The Latest
a person getting ready to go outdoor public skating in the Kawartha Lakes

4 outdoor public skating rinks to try in the Kawartha Lakes

Winter often inspires us to cozy up indoors, but embracing the season’s chill can lead to some of the most memorable experiences. One such activity is outdoor skating. To help inspire you to dust off your blades and go for a spin here are four unique outdoor public skating rinks in the Kawarthas you should try.

1. Ontario Speed Skating Oval in Lakefield, On

outdoor public skating rink known as the Ontario Speed Skating Oval in Lakefield, Ontario

The most unique outdoor public skating rink in the Kawartha Lakes is the Ontario Speed Skating Oval.

Managed and maintained by volunteers, it’s a huge 400-metre oval. The track is nice and wide so it’s spacious to skate on–even when there are lots of people using it. Plus, if you want to see what skating in speed skates is like you can rent a pair for $5.

While this rink is free to use, donations are encouraged as they help offset the cost to run the Zamboni which is the reason why the ice is always so smooth.

  • Address: 3358 Lakefield Road, Lakefield, Ontario K9J 6X5
  • Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, noon till dark. Saturday and Sunday, noon till 3:00 PM, supervised public skating.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Facilities: Change hut. Outdoor washroom.
  • Skate Rentals: Yes, speed skates but only on Saturday and Sunday, noon till 3:00 PM. Cost is $5.
  • Snackbar: No but downtown Lakefield with its cafes, restaurants and fast food spots are within a 5 minute drive. For a decadent hot chocolate we suggest the Stuff’d Ice Cream Bakery & Café or The Chocolate Rabbit.
  • Confirm rink conditions at: https://www.facebook.com/OntarioSpeedSkatingOval/

2. Logie Park Skating Loop

outdoor public skating rink known as the Logie Park Skating Loop in Lindsay, Ontario

The Logie Park Skating Loop is a great outdoor public skating spot if you have little ones. The loop isn’t very long (133 linear feet) but its track curves around a playground area making for a fun atmosphere.

Beginner skaters are less likely to fall to because the ice here is always nice and smooth. Why? Because the rink has a refrigeration system underneath it and its surface is refinished regularly, thanks to an onsite resurfacing machine.

Lots of seating for lacing up the skates too and there are washrooms onsite!

  • Address: 325 Logie St, Lindsay, ON K9V 6L2
  • Hours of Operation: 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Facilities: Washrooms on-site.
  • Skate Rentals: No.
  • Snackbar: No but there’s a Tim Horton’s just a three-minute drive away that you can hit for a hot chocolate and a donut.
  • Confirm rink conditions at: 705-324-9411 extension 1301.

3. Quaker Foods City Square Skating Rink

outdoor public skating rink known as the Quaker Foods City Square Skating Rink in Peterborough, Ontario

Located in the downtown core of Peterborough, the Quaker Foods City Square is a gathering place for events throughout the year including a farmer’s market and live music during the warm months. In the winter it’s converted into an outdoor public skating rink.

The rink features a refrigeration system underneath and a Zamboni works its magic to help keep the ice smooth and in good shape throughout most of the winter.

Being right in the city’s core, it makes it easy to include a date to skate at Quaker Foods City Square as part of a half-day or full-day downtown Peterborough outing.

  • Address: 215 Charlotte St, Peterborough, ON K9J 0A2
  • Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 10 PM. Saturday, Sunday and holidays 10 AM to 7 PM.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Facilities: Portable washroom onsite. Public washrooms one block away at Peterborough Public Library.
  • Skate Rentals: No.
  • Helmets: Children 6 and under must wear a CSA-approved helmet.
  • Snackbar: No. If you need a drink to warm you up and a decadent treat (like an espresso chocolate chip cookie) make the short walk to Kit Croissanterie and Café at 144 Hunter Street West.
  • Confirm rinks conditions at: https://www.peterborough.ca/en/explore-and-play/skating.aspx

4. Buckhorn Sports Pad: a covered outdoor public skating rink

outdoor public skating rink known as the Buckhorn Sports Pad in Buckhorn, Ontario

The Buckhorn Sports Pad is a free outdoor public skating rink that has a roof so even if it’s a blustery, windy, snow day the ice will be clear for skating.

