Not to knock the traditional local ice rink experience, but today’s skaters are lucky to have a few slightly more exciting options.
With more and more interesting and unique skating trails opening every year, it seems now is the time to branch out and explore. Here are five cool trails throughout the province to check out this winter; trust us, they’re worth going out of your way for.
The RiverOak Skating Trail: Ottawa, Ontario
The RiverOak Winter Trail’s tagline, “Nature’s Playground”, couldn’t be more fitting, with the city’s premiere skating trail and outdoor rink running through no less than an orchard, a forest and meadows. Skating on this 3.5 km trail is an opportunity you can’t pass up; visit at night and be wowed as you glide along under the stars and through the torch light. Bring the family for a day of outdoor adventure and squeeze in a bit of hockey on the 3-on-3 rink. RiverOak is just 30 minutes from downtown Ottawa, Orleans, and Barrhaven. You can also snowshoe, hike, and enjoy a sleigh ride here.
The MacGregor Point Ice Trail: Port Elgin, Ontario
The ice trail at MacGregor Point Provincial Park is a 400 m loop that is a popular wintertime destination. For an especially magical experience, visit in the evenings when the trail lights are turned on so you can skate under the stars; luckily, this happens seven days a week. There is even a large ice pad for outdoor hockey enthusiasts. You’re on the shores of Lake Huron here, just 4 km south of Port Elgin. There is, of course, all kinds of other winter fun you can have here too, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and camping; the park has yurts you can rent for the night or you can bring your tent or trailer. While skating isn't officially open for the 2025 season just yet, the park said it will announce its skate trail opening date on social media and the Ontario Parks ski trails report page.
The Ice Trail at Johnstons Cranberry Marsh: Bala, Ontario
Here you can skate a 1.2 km loop around 12 acres of cranberries! What a unique experience to be able to glide along, with the forest on one side and cranberry beds on the other. When you’re ready for a break, head back to the Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery for some hot mulled wine or hot cran-apple cider. On Saturday nights from 6 pm to 9 pm the trail is lit with 400 tiki torches for Light the Night skating. You can even play pond hockey on a cranberry bog, where they’ve flooded one full acre of a cranberry bed. Before you go, tour the farm, savour some wine and cheese on the fireside patio or explore one of their snowshoe trails.
Arrowhead Provincial Park: Huntsville, Ontario
This 1.3 km trail through the forest is pretty impressive; so much so that it has become a bucket-list destination for many Ontario travellers. You can glide through the majestic forest on this ice trail, which is gorgeous no matter what time of day you visit. Of course, you can amp up the experience even more by attending one the park’s “Fire and Ice Nights” when the trail is beautifully lit for a memorable nighttime skate. Other available activities onsite include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and tubing.
Ice skate trail at Countryside Adventures: Moose Creek, Ontario
Nestled in rural Moose Creek in Southeastern Ontario is a hidden gem for skating enthusiasts: the 3-kilometre trail at Countryside Adventures. This outdoor destination transforms its scenic woods and waterways into beautifully maintained ice trails, perfect for a day of winter fun. Skate rentals are available on-site, and a cozy food truck serves up delicious bites to keep you energized. Admission includes trail access, with convenient parking available. Whether you're a seasoned skater or just starting out, this picturesque spot promises a memorable outing.
Woodview Mountaintop Skating: Blue Mountain, Ontario
Experience the magic of a 1.1-kilometre skating loop atop the Niagara Escarpment, offering breathtaking views by day and a captivating ambiance at dusk when illuminated by tiki torches. Open from early January to March, weather permitting, tickets are available through Blue Mountain Resort.
Clergue Park Skating Trail: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Fall in love with outdoor ice skating along the shimmering waters of the St. Mary's River. The Clergue Park skating trail in Sault Ste. Marie extends 1 km along the waterfront and is located in the heart of the city next to shops and restaurants. The skating trail is host to a number of events throughout the winter season.
This winter, bundle up, lace up those skates and get out on these incredible skating trails. You’ll be making the most of the season and seeing a bit of Ontario, too.
