun! You should take a break from the heat and visit Toronto for some skating and hot chocolate!