The rink operates till 11:00 at night thanks to the arena’s lights. Just drop a loonie in the slot and the lights will illuminate the skating surface for one hour.

There are specific skating times for group rentals, learn to skate, family & public skating, parents & tots and shinny hockey. Plus, there’s an on-site Zamboni to ensure the ice is always in great shape.

If you’re driving by you’ll know the ice conditions are good for skating if you see a green flag. You can also get updates on the rink’s Facebook page.

  • Address: 1786 Lakehurst Road, Buckhorn, ON K0L 1J0
  • Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Weekends 8:00 am to 11:00 pm.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Facilities: Portable washroom onsite. Heated room to put on your skates. Pay-per-use lighting ($1/hr.). Hockey nets.
  • Skate Rentals: Yes. Weekends from 8:00 am to 11:00 am.
  • Snackbar: No. If it’s a hot chocolate you crave Country Mart Bakery across from the Foodland in Buckhorn is your best option. You’ll find lots of yummy baked good treats to choose from here as well.
  • Confirm rinks conditions at: https://www.facebook.com/Buckhorn-Sports-Pad-395988783822915/

More outdoor public skating rink options in the Kawartha Lakes

No matter where you live or are visiting in the Kawartha Lakes you’re never far from an outdoor public skating rink.

Here is a list of the other places in the region where you can lace up your blades and go for a twirl. For questions regarding outdoor public skating rinks in the Kawartha Lakes call 705-324-9411.

Lindsay, Ontario outdoor rinks

  • Kinsmen Park – 10 St. Patrick Street, Lindsay
  • Springdale Gardens – 49 Champlain Boulevard, Lindsay
  • Victoria Park – 210 Kent Street West, Lindsay
  • Orchard Park – 36 Applewood Crescent, Lindsay
  • Manorview Park – 49 Wilson Avenue, Lindsay
  • Northlin Park – 150 Albert Street North, Lindsay
  • Lions Riverview Park – 44 Georgian Street, Lindsay
  • Sylvester Park, 36 Applewood Crescent, Lindsay

Where to skate outdoors in Bobcaygeon, Ontario

  • Tommy Anderson Park – 94 Dunn Street, Bobcaygeon

Go for a spin in Burnt River, Ontario

  • Burnt River Community Centre – 16 Somerville Centre Road, Burnt River

Outdoor public skating rinks in Peterborough, Ontario

  • Dixon – 120 Benson Avenue.
  • Earlwood – 52 Earlwood Dr.
  • Farmcrest – 2669 Farmcrest Avenue.
  • Heritage Park – 560 Settlers Ridge
  • King Edward – 455 George Street South
  • Kiwanis – 234 Middlefield Road
  • Nicholls Place – 802 Nicholls Street
  • Northland – 1255 Bathurst Street
  • Turner Park – 673 Chamberlain Street
  • Wedgewood – 1535 Fairmount Boulevard

For questions regarding outdoor public skating rinks in Peterborough call 705-742-7777.

Embrace the ice this winter

Outdoor public skating offers something for everyone. It’s a great way to stay active. Makes for a fun outing with friends and loved ones. Or grab your stick and join an impromptu game of shinny hockey.

Whatever your preference, lacing up a pair of skates and hitting one of the outdoor public skating rinks in the Kawartha Lakes is a great winter activity.

Add another new winter activity to your schedule…

How about cross country skiing? Read all about the reasons why it’s a great activity for beginners in our article “Take up cross country skiing in the Kawartha Lakes this winter.”

Photo Credits: Matthew Sichkaruk, Peterborough & Kawarthas Tourism, City of Kawartha Lakes, Peak Construction Group Ltd., and Bel-Con Design Builders Ltd.