The air is crisp and clean. The evergreens are covered with snow. If you’re lucky – and observant – you might spot a cardinal, a finch, a waxwing or a jay as you glide along the ice.
And when the sun goes down, you can huddle around a big bonfire with a cup of hot chocolate and warm up before relacing your skates and heading back out to skate under the stars.
It’s simply magical.
This winter, book your daily vehicle permit or overnight stay, and plan a skating trip to these provincial parks:
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park offers a 570 m skating trail that meanders through the iconic Marie Louise Lake Campground.
Stay a couple nights at one of the five cabins located just steps away from the trail, or book a campsite and try winter camping.
Day use hours are 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
Glide along Kakabeka Falls’ 750 m ice skating loop.
The trail is accessed from Luckens Road with parking immediately adjacent.
Visitors can choose to purchase a 2-hour, 4-hour, or full daily vehicle permit. The skate trail is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Algonquin Provincial Park
Part of the parking lot in Algonquin’s Mew Lake Campground is transformed into a skating rink in the winter.
In case you forget a stick, net, or pucks, Algonquin offers some on loan at the rink.
Shinny, anyone?
MacGregor Point Provincial Park
Glide through MacGregor Point’s 400 m skating trail — it’s an unforgettable outdoor experience.
The park turns on its trail lights for skating under the stars until 10:00 p.m. every day of the week, and that’s when things get truly magical.
A large ice pad is also available for outdoor hockey enthusiasts.
Arrowhead Provincial Park
Arrowhead’s 1.3 km skating trail has reached new heights of popularity in recent years — and for good reason!
Prefer an evening skate? Their Fire and Ice Nights are held every Friday and Saturday night beginning in late January. When reserving your permit, make sure you select the “Day Use + Fire and Ice Evening Skate” option.
Their trail is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Skates are available to rent.
Get on the ice!
Ontario Parks rinks and trails are open generally from mid-December to February, though — of course — outdoor ice rinks and trails are all weather-dependent.
Always check ahead for hours of operation, ice and snow conditions, and what amenities are available.
Don’t forget to guarantee your entrance by making a reservation in advance!
Don’t hibernate this winter!
Leave that to the critters. Pack up the kids, head to a park, and spend the day on the ice.
