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If you’re one of those people who actually enjoy winter weather, there are plenty of slopes and trails in and around the city. If not, well, since you can’t beat ’em, you might as well join ’em. Strap on the skates, skis, boards or shoes at these cool locales.
Cheap skate
Lace ’em up at City Hall or Harbourfront Centre or Ramsden Park or Grenadier Pond in High Park or on the outdoor rink in your neighbourhood. www.toronto.ca/parks. For more information on public skating, contact Access Toronto, Monday to Friday, 8 am-5 pm, at 416-338-0338. You can also get updated rink information by calling 416-338-RINK (7465) 24 hours a day.
Tobogganing
Adams Park, northwest of Lawson and Port Union
Bickford Park, Harbord south of Bloor
Cedarbrook Park, 91 East Park, south of Markham and Lawrence
Cedarvale Park, 133 Arlington, south of Eglinton, west of Bathurst
Centennial Park, Eglinton and Centennial Park Rd, west of Rathburn
Christie Pits, 750 Bloor West, at Christie
High Park, Bloor and High Park Blvd
Milliken Park, McCowan and Steeles
Moore Park, Moore east of Hudson in Rosedale to the Brickworks
Riverdale Park, Broadview south of Montcrest
Thomson Memorial Park, Brimley and Lawrence
Trinity Bellwoods Park, between Queen and Dundas at Crawford
Withrow Park, 750 Logan, south of Danforth
Winston Churchill Park, Spadina and St. Clair
Snowshoeing
Snowshoes aren’t allowed on cross-country ski trails, so make your own in parks and conservation areas. Check www.trails.com for tips in the GTA.
Cross-country skiing
In the city, you can ski in High Park or Edwards Gardens (777 Lawrence East), while the Albion Hills Conservation Centre (16500 Hwy 50, Caledon) offers 26 kilometres of groomed and track-set trails for all skill levels. For up-to-date conditions, call 905-880-4855 or visit www.trca.on.ca.
Downhill skiing and snowboarding
Surprise! You can downhill ski and ’board in the city. The Centennial Park Ski and Snowboard Centre (256 Centennial Park 416-394-8754 416-338-6754 for snow conditions) offers everything from equipment rentals to ski and snowboard classes for all ages and skill levels, as does the Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre (4169 Bathurst 416-395-7931 416-338-6754 for snow conditions). Meanwhile, the recently opened Ripley’s Urban Rail Park (11 Polson, 416-469-5655 www.polsonpier.com) indoor skateboard and outdoor snowboard park on the site of the old Docks offers a great view of the city while you practise your 360s and 540s. However, it’s strictly BYOB, as in board.
Snow info
For the latest conditions on the slopes and trails for alpine and cross country skiing in Ontario, call 1-800-668-2746. For info on other outdoor winter activities, visit:
www.orta.on.ca
