Toronto’s winter has its own rhythm: snow‑covered trees and crispy air. And yet the city is already quietly buzzing with activity. The city government has launched its new winter season. Skating rinks reopening, pathways freshly covered with snow. Everything below is free and open to all: regardless of age, area, or budget.
A City’s Generosity: Thousands of Locations, All Free
If we imagine the city as a giant winter amusement park, then this season, Toronto has switched on almost all its attractions.
- 50 public ice rinks — perfect for skating and hearing laughter echo across the ice.
- 23 free toboggan hills — a great winter thrill, especially when sliding down through the snow.
- 8 winter‑hiking trails (covering 5 large golf‑course areas) — peaceful, quiet trails under snow, ideal for those seeking peace or exercise in winter nature.
- 1,500+ parks open year‑round — many trails maintained in winter, with restrooms available.
- 800+ playgrounds & 30 outdoor‑fitness parks — for people of all ages: kids, adults, seniors.
- 68 dog parks — winter becomes a favourite season for many dogs. Snow is playground.
In Toronto, life doesn’t shut down in winter, rather it adds layers to it.
Winter in Toronto doesn’t need to freeze life. Instead, the city transforms into a full-on winter playground, with free access to outdoor activities, clean maintained trails, and all the facilities needed to enjoy the cold season.
Winter Maintained by the city
The city government has done its most wonderful work in places most often overlooked during winter.
About 200 kilometres of trail systems have been added to the “winter maintenance list:
-
Regular snow removal
-
Treatment of icy areas
-
Public restrooms kept open
-
Paved paths maintained for safe passage
These efforts mean that anyone can step outside without hesitation, just get up and go
Five major golf courses transformed into winter hiking trails
- In winter, golf courses are no longer lush green fields, but vast snow-covered plains.
❄️ Click to watch: Toronto’s winter trails — the most healing walks of the season
From Green Trails to Snowy Paths: A Seamless Winter Transition
A quiet forest walkway, gently covered by the season’s first snow.
Step inside, and it feels as if the whole world softens into silence.
Whether you’re walking, taking photos, or simply clearing your mind,
this is one of the gentlest places to be in winter.
Tam O’Shanter – Scarborough
Recommended golf courses open for winter outings
-
Dentonia Park (Scarborough)
-
Don Valley (North York)
-
Humber Valley (Etobicoke)
-
Scarlett Woods (York)
-
Tam O’Shanter (Scarborough)
Centennial Park (a 213-hectare urban winter forest)
The pond in the park becomes especially quiet in winter. The winter-maintained trails connect playgrounds, bird-watching areas, fitness equipment, and large open area.
Chalkfarm — Heathrow — Giovanni Caboto: Three-Connected Walk Park
Following the winter trail along pathway feels like walking through a natural gallery. The tennis courts and fitness equipment remain open during winter, and the community center offers warm public restrooms.
High Park (the signature winter destination)
If you visit only one park in winter, many would choose this one. Two skating rinks, a large dog park, and winter-maintained lakeside trails on the east side
North York: A perfect blend of nature, family time, and leisure
Earl Bales Park & surrounding area
Ideal for family walks and for anyone wanting to connect with nature in winter. The trails are clean, restrooms remain open, and parking is available.
G. Ross Lord Park
A 4 km maintained trail that extends all the way to Steeles, where you can spot many wildlife tracks in winter.
Finch Recreational Trail (9 km winter trail)
Having such a long winter-accessible trail within the city is rare. It’s ideal for light jogging, walking, or cycling.
Scarborough: One of the most breathtaking winter hikes
Birkdale — Cedarbrook: Five-Park Connected Walk
Follow West Highland Creek to traverse five parks. The 5 km maintained trail links restrooms, playgrounds, and viewpoints, making it the top choice for winter family walks.
Bluffer’s Park (best season to view the cliffs)
In winter, the Scarborough Bluffs are free from summer crowds, allowing you to quietly appreciate their grand sight.
Meadoway (9 km winter green corridor)
This field becomes wide and expansive in winter, one of the city’s rare “snow-covered plains.”
Milliken Park
A winter park suitable for children to run around and for adults to take a stroll.
Downtown / East End: The most accessible winter urban spots
Kew Gardens & Martin Goodman Trail
Winter-maintained paths extend from the park all the way to the lakeshore, offering expansive scenery, open winter restrooms, and skating rinks.
Toronto Island Park
Winter on the island is truly romantic — snowy forest paths, open lakeshore, mist rising from the lake in the wind
Most paved paths are maintained, making it one of the most worthwhile winter destinations.
Trinity Bellwoods Park
The park with the most downtown life vibe, where dogs, ball games, walkers, and people sipping coffee blend together into a winter rhythm.
Withrow Park
Small but charming, all trails are maintained, no parking needed, perfect for nearby residents to take a quick daily walk.
What this means
This winter, Toronto has left a free way out for everyone.
In an era of rising costs, the city shows through action that winter can be enjoyed without spending money.
This is the warmth of a city — a kind of happiness with no barriers.
Whether you want to skate, walk, exercise, enjoy the scenery, or play in the snow with your children, this winter, you can step outside anytime, because Toronto has already paved the way for you through the snow.