Gage Park
Gage Park is Brampton’s quintessential skating trail and it’s one of the prettiest in the GTA. The stunning twinkle lights, coupled with the trees makes for an enjoyable skate. One of its best features is its accessibility and free parking. There’s a hot chocolate bar to warm you up at the end of your skate too.
Arrowhead Provincial Park
Arrowhead’s 1.3km picturesque trail through the woods is well worth the 2 hour and 45 minute drive up to East River Campground from Brampton. It’s a popular spot, and for good reason. The view is absolutely breathtaking. Arrowhead usually opens up the last week of December (Weather pending) and it’s so popular that it usually reaches capacity quickly. Make a weekend of it and rent a campground.
Valens Lake Skate Trail
Hamilton’s outdoor skating path is the newest game in town. The 425-metre trail is located at Valens Lake Conservation Area, and just like others of its kind, offers a stunning skate amongst the Pine and Spruce trees..It’s a 50 minute drive from Brampton.
MacGreror Point
MacGregor point has a stunning 400-metre trail through the woods that’s well-lit and perfect for night skating. The scenic drive up to Port Elgin is another bonus. Lots of people make it a weekend and stay in the heated yurts, as well as enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoe trails and other winter activities. It’s about a 2 hour and 20 minute drive from Brampton.
Island Lake
Island Lake conservation Area has a couple of different options for skating; a 1km trail and a circular pond great for hockey games. In just a short 30 minute drive up to Orangeville, you’ll be hitting a beautiful skating trail, free of all your cares.
Ravine Vineyard Skating Rink
Skate and sip some wine at this Niagra area vineyard. Just a short hour and a half drive from the city, Ravine has a little skating rink set among the grape vines. Enjoy some mulled wine or hot chocolate after a skate.
Nathan Phillip Square
Nathan Phillip Square has always been a great place to skate, but in recent years with the addition of more lights and a Christmas market, it’s become even better. The beautiful twinkle lights surrounded by Toronto’s urban cityscape makes it a beautiful place to have a skate. It’s a 45 minute drive, or about an hour and a half trip on public transit (GO Bus/train and subway).