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 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.
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.
Perth Outfitters Ice Skate Trail
Perth, Ontario
This fantastic, scenic trail is not to be missed if you live in or around (or are just passing through) the Perth area. This 400 m trail winds through the woods that are adjacent to the Tay River and encompasses a mix of natural and urban environments. Along the way, you’ll pass a log cabin, a shinny rink and a campfire; make sure to pack some marshmallows! Lantern skating is available on select nights.
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.
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.
