(AGENPARL) – Sat 29 November 2025 City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release
November 29, 2025
City of Toronto kicks off the winter season as it begins to open outdoor ice rinks
Mayor Olivia Chow and Councillor Paula Fletcher (Toronto-Danforth) brought their skates to Greenwood Park this morning to glide into Toronto’s skating season. The City of Toronto has begun to open more than 50 outdoor artificial ice rinks and skating trails, with most scheduled to open by Saturday, December 6, offering family-friendly activities including free public leisure and figure skating, shinny, ringette, instructional programs and permits for a fee.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to check the status of local outdoor rinks before heading out by visiting the City’s service alerts webpage: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/places-spaces/parks-recreation-service-alerts/outdoor-rink-closures-service-alerts/.
The Skate Lending Library is back
The City is once again partnering with Desjardins Financial Group to make it easy and fun for residents of all ages, including newcomers, families and those trying skating for the first time, to enjoy winter activities. Anyone wishing to participate can borrow skates, helmets and skate aids at no cost.
The mobile Skate Lending Library is scheduled to visit outdoor ice rinks across Toronto this season, and offers:
– 250 skate aids to help skaters maintain their balance
– 130 pairs of skates and helmets for children and adults
– A fully customized vehicle designed to provide a welcoming and accessible experience
The program is free and no reservations are required. More information about the program and this season’s full schedule is available on the City’s webpage: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/program-activities/ice-snow-activities/public-leisure-skating/skate-lending-library/.
Accessibility at City-operated rinks
The City continues to make facilities more accessible during winter. Sledges – adaptive devices that provide opportunities for people with disabilities to participate – are available to the public for use during leisure skate programs at indoor arenas and outdoor rinks.
Individuals can use manual or powered wheelchairs on the ice during leisure skate times. Residents using these wheelchairs are encouraged to check in with on-site staff to learn how to safely access the ice.
Winter activities in Toronto
Winter in Toronto is a season-long activation of outdoor fun and amenities that invites residents to embrace the cold by staying active and enjoying parks and recreation facilities throughout the winter.
Some of the many activities and amenities include:
– More than 1,500 parks, with 270 kilometres of paths and roads cleared of snow
– Skiing and snowboarding at Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre, from January to March (weather and snowfall permitting)
– Designated outdoor fire pits that can be booked in advance on the City’s website: http://www.toronto.ca/onlinereg
Quotes:
“There’s nothing more Toronto than stepping onto the ice on a crisp winter morning. With rinks opening across the city and free skates available, I hope everyone will bundle up, grab a friend and enjoy the best of winter.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow
“Winter is always such a magical time in Toronto. Parks are our outdoor playgrounds with lots to explore, from outdoor ice rinks and skate trails, skiing and snowboarding and much more, there are lots of opportunities for Torontonians to get outdoors and safely embrace the season. I can’t wait to get on the ice!”
– Councillor Paula Fletcher (Toronto-Danforth)