Don’t know about all of you but after the unseasonably warm temps this past weekend we’re all craving some more serious Winter weather for tobogganing and skating. We’ve got some serious skaters at Spring (mainly our managing director, Brian Hawrysh who can skate circles around anyone that I know) so without further ado, here are Toronto’s 4 best outdoor skating rinks.

Colonel Samuel Smith Skating Trail

In December of 2010 the City opened it’s first skating trail. The Sam Smith Trail is approximately 250 metres and allows you to glide through the former Mimico Asylum. Located at the foot of Kipling Ave @Lakeshore Blvd West. This is a great way to spend the day with the family for FREE! With consumer debt on a sharp incline, the more free activities in Toronto, the better. This is also a great place to learn how to skate. Since most rinks are rectangular and allow skating only in one direction, you can practice both left and right turns as you weave through the grounds.

Lake Devo @ Ryerson

Located at Victoria and Gould in the heart of Downtown Toronto. This is the reason you should keep your skates in the trunk at all times. Just pull over, skate a few laps, have a bite at one of the many local restos, and carry on with your day. They brought in some huge granite boulders from Muskoka so if you have kids, it’s a fun spot to play a quick game of hide and seek or ice tag chasing one another around the boulders. The rink never really closes so you can come for a skate anytime.

Sherbourne Common Rink

As Toronto develops our Waterfront we’re going to start seeing more and more infrastructure to support the demand from new residents. This area is still mostly deserted but with the new developments slated for completion by 2015. The Pan-Am games athletes village near by this area will go from 0-100 in record breaking time. Skating here feels more like traditional pond skating with urban flair of course. At night the beauty of the Skyline is unreal and on a clear day you can see right across the Lake.

Harbourfront Skating Rink

The only reason this is on the list is because of the amazing view you have while skating. This rink is usually quite busy so if you’re looking for a workout you may not have the room to get it done. Ideal for dates, or quick skates before a nice meal at a local restaurant and a view to die for. Overlooking the City and the Lake gives you something spectacular to gaze at all day and night. Watch out for the tourists, locals!

 

 

If you think there should be more added to this list, please comment below and we’ll update it. Now lace’em up and hit the ice! But before you rush out the door, check us on Facebook and Twitter. Pretty please!

 

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