Toronto’s west end is an incredible place to grow up—and be a parent. One of the best parts of living in a family-friendly community like Swansea or Roncesvalles is the incredible recreational opportunities you’ll find nearby. In the winter, hockey and figure skating are the go-to activities, and there are plenty of places to enjoy them!
If you’re ready to hit the ice, strap on your skates and head down to one of these wonderful West Toronto rinks…
1) Rennie Park Ice Park
Rennie Park is a true Swansea gem. This 9.7-hectare green space is the ideal place for families to spend quality time throughout the year, and winter is no exception. At Runnymede and Morningside, you’ll find two convenient rinks—one for hockey, and another for more relaxed skating sessions. While the former is caged-in for safety and features a new scoreboard, the latter has a small trail running alongside it.
2) High Park Skating Rink
One of the things west end locals love best about this part of the city is being close to High Park. At a sprawling 161 hectares, you’d expect there to be a lot to do here—and there is. During the coldest months, visitors embark on educational nature treks, go birdwatching, and (you guessed it) lace up their skates for some fun on the ice. You’ll find two polished rinks, which are maintained by an on-site zamboni, in the tennis court area. Weather permitting, you can also head out to Grenadier pond on the park’s western edge.
3) McCormick Arena
If you’re looking for year-round, indoor skating, you’ll love McCormick Arena in Parkdale. At this Brock Avenue hotspot, you’ll find two beautifully-maintained rinks in a comfortable setting. The ice here is frequently rented out to youth organizations, making it an important community landmark. It’s also home to the West Toronto Skating Club, which offers a variety of power and figure skating courses for all skill levels.
4) Sorauren Park Ice Rink
Sorauren Park is a community hub with a whole lot of heart. In this Roncesvalles green space, you’ll find a natural ice rink that’s flooded and maintained by local volunteers. It’s the perfect place to take a leisurely spin on the ice, teach the kids to skate, or plan a friendly hockey game with the neighbours. To learn more about the community efforts that make this rink so unique, check out the Sorauren Park website!
5) Colonel Samuel Smith Park Skating Trail
The Kipling and Lakeshore area is home to a large (79-hectare) green space on the waterfront. In winter, Colonel Samuel Smith Park only gets better. The skating trail here is perfect for nature lovers—and families who want to stay active while enjoying some outdoor scenery. The ice is smooth, the views are impressive, and there’s a convenient changing room on-site. What more could you ask for?
Looking to buy your dream home in the west end? We know West Toronto inside and out, and we’d love to help! Get in touch to learn what’s available in the area.
