Nathan Phillips Square

If you’re visiting in the winter, the pond outside at the downtown Nathan Phillips Square will be frozen over, and the nearby ice skate-rental shop will open its doors. It can get pretty packed around Christmastime, but the rink is actually open until late March, so don’t feel obliged to follow the crowds. The rink gives you a lovely view of both city halls: the new, curvy mid-century one and the old historic one, which is now a municipal courthouse.  

There’s no better way to embrace Canadian culture than by gliding across the smooth ice of Nathan Phillips Square Skating Rink. It’s one of the most popular ice skating spots in the city. Located in the heart of Old Toronto, Nathan Phillips Square is a scenic, open-air attraction surrounded by landmarks, historic architecture and modern design. Lace up and ski the afternoon away, taking in the magic of the season